Construction work can be physically demanding and can take a toll on workers’ mental health and wellbeing. However, implementing a simple intervention like Stretch and Flex can significantly improve workers’ mental health outcomes. Stretch and Flex involves a brief stretching routine that workers perform at the start of each workday to warm up their muscles and prevent injuries. The routine can also have a positive impact on workers’ mental health and wellbeing.
Research has shown that stretching can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and increase energy levels. Stretching can also enhance workers’ physical performance and reduce the risk of injury, which can lead to increased job satisfaction and decreased absenteeism.
Implementation of the Stretch and Flex intervention can be achieved through various methods. Employers can provide workers with access to a physical therapist, who can design a stretching routine tailored to the specific needs of the workers. Alternatively, employers can provide workers with a pre-designed stretching routine and hold group sessions to ensure that workers are performing the routine correctly.
To ensure the success of the Stretch and Flex intervention, employers can use behavioral science principles such as positive reinforcement and goal setting. Positive reinforcement can involve offering rewards to workers who consistently participate in the stretching routine, such as recognition, bonuses, or additional time off. Goal setting can involve setting targets for the number of days per week that workers participate in the routine and monitoring progress towards these targets.
Furthermore, implementing Stretch and Flex can have additional benefits for the construction project itself. By reducing the risk of injury and improving workers’ physical performance, the intervention can increase productivity and reduce costs associated with absenteeism and medical expenses.
Implementing Stretch and Flex can be a simple yet effective intervention for improving workers’ mental health and wellbeing on construction jobsites. By reducing stress and anxiety, improving mood and energy levels, and reducing the risk of injury, workers can experience increased job satisfaction and improved overall health outcomes. By using behavioral science principles and offering incentives, employers can encourage workers to participate in the stretching routine and ensure the success of this intervention.
Sources:
Herbert RD, de Noronha M, Kamper SJ. Stretching to prevent or reduce muscle soreness after exercise. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2011, Issue 7.
Hidayat M, Aminuddin A, Amir L. Effect of static stretching exercise on stress and anxiety levels in late pregnancy. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2018 Nov 15;18(1):453.
Konrad A, Glashüttner C, Reiner MM, Bernsteiner D, Tilp M. Effects of stretching on passive muscle tension and response to eccentric exercise-induced muscle soreness. J Sports Sci. 2020 Feb;38(4):373-382.
McHugh MP, Cosgrave CH. To stretch or not to stretch: the role of stretching in injury prevention and performance. Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2010 Apr;20(2):169-81.
Wipfli BM, Rethorst CD, Landers DM. The anxiolytic effects of exercise: a meta-analysis of randomized trials and dose-response analysis. J Sport Exerc Psychol. 2008 Dec;30(6):392-410.
