Five Tips from Mehiläinen’s Occupational Health Physiotherapists for Improving Physical Well-being in Retail and Customer Service Jobs

Knowledge work stresses the brain, while physical work strains the body. It’s essential to take care of both physical and mental recovery. Physical exertion is good for the body, but recovery should be prioritized during the workdays to prevent stiffness and promote wellbeing. This way, you'll still have energy left for other activities after the workday.

The experts for this article are Occupational Health Physiotherapists Pirita Miettinen and Mikko Suominen

1. Plan Your Work Well

Consider whether you can use tools to reduce the physical strain. Plan lifting tasks in advance and remember to perform counter movements.

2. Use Your Body in Different Ways and Change Positions

Incorporate rotational movements throughout the day. Pay attention to how you stand, bend, and distribute your weight.

3. Physical Work Doesn’t Replace Strength Training

Even if your work is physically demanding, it doesn’t replace strength training or exercise in your free time. Good physical condition helps you withstand physical strain and prevents musculoskeletal disorders.

4. Focus on Recovery

Take care of recovery during the workdays with simple exercises. If you stand a lot, lift your feet on a chair during breaks and stretch.

5. Plan Breaks and Eat Regularly

Plan your breaks and make sure to eat regularly to maintain your energy levels throughout the day.

A video series focused on ergonomics in retail and customer service work is now available in Cuckoo’s Challenges section. Occupational health physiotherapists Mikko Suominen and Pirita Miettinen provide more practical tips on workplace wellbeing and ergonomics for non-sedentary jobs.

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Five Tips from Mehiläinen’s Occupational Health Physiotherapists for Improving Physical Well-being in Retail and Customer Service Jobs

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Five Tips from Mehiläinen’s Occupational Health Psychologist: How to Recover...The Impact of Movement and Short Breaks in Enhancing Cognitive Ergonomics