Why We Need to Get Rolling at Work

The benefits of rolling and incorporating self-myofascial release techniques at work are unlimited. Let’s take a look at some contributing causes of muscle tension and pain, and how the Get your Recess Rolling program can help your office athletes.

Many of us sit at our computers for extended periods which can lead to muscles in the body shortening. For example, sitting hunched over a computer for extended periods can cause the “hip flexors” to shorten resulting in the rounding of the shoulders. Rounding of the shoulders can cause headaches, difficulty breathing, and poor posture. Tight “hip flexors” can also lead to low back pain.

Research suggests that participating in a workplace stretching program can increase muscular balance, decrease fatigue, increase posture, and reduce the risk for musculoskeletal issues (Hendricks, Hill, den Hollander, Lombard, & Parker, 2020). This can further lead to reduced healthcare costs (Global Wellbeing Survey, 2016). Implementing the Get Your Recess Rolling program can create engagement at work and create a culture of self-care at work.

Research suggests that participating in a workplace stretching program can increase muscular balance, decrease fatigue, increase posture, and reduce the risk for musculoskeletal issues

Creating engagement and camaraderie is an added benefit of recess. Team members can share experiences, set goals and challenge each other.

Self-care at work promotes a sense of self-awareness. In addition to the physical benefits of stretching and self-care, there are also mental and emotional benefits (Agosti, Andersson, Bringsen, & Janlov, 2019). Increased mindfulness, the ability to re-focus and engage in longer bouts of concentration, is a significant mental bonus. A key component of the Get Your Recess Rolling program is the incorporation of proper breathing during rolling and stretching. Correct breathing techniques have long-term benefits; including, lowering blood pressure, regulating the body’s reaction to stress, and a way of managing acute and chronic stress.

In addition to the physical benefits of stretching and self-care, there are also mental and emotional benefits.

By creating a culture of health and wellness, businesses can see up to an 11% lower turnover rate (Mercer, 2017) and may lead to better talent acquisition (Aflac, 2016). Let us show you how the Get Your Recess Rolling program can impact your team, create a culture of health and wellness, and improve your company’s bottom line.

References

Aflac (2021, June 11). 2016 Aflac Open Enrollment Study conducted online within the United States from June 16-July 5, 2016, among 1,900 adults ages 18 and older who are employed full or part time. https://www.aflac.com/business/resources/aflac-workforces-report/default.aspx.

Agost, M., Andersson, I., Bringsen, A, & Janlov, A. (2019). “The importance of awareness, support and inner strength to balance everyday life”- a qualitative study about women’s experiences of a workplace health promotion program in human service organizations in Sweden. BMC Women’s Health, 19(1), 7-7. https:doi.org/10.1186/s12905-018-0704-z

Hendricks, S., Hill, H., den Hollander, S., Lombard, W.,&  Parker, R. (2020). Effects of foam rolling on performance and recovery: A systematic review of the literature to guide practitioners on the use of foam rolling. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 24(2), pp. 151-175. https://doi..org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2019.10.019

Mercer (2021, June 11). The Surprisingly Strong Connection Between Well-being and Turnover. https://www.mercer.us/our-thinking/healthcare/the-surprisingly-strong-connection-between-well-being-and-turnover.html

Working Well: A Global Survey of Workforce Wellbeing Strategies, Executive Summary. (2016, October). https://www.globalhealthyworkplace.org/casestudies/2016_Global_Wellbeing_Survey_Executive-Summary.pdf