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As we spend 60% of our waking hours
at work, the need to be physically
active during the working day is clear.
Healthy habits in the workplace can
make a big impact on employee
wellbeing. A physically active workforce
brings benefits to employers, as well
as employees.
Benefits for employees include:
• Improved wellbeing
• Better physical health
• Increased motivation
• Stress relief
• Better morale and working
atmosphere
Benefits for employers include:
• Increased productivity
• Lower rates of absenteeism
• Improved staff morale
• Reduced staff turnover
• Greater staff retention
Adults should aim to be active daily.
Over a week, activity should add up to
at least 150 minutes (2½ hours) of
moderate intensity activity in bouts of
10 minutes or more. Small changes to
daily working routines can really add up.
This could include:
• A lunchtime walk
• Climbing the stairs instead of using
the lift
• Organising a walking meeting
• Walking to speak to colleagues
instead of sending an e-mail
• Parking your car further away from
the entrance
• An exercise class or swim after work
Physical inactivity may be costing your
business more than you think, according
to Elise Rendall, a Sport & Physical
Activity Officer at Kent County Council.
Inactivity in the workplace has serious
implications for individuals and businesses
alike. Findings from the CBI show that
employee absence costs the economy
an estimated £14 billion per year, while
the average total cost to business for
each absent employee is £975.
Evidence is conclusive that regular
physical activity will help prevent
and manage more than 20 conditions
and chronic diseases including cancer,
cardiovascular disease, diabetes,
hypertension, obesity and osteoporosis.
Poor physical health increases the
chances of poor mental health (stress,
depression, anxiety, low levels of self-
esteem), yet the evidence shows that
we are simply not active enough to
be healthy.
Although the national guidelines
suggest we should achieve a minimum
of 150 minutes exercise each week,
one-third of men and nearly half of
women in the UK do not meet the
recommended levels of physical activity.
Healthy Workplace
A physically active workforce can improve the health of your business
as well as the physical and mental health of your employees, bringing
multiple benefits to all.