This informal CPD article, 'Sitting is the new smoking: Let’s promote physical activity and healthy habits at work’, was provided by iGROW CorpHealth, partnering with Corporates to drive Employee Engagement through Holistic Health Solutions.
The modern workplace, with its comfortable chairs and long computer hours, can be a breeding ground for inactivity. But just like smoking, prolonged sitting has been linked to a variety of health problems. The good news is, employers can take proactive steps to promote physical activity and healthy habits among their workforce, leading to a healthier, happier, and more productive team.
The Cost of Inactivity: Why We Need to Move More
A sedentary lifestyle, characterized by prolonged sitting, has been linked to a significant increase in the risk of chronic diseases. Research consistently demonstrates a correlation between excessive sitting and health problems such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer (Eakin et al., 2012; Owen et al., 2010; Dunstan et al., 2010). Beyond physical health, inactivity can also contribute to fatigue, decreased focus, and lower productivity, impacting both employee well-being and overall organizational performance. By encouraging employees to incorporate more physical activity into their workday, companies can create a healthier and more productive workforce.
Strategies for a Healthier Workplace: From Small Steps to Big Wins
Here are some strategies employers can implement to promote physical activity and healthy habits at work:
Encourage Active Commuting:
Offer incentives for employees who walk, bike, or take public transportation to work. Consider providing bike racks, showers, and lockers to make active commuting more convenient.
Bring the Gym to Work
Consider on-site fitness facilities or offer onsite fitness classes during lunch breaks or after work. Partner with local gyms to offer discounted memberships for employees.
Embrace the Power of Breaks
Discourage the idea of "powering through" lunch. Encourage employees to take proper breaks throughout the day to move around, stretch, or take a walk. Consider implementing standing or walking meetings to incorporate movement into the workday.
Healthy Snack Options
Promote healthy eating habits by offering healthy snacks and beverages in the office vending machines or break rooms. Discourage sugary drinks and processed foods.
Well-being Challenges and Incentives
Organize fun and engaging wellness challenges, like walking competitions or step-counting contests. Offer prizes or rewards to incentivize participation.
Promote a Culture of Health
Leadership plays a crucial role. Encourage managers to lead by example and participate in well-being initiatives. Let’s foster a culture that values employee well-being and recognize the importance of physical activity and healthy habits.
Beyond the Basics: Fostering a Sustainable Approach
Creating a culture of health goes beyond one-time initiatives. Here are additional tips for long-term success:
Employee Feedback and Needs Assessments
Seek employee feedback on their preferences for well-being programs and initiatives. This helps tailor programs to their needs and interests.
Flexible Work Arrangements
Offer flexible work arrangements like remote work options or compressed workweeks to help employees integrate work and life and create time for physical activity.
Promote Healthy Habits Outside of Work
Partner with local health organizations to provide educational workshops on healthy eating, stress management, and getting enough sleep.
Celebrate Successes
Recognize and celebrate employee achievements in wellness initiatives. This helps maintain motivation and encourages participation.
By implementing these strategies, employers can create a work environment that promotes physical activity and healthy habits. A healthier workforce leads to a happier, more productive team, ultimately contributing to the success of the organization. Remember, small changes can make a big difference, and prioritizing employee well-being is an investment that pays off in the long run.
We hope this article was helpful. For more information from iGROW CorpHealth, please visit their CPD Member Directory page. Alternatively, you can go to the CPD Industry Hubs for more articles, courses and events relevant to your Continuing Professional Development requirements.
