Thiruvananthapuram: Government employees need not work at a stretch from 9 am to 5 pm hereafter. They can take ‘stretch breaks’ twice daily and improve their health and productivity.
This is a novel programme launched by the state health department to promote a healthy environment at workplaces. The Directorate of Health Services has already launched it in its office as part of Aardram People’s Campaign.
According to health experts, sitting is as hazardous as smoking and regular breaks are essential to maintain vitality. The ‘stretch breaks’ are recommended for five to ten minutes at 11 am and 3 pm.
An official said, “regular breaks would help employees work out their muscles, boost blood circulation and stretch stiff limbs and joints. This would also help increase productivity. We successfully launched the programme at the directorate of health service. At 11 am and 3 pm, there would be announcements to alert the employees,” he said.
The authorities have prepared a simple yoga video to be circulated among the employees. “We will focus on IT industry and launch the programme at the secretariat and Technopark soon,” said the official.
