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There are numerous reasons for being active at work including better overall health, better self-esteem, more energy and productivity, and better weight management.
Research highlights a link between an active workforce and cost saving outcomes, such as reduced absenteeism, reduced staff turnover, and improved productivity.
During their working day, staff should be encouraged to be as active as possible, and reduce their time being sedentary. Sitting at the computer or other sedentary behaviour for long periods of time and without a break, is associated with many long term conditions regardless of whether an individual is physically active or not.
View 10 Deskercises you can do at work.
Download the Rise & Recharge app to take control of your sitting.
Find out about using active transport to and from work.
Workplaces can encourage staff to:
- Use the stairs rather than lifts, especially if the stairwells are accessible, well lit and clean.
- Stand up to stretch regularly and when taking phone calls.
- Stand during meetings and use standing tables where available.
- Walk to meetings in nearby buildings rather than taking a taxi where possible.
- Walk to colleagues instead of calling or emailing them where possible.
- Have five-minute activity breaks every hour during meetings.
- Complete chair based exercises.
- Avoid scheduling meetings over the lunch period (from noon to 2pm) to enable staff to be active.
- Participate in sports teams, lunchtime walking and jogging groups, and events such as Walk 2 Work Day and Bike to Work Day.
Download 51 ways to add more movement to your workday [311KB PDF].
Employers have an obligation to try to prevent and reduce work related harm among their staff, under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.
This includes mental or physical ill health due to workplace stress.
Most people are aware that exercise and lifestyle changes can play a huge role in managing debilitating stress levels. Adopting an effective programme of exercise can therefore result in a win/win situation for both employees and the business they work for.
The Stress Management Exercise Association Endorsed Programme (SMEAEP) is provided by a variety of personal trainers, gyms and studios in New Zealand.
Find out more about SMEAEP for your workplace or business.
Waka Kotahi | NZ Transport Agency provides an online Workplace Cycling Guide - produced in partnership with the Sustainable Business Network.
This guide covers the why and how of getting your workplace onto bikes - whether your workplace is just starting out, or already provides well for staff members who commute by bike. The guide includes everything from the basics of providing good bike storage, to providing fleet bikes for your staff. The guide is complemented by plenty of resources and inspiration to get you started.
Waka Kotahi recommends utilising this guide if you are responsible for your organisation’s health and well-being programme, its sustainability (corporate social responsibility programme), or its travel demand management work.