How to Talk About Wellbeing Without Sounding Like HR Fluff

Oct 29, 2025
5 min read

What comes to mind when you hear wellbeing at work? For many, wellbeing has become a buzzword, more like a cliché word. You hear it in team meetings and maybe even in that wellness webinar that was hosted, that you should take care of yourself and your mental health. But most times, it feels like empty talk. For remote workers in Nigeria, the gap between what's said and what's real is wide. You're told to prioritise your wellbeing while managing tight deadlines, poor power supply, unstable internet, and other factors.

According to the World Health Organization, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a leading cause of disability worldwide, and Nigeria is no exception, with many workers reporting discomfort due to poorly designed workspaces and workstations. A 2024 survey in Lagos revealed that while 66% of remote workers had knowledge of ergonomics, only 23% had workspaces that met proper ergonomic standards, and fewer than 16% received real support from their employers.

Let's break down practical strategies for display screen equipment (DSE) users and remote workers by addressing musculoskeletal issues, workspace ergonomics, and Nigerian workplace realities. By the end, you'll see why wellbeing conversations matter and how to keep your body in check without sounding like you're just repeating HR policy. So, how do you talk about wellbeing in a way that's practical, relatable, and doesn't sound like a motivational talk? Let's check it out.

What's the problem with the way we talk about wellbeing?

1. It's too vague

You hear something like "take care of your wellbeing." What does that even mean? To the average employee in Nigeria, it sounds like a quote, and not something that can be acted on. There's no direction, no guidance, no real-life application. So, how should I take care of my wellbeing?

2. It feels like a checkbox

Wellbeing initiatives often feel performative. Maybe you receive a Google form or mail about burnout once a year, and that's it. Meanwhile, you are going through a lot because your back is hurting, your wrists are tingling, and your workload hasn't reduced. As a matter of fact, it keeps getting worse.

3. It ignores the Nigerian context

We can't copy and paste Western solutions into Nigerian realities. Most people don't have ergonomic chairs, dual screens, or even uninterrupted power. When advising, certain things have to be considered and acknowledged. We have to choose practicability in terms of application over aesthetics.

Identifying the real problems Nigerian remote workers face

Let's break down some common issues DSE users and remote workers are struggling with:

Musculoskeletal pain

Musculoskeletal pain, including lower back, neck, shoulder, and wrist discomfort, is common among Nigerian remote and office workers. And the causes are clear. From sedentary routines and long hours without movement to a lack of ergonomic equipment or awareness on best practices to the infrequent breaks and the pressure to stay glued to screens. These can be a problem.

Workspace limitations

There are some workspaces that are rarely designed for productivity or comfort. For example, poor-quality chairs and tables result in prolonged awkward postures. Adding to this, unreliable internet connections and persistent electricity problems create extra stress, which sometimes forces remote workers to leave their workspace in search of a place to charge their devices, even though they have to maintain awkward positions to remain productive.

Lack of practical support

Imagine complaining about not feeling too well, and what you get is being ignored. That can hurt and result in totally keeping quiet when something is wrong. Or maybe when wellbeing is mentioned, there's no real support. No workshops, no physiotherapy access, no mental health support. Just vague reminders to rest and prioritise your health. It's important to know that wellbeing isn't just about drinking enough water or taking a break.

Real solutions that actually help, even without fancy equipment

When I say real solutions that actually help, I mean advice that genuinely improves your body's wellbeing while you work, not motivational speeches or generic and unrealistic fixes. Let's say you are doing something really strenuous and someone comes, then says "please, rest" but then still adds to the pile of work, and another person comes and says "please, rest by doing this and that" and still goes ahead to give more practical solutions, which would touch your heart and be more helpful? You know the answer.

That's how it is. Too often, conversations around health in the workplace are filled with words like "take care of yourself" or "prioritise your wellbeing," but then, they rarely come with actionable steps that make sense for the average Nigerian worker. And let's be honest, it is not everyone who has access to adjustable desks, ergonomic chairs, or branded back supports.

However, even in our evolving economy, here are key things to consider to drive a change in promoting employees' wellbeing in workplaces.

1. Define wellbeing clearly

Stop saying "take care of yourself" without explaining how. Instead, go further by telling your employee or team how to take care of themselves, with practical examples. You can also look into how the workspace can be set up to avoid strain. That's more like it, as it involves not just words, but also actions to back them up.

2. Don't suffer in silence

If you notice any pattern of pain or discomfort at work, don't keep quiet about it. Be specific and speak out. Communication is key.

3. Tackle musculoskeletal pain head-on

For example, while waiting to get a new chair, you can roll up a thick cloth or towel and use it as lumbar support. You can even lean your back against a wall to keep your spine in a more neutral position during long hours of typing.

Treat breaks like meetings. Take out 5 minutes every hour to stretch or walk. This is especially crucial if you're juggling multiple gigs, as many Nigerians do. These little adjustments can go a long way in reducing strain on your neck, lower back, and wrists, which are common sites for musculoskeletal pain among DSE users and remote workers. This is practical and no expensive tools are required.

4. Adopt telerehabilitation

Even if you can't visit a hospital, there are virtual physiotherapy services now in Nigeria. A recent study showed that over 70% of Nigerian physiotherapists are using telerehabilitation tools to support patients online. These days, you can have a session via WhatsApp video and get posture correction tips in real time.

Real solutions are grounded in what you can actually do with what you already have. This kind of wellbeing advice respects your reality. It doesn't leave you confused. It doesn't guilt-trip you. It simply equips you. And in a context like Nigeria, where power supply, living conditions, and even internet stability can affect how and where we work, this practical approach matters. Wellness shouldn't feel like something only people in tech or with HR support can access. It should feel human, possible, and adaptable. That's the heart of real solutions.

In conclusion, wellbeing doesn't have to sound like HR fluff. For Nigerian remote and office workers, it's about creating a workspace that supports your musculoskeletal health, incorporating simple habits like stretching and micro-breaks, and addressing pain before it becomes a problem. By making small changes like adjusting your chair, taking regular breaks, or consulting a physiotherapist, you can stay productive without sacrificing your health. And for all of these things, you don't even have to break the bank. Your wellbeing matters.