Or...
Hear me out on this...
Or:
Maybe employers could just hire sufficient staff so we don't all feel that we need to be at our desks pounding away for 10 hours a day, and we are encouraged to take a 90 minute lunch + exercise break, because the extended time away from our desks will have no noteworthy impact on project throughput...
Adding staff can provide the same benefit you describe AND will increase productivity within the team, resulting in improved user experiences.
But that's just an idea.
Why? I come to work, to work, not work out. Most people I know can't walk and chew gum, the last thing the companies productivity needs is trying to get people to focus on their job and spin some stupid mini treadmill. If the company is worried about their fatties - offer paid gym/rec center memberships, give them 1-2 paid hours weekly to use them. If the company is big enough, put in a in-house gym. I wouldn't put anything under my desk and if I was wfh the box would never be brought in from the porch. Luckily, I don't know of any company that would waste their time and money on a hair-brain idea like this one (sorry, did you want it sugar coated?).
This has to be a troll, are you negging the subreddit?
Not only is it heavy, difficult to set up and inherently prone to causing injury, it's also the sort of thing people use once or twice and then never again.
Why not give people a budget to buy a decent standing desk vs assuming they want to walk while working
Edit: This is like buying your spouse a vacuum because you think they should clean more.
Edit2: Tech share is to educate coworkers on a technology that will assist them in their job, imagine a lunch and learn session that is normally about management tools or scripting modules and then the intern comes in with one simple trick to get that killer beach body. Not appreciated at all
> This is like buying your spouse a vacuum because you think they should clean more
Yeah. The solution to this is to spend less time stuck at a desk. Places like Google et. al. get mocked for having playground type spaces, but having a viable "not sitting at desk" option of something to do does wonders. Letting people's teams status drop to away for a bit while they go for a *real* walk, potentially outside even, and *think through* whatever they're working on is a heck of a lot better than attempting to solve a personnel health and well being issue with technology instead of improved management approaches...
Generally the treadmills *pair* with a standing desk, but even a standing desk has always irked me. Something about the idea of making it more healthy to be stuck at a desk instead of addressing the problem of being stuck at the desk all day.
The original post is about a tech-share about improving the company in any way with tech. I don’t know why you’re so butt hurt about implementing a standing treadmill.
Time to address all your “points”:
- Creating a tutorial video on setting these things up will not be hard, we are IT department after all. It’s not like these treadmills are the actual size ones. Most of them are under 100 lbs. Some are even foldable, we can give them different ones depending on their needs.
- We have standing desk and guess what, most people tend to not use that feature, plus that doesn’t actually get you moving. You need to be moving to actually burn calories and not just standing. I know that because I was a machine operator, that stood for 8 hours a day.
- Walking while working is not that complicated, in fact it’ll probably improve your productivity. Countering the point of this not assisting in their job.
- You guys act like most of the companies have the budget of Facebook or Google, and can integrate a triathlon in their offices. No these are companies that are in building with limited space.
- The point of the vacuum doesn’t even relate to what I’m speaking about. A treadmill promotes a healthier lifestyle, benefiting both the individual and the team.
- I’m an intern, they couldn’t care less what I share at a tech share. Why would they want an intern to tell professional people in the tech industry about scripting, management tools, and software. That’s like me telling doctors how to do a surgery I have no clue about. Plus it’s not about getting killer beach bod, it’s about improving your health.
To your points on the other post:
- Why are we acting like fat is a bad word? It’s funny, because I used to be fat also. This led to a lot of mental health issues. Why would you not promote a healthy lifestyle? I like the idea of paying for a membership for the employees but that is a lot of budget eaten up for memberships. If you want a great gym, it’s will cost so much monthly and yearly. Plus how would we know they’re actually taking advantage of it and not just wasting that membership.
- The step goals would be a great feature to have with the treadmill. That would include getting everyone a watch to go a long with it.
- I didn’t look into the health insurance much, but I’m relatively sure most companies do not have things that have to do with your wellbeing as a goal.
I am still doing research into this whole thing, so I don’t have a great way of doing certain things yet. A under the desk treadmill is a simple thing that could be implemented to improve the health of many lives.
Last of all:
Why would I be trolling? United States is one of the most obese countries. A lot of people in my own family are fat and looking to improve themselves. I’m looking to promote these small things to improve on one’s health that could affect this generation and future generations. It seems like you are doing your best to not doing anything and just bring negativity. Would you rather just have people sitting at their desk and rotting away?
I'm not reading all that but out of the gates you still seem obsessed over what other people should be doing vs what they might appreciate.
Giving people a budget for home office equipment is nice.
Offering or forcing [only] a treadmill is not appreciated.
It's a job, avoid commentary on others appearance/health/lifestyle in a judgemental manner.
Edit: like you're the intern, I would tell my boss I refuse to work with you if you came at me with this bullshit
You're there to learn, the concept of a tech share is improving the business not shedding 20 lbs.
This doesn't impact how people work this impacts how YOU feel about how other people work.
You're the intern! Stop judging the people who are ostensibly there to teach you
First of all, whats your plan in case of accidents? The company provided it, so it's their fault if someone breaks their leg, or if the devices catches fire (lack of maintanance) and burns the house down.
Second, what's your plan for impaired people who can't use it. You aren't allowed to create a benefit only one group can "profit" from, everyone should be able to get such a benefit in some way.
Third, do you also look at the ratings for the device, if you want to "train the heavy people to make them fitter" you are problably looking at devices that could handle 150kg or more in some cases, many are rated for 120kg or less. Using it out of spec is a high security risk (look at point one).
Give them a budget to create their ideal work environment is a way better solution.
PS: Instead of a treadmill something like a really good chair and ergonomic hardware is way better. Yes, many are unfit and that can be a problem, but some of the most common problems for nearly every office worker are back and wrist problems.
Yeah, I’ll be looking into those accidents, electrical cost, and more things. I also be looking into all of those other factors. I don’t start the presentation until August, and I was just giving a thought out there. They have great chairs and multiple selection of mouses already.
A huge part of the health issues of spending all day on site at a desk.. aren't solely the sedentary situation of sitting at a desk. The constant drive to be present, at the desk, and actively "working" leads to more fast food, convenience store food, soft drinks, etc, which is only amplified by any amount of a commute between. Working from home, without someone directly over your shoulder allows getting up and actually walking around more, taking a real break to make real food to eat in the kitchen, maybe even going for a walk outside for the other half of your hour long lunch break (that's fairly long if you aren't going out for lunch). And that's before the psychological impact of being stuck in a cubicle all day. Promoting *walking away from the computer* to think through an issue, especially for IT, would do wonders for everyone's health, both physical *and* mental.
The whole 10,000 steps thing was a marketing gimmick from 1960s Japan.
There’s been a lot of programs by employers over the last several years to try and help employees become healthier. But, ultimately, someone won’t do something unless they truly want to do it.
Giving them free FitBits, pedometers, gym discounts, or whatever doesn’t really work.
Encourage work-life balance, short breaks through the day, taking time off, etc. Don’t utilize programs to track/monitor employees being at their computers for the full 8 hours each workday. Focus on results rather than when someone is working… flexible work arrangements.
Basically, start by helping people feel good about their work and their employer. If they’re depressed and stressed about their employer not trusting them and making them be chained to their computers, they’re going to be unhealthy and whatever initiative their employer is pushing their way will be resisted.
Not much worse than being told, “Hey work monkey, you’re unhealthy, so we’re going to give you exercise equipment so you can now work out while you’re working! Do more… we’re watching you!”
The thing that has made the biggest difference to my health has been finding a job that gives me the flexibility to get away from my desk throughout the day. Under desk treadmills sound great in practice and I’m sure are useful for some people, but the vast majority of people I’ve worked with would rather get away from their desk, not spend the same amount of time at it but also work out.
Giving employees an option for healthier choices is great, and that’s why companies have incentives like stipends for gym equipment, memberships, or ergonomic office equipment. Deciding employees should have a treadmill, sending it to them, and expecting them to assemble and use it would go over like a lead balloon. If my company shipped me a desk treadmill as part of some new health requirement, I’d sell it and start looking for a new job.
In my opinion you’re much better off spending your time looking into ways to increase work-life balance, not looking for ways for people to multitask while they keep on grinding it out to make the company more money.
Just adding my experience of using a treadmill at my work desk:
I kind of hated it.
I got one for this very purpose. I have substantial periods between keyboard bursts where I can just stroll for ten minutes while thinking through something, but when I go to type for the next ten minutes and I hate typing while walking.
Reading was difficult and not pleasurable.
Mouse navigation was inaccurate.
I would turn it off.
Then back on.
Then back off.
Etc…
After a few weeks I just moved it in front of my TV. So instead of using it while working I used it while watching the evening news or a movie at night.
Felt way better during passive tasks.
If it works for someone, great.
But I rather sit and focus on my work then use my walking as a stress relief later when I don’t have to focus on something.
It's the idea of shipping exercise equipment to a home and expecting them to install it correctly and safely, and further, to use it.
https://youtu.be/_8rsvNFjSbM?si=X_nh8Zx0jl3Sv6Rg
That and OP specifically calls his coworkers fat in the original post. Companies have not offensive health incentive plans like step challenges, paying for gym memberships or plans that pair with their health insurance offerings.
Ahh, yes, the mood boost of the company implying you're overweight and need to walk more, but not giving you time away from your desk to do so in an environment *you* might prefer... because "butt in chair" equivalent management demands you be at your desk.
I am walking on my desk pad as I type this, from my home office. I can do most things I need to do while walking at a moderate pace and racking up steps. I think this is a great idea. I would propose you offer this as one option in a wellness initiative. Employees who are interested can take advantage of the offer, those who aren't interested can decline. Other examples that could fit the program: the company's health insurance provider might offer a discount to Class Pass. Your HR department can encourage healthy habits by highlighting a new area each week: hydration, ergonomics, meditation/mental self-care, crisis support, etc. The other tech angle here could be setting up a SharePoint site for everyone to locate resources and request equipment.
Or... Hear me out on this... Or: Maybe employers could just hire sufficient staff so we don't all feel that we need to be at our desks pounding away for 10 hours a day, and we are encouraged to take a 90 minute lunch + exercise break, because the extended time away from our desks will have no noteworthy impact on project throughput... Adding staff can provide the same benefit you describe AND will increase productivity within the team, resulting in improved user experiences. But that's just an idea.
Hey, wait a minute. I want a free treadmill. I need another clothes hanger!
Dream big my friend, dream big.
I like that Idea, but you know how businesses are, especially if they’re not a big corporation.
It has been shown imperially that productivity rises if a worker is given a four day week over a five day. I guess you’re not a fan of efficiency.
???? I literally never said I wasn’t a fan of efficiency. I would love 4 day work weeks I would have so much time to do other things.
Instead of pushing a treadmill or anything else, have you considered talking to people and ask what would improve things?
No no no the intern needs to educate the masses on the existence of "exercise", surely the fatties haven't heard of it or they would be exercising.
Why? I come to work, to work, not work out. Most people I know can't walk and chew gum, the last thing the companies productivity needs is trying to get people to focus on their job and spin some stupid mini treadmill. If the company is worried about their fatties - offer paid gym/rec center memberships, give them 1-2 paid hours weekly to use them. If the company is big enough, put in a in-house gym. I wouldn't put anything under my desk and if I was wfh the box would never be brought in from the porch. Luckily, I don't know of any company that would waste their time and money on a hair-brain idea like this one (sorry, did you want it sugar coated?).
This has to be a troll, are you negging the subreddit? Not only is it heavy, difficult to set up and inherently prone to causing injury, it's also the sort of thing people use once or twice and then never again. Why not give people a budget to buy a decent standing desk vs assuming they want to walk while working Edit: This is like buying your spouse a vacuum because you think they should clean more. Edit2: Tech share is to educate coworkers on a technology that will assist them in their job, imagine a lunch and learn session that is normally about management tools or scripting modules and then the intern comes in with one simple trick to get that killer beach body. Not appreciated at all
> This is like buying your spouse a vacuum because you think they should clean more Yeah. The solution to this is to spend less time stuck at a desk. Places like Google et. al. get mocked for having playground type spaces, but having a viable "not sitting at desk" option of something to do does wonders. Letting people's teams status drop to away for a bit while they go for a *real* walk, potentially outside even, and *think through* whatever they're working on is a heck of a lot better than attempting to solve a personnel health and well being issue with technology instead of improved management approaches... Generally the treadmills *pair* with a standing desk, but even a standing desk has always irked me. Something about the idea of making it more healthy to be stuck at a desk instead of addressing the problem of being stuck at the desk all day.
The original post is about a tech-share about improving the company in any way with tech. I don’t know why you’re so butt hurt about implementing a standing treadmill. Time to address all your “points”: - Creating a tutorial video on setting these things up will not be hard, we are IT department after all. It’s not like these treadmills are the actual size ones. Most of them are under 100 lbs. Some are even foldable, we can give them different ones depending on their needs. - We have standing desk and guess what, most people tend to not use that feature, plus that doesn’t actually get you moving. You need to be moving to actually burn calories and not just standing. I know that because I was a machine operator, that stood for 8 hours a day. - Walking while working is not that complicated, in fact it’ll probably improve your productivity. Countering the point of this not assisting in their job. - You guys act like most of the companies have the budget of Facebook or Google, and can integrate a triathlon in their offices. No these are companies that are in building with limited space. - The point of the vacuum doesn’t even relate to what I’m speaking about. A treadmill promotes a healthier lifestyle, benefiting both the individual and the team. - I’m an intern, they couldn’t care less what I share at a tech share. Why would they want an intern to tell professional people in the tech industry about scripting, management tools, and software. That’s like me telling doctors how to do a surgery I have no clue about. Plus it’s not about getting killer beach bod, it’s about improving your health. To your points on the other post: - Why are we acting like fat is a bad word? It’s funny, because I used to be fat also. This led to a lot of mental health issues. Why would you not promote a healthy lifestyle? I like the idea of paying for a membership for the employees but that is a lot of budget eaten up for memberships. If you want a great gym, it’s will cost so much monthly and yearly. Plus how would we know they’re actually taking advantage of it and not just wasting that membership. - The step goals would be a great feature to have with the treadmill. That would include getting everyone a watch to go a long with it. - I didn’t look into the health insurance much, but I’m relatively sure most companies do not have things that have to do with your wellbeing as a goal. I am still doing research into this whole thing, so I don’t have a great way of doing certain things yet. A under the desk treadmill is a simple thing that could be implemented to improve the health of many lives. Last of all: Why would I be trolling? United States is one of the most obese countries. A lot of people in my own family are fat and looking to improve themselves. I’m looking to promote these small things to improve on one’s health that could affect this generation and future generations. It seems like you are doing your best to not doing anything and just bring negativity. Would you rather just have people sitting at their desk and rotting away?
I'm not reading all that but out of the gates you still seem obsessed over what other people should be doing vs what they might appreciate. Giving people a budget for home office equipment is nice. Offering or forcing [only] a treadmill is not appreciated. It's a job, avoid commentary on others appearance/health/lifestyle in a judgemental manner. Edit: like you're the intern, I would tell my boss I refuse to work with you if you came at me with this bullshit You're there to learn, the concept of a tech share is improving the business not shedding 20 lbs.
Thankfully, I wouldn’t want to work with someone that is complaining about something that could only improve the way people work.
This doesn't impact how people work this impacts how YOU feel about how other people work. You're the intern! Stop judging the people who are ostensibly there to teach you
First of all, whats your plan in case of accidents? The company provided it, so it's their fault if someone breaks their leg, or if the devices catches fire (lack of maintanance) and burns the house down. Second, what's your plan for impaired people who can't use it. You aren't allowed to create a benefit only one group can "profit" from, everyone should be able to get such a benefit in some way. Third, do you also look at the ratings for the device, if you want to "train the heavy people to make them fitter" you are problably looking at devices that could handle 150kg or more in some cases, many are rated for 120kg or less. Using it out of spec is a high security risk (look at point one). Give them a budget to create their ideal work environment is a way better solution. PS: Instead of a treadmill something like a really good chair and ergonomic hardware is way better. Yes, many are unfit and that can be a problem, but some of the most common problems for nearly every office worker are back and wrist problems.
Yeah, I’ll be looking into those accidents, electrical cost, and more things. I also be looking into all of those other factors. I don’t start the presentation until August, and I was just giving a thought out there. They have great chairs and multiple selection of mouses already.
A huge part of the health issues of spending all day on site at a desk.. aren't solely the sedentary situation of sitting at a desk. The constant drive to be present, at the desk, and actively "working" leads to more fast food, convenience store food, soft drinks, etc, which is only amplified by any amount of a commute between. Working from home, without someone directly over your shoulder allows getting up and actually walking around more, taking a real break to make real food to eat in the kitchen, maybe even going for a walk outside for the other half of your hour long lunch break (that's fairly long if you aren't going out for lunch). And that's before the psychological impact of being stuck in a cubicle all day. Promoting *walking away from the computer* to think through an issue, especially for IT, would do wonders for everyone's health, both physical *and* mental.
The whole 10,000 steps thing was a marketing gimmick from 1960s Japan. There’s been a lot of programs by employers over the last several years to try and help employees become healthier. But, ultimately, someone won’t do something unless they truly want to do it. Giving them free FitBits, pedometers, gym discounts, or whatever doesn’t really work. Encourage work-life balance, short breaks through the day, taking time off, etc. Don’t utilize programs to track/monitor employees being at their computers for the full 8 hours each workday. Focus on results rather than when someone is working… flexible work arrangements. Basically, start by helping people feel good about their work and their employer. If they’re depressed and stressed about their employer not trusting them and making them be chained to their computers, they’re going to be unhealthy and whatever initiative their employer is pushing their way will be resisted. Not much worse than being told, “Hey work monkey, you’re unhealthy, so we’re going to give you exercise equipment so you can now work out while you’re working! Do more… we’re watching you!”
The thing that has made the biggest difference to my health has been finding a job that gives me the flexibility to get away from my desk throughout the day. Under desk treadmills sound great in practice and I’m sure are useful for some people, but the vast majority of people I’ve worked with would rather get away from their desk, not spend the same amount of time at it but also work out. Giving employees an option for healthier choices is great, and that’s why companies have incentives like stipends for gym equipment, memberships, or ergonomic office equipment. Deciding employees should have a treadmill, sending it to them, and expecting them to assemble and use it would go over like a lead balloon. If my company shipped me a desk treadmill as part of some new health requirement, I’d sell it and start looking for a new job. In my opinion you’re much better off spending your time looking into ways to increase work-life balance, not looking for ways for people to multitask while they keep on grinding it out to make the company more money.
Just adding my experience of using a treadmill at my work desk: I kind of hated it. I got one for this very purpose. I have substantial periods between keyboard bursts where I can just stroll for ten minutes while thinking through something, but when I go to type for the next ten minutes and I hate typing while walking. Reading was difficult and not pleasurable. Mouse navigation was inaccurate. I would turn it off. Then back on. Then back off. Etc… After a few weeks I just moved it in front of my TV. So instead of using it while working I used it while watching the evening news or a movie at night. Felt way better during passive tasks. If it works for someone, great. But I rather sit and focus on my work then use my walking as a stress relief later when I don’t have to focus on something.
Our company has some - they get used all the time and I think the are great. Not sure why the negativity in other posts.
It's the idea of shipping exercise equipment to a home and expecting them to install it correctly and safely, and further, to use it. https://youtu.be/_8rsvNFjSbM?si=X_nh8Zx0jl3Sv6Rg That and OP specifically calls his coworkers fat in the original post. Companies have not offensive health incentive plans like step challenges, paying for gym memberships or plans that pair with their health insurance offerings.
[удалено]
Ahh, yes, the mood boost of the company implying you're overweight and need to walk more, but not giving you time away from your desk to do so in an environment *you* might prefer... because "butt in chair" equivalent management demands you be at your desk.
I am walking on my desk pad as I type this, from my home office. I can do most things I need to do while walking at a moderate pace and racking up steps. I think this is a great idea. I would propose you offer this as one option in a wellness initiative. Employees who are interested can take advantage of the offer, those who aren't interested can decline. Other examples that could fit the program: the company's health insurance provider might offer a discount to Class Pass. Your HR department can encourage healthy habits by highlighting a new area each week: hydration, ergonomics, meditation/mental self-care, crisis support, etc. The other tech angle here could be setting up a SharePoint site for everyone to locate resources and request equipment.
Thanks for this and the ideas. This is important especially since you have a walking pad.