Did you know that on average people spend more than half their waking life at work. This fact is a major contributor to the biggest barrier people have in being physically active, time. The workplace offers an ideal solution to this problem.  By providing an environment that encourages and supports physical activity, organisations and their employees can experience the benefits of a fit and healthy work environment.

Drawing on research and case studies from the UK and around the world, this document outlines the following:
a) How promoting sport and physical activity during the workday, benefits both employees and employers; and
b) How an organisation can create a physically active environment and encourage physical activity in the workplace.

Benefits of a physically active workplace
Research indicates that a fit and healthy workplace can have many benefits for both employees and employers.

Benefits for employees include:
a) Able to cope better under stress
b) Are more productive and effective at work
c) Have improved relationships with their colleagues
d) Have more enjoyment at work

Benefits for employers include:
a) Improved staff morale
b) Lower staff turnover rates
c) Higher levels of job satisfaction
d) Reduced disability compensation and healthcare and life insurance costs
e) Reduction in absenteeism

How to create a physically active environment
The workplace is an important setting in which people can increase their levels of physical activity.  It is important that organisations create an environment, which encourages employees to be physically active, while at the same time supporting the activities that are already being run.

Step 1 - Gain Support from management

• Gaining management support adds credibility to a programme amongst employees.
• They have the power to give the programme time and money.
• When approaching management, clearly outline how the organisation and individuals will benefit from physical activity.
• Present some general ideas about what the programme might include.  Check out some of the successful programmes others have implemented.

Step 2 - Form a network of employees or workplace champions

• The success of any workplace initiative is often down to the employees or ‘champions’ who take on the roles of a coordinator.
• They start the ball rolling and then act as a driving force once the programme is up and running.
• They can meet and work together to plan and deliver the activity programme.

Step 3 - Raise awareness

• Inform employees why physical activity is important and how much is required so they can set realistic goals for themselves.
• Find out about employees needs by either talking informally to them or conducting a formal questionnaire.
• Provide educational leaflets and resources which present facts and outline the benefits of physical activity.
• Run staff courses and seminars on the risks of physical inactivity.
• Hold physical activity promotional events.  Speak to your Sport England regional office to assist you with this.

Step 4 - Develop an action plan

Use this Action plan template to develop your chosen initiatives and explore ways to achieve your goals.  It is important to encourage employees to make active choices during their working day.  Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Make the stair well more attractive by painting it, putting lights in, having posters on the way up and music playing.
• Provide information on local clubs and leisure activities.
• Supply maps of local walking trails.
• Establish lunchtime activity groups and encourage the formation of sports teams.
• Introduce a bike purchase scheme and corporate membership at leisure centres.
• Don’t forget to promote all these activities.  Put posters up on kitchen notice boards or banners on organisation’s intranet.

Step 5 - Remove Barriers

• Remember the biggest barrier for people being physically active is time.
• Introduce flexible working hours, which will allow employees to do activities before, during and after work.
• Provide bike racks and shower and locker facilities to make it easier for employees to ride and run to work.

Checklist

Use this checklist to help you find ways of improving your physical activity programme. The checklist represents an ideal and therefore not all elements will be relevant.

Useful Links

British Heart Foundation – Think Fit
http://www.bhf.org.uk/thinkfit

Sports Council Wales – You and your workplace
http://www.sports-council-wales.org.uk/getactiveatwork/youandyourworkplace

Health Canada and the Canadian Council for Health and Active Living at Work  (CCHALW)
http://www.activelivingatwork.com

Alberta Centre for Active Living – Physical Activity @ Work
http://www.centre4activeliving.ca/workplace