Workplaces need to take a stronger stand for employee health, with figures showing that too many of us sit for seven or more hours daily.
We sit or lie down to read, eat, drink, work or watch TV for a minimum of seven hours during the working week, compromising health and happiness.
But employee health and wellbeing can be vastly improved if workplaces embrace simple strategies to encourage more moving and less sitting.
Employers have an important role to play in motivating staff to enjoy the benefits of incidental exercise, and to help make this possible during the working day.
No matter how much physical activity you engage in, you’re going to be healthier and happier if you seize more opportunities to get moving during your work day.
Office workers should try standing during phone calls, using the stairs instead of the lift, walking to get lunch, and organising regular physical activities for team development.
It can also help to set reminder alarms for you to get up and stretch, take a walk or do some gentle exercise during the day, to avoid sitting for prolonged periods of time unintentionally.
Workplaces that implement healthy workplaces programs and healthy choices for employees improve employee morale, corporate image and employee engagement and relationships.
Employees increase their health awareness and knowledge, physical health, mental wellbeing and job satisfaction – underpinning a healthier lifestyle.
Cancer Council Queensland’s QUEST program promotes simple, easy changes that every organisation can make to help employees make the healthy choice the easy choice, and reduce their risk of cancer and chronic disease.
Joining QUEST is free, giving organisations access to resources and advice about physical activity, plus other health and lifestyle goals including quitting smoking, improving cancer screening, limiting alcohol intake and ensuring a healthy diet.
More information about joining the QUEST is available at www.quest.org.au.
More information about Cancer Council Queensland is available at www.cancerqld.org.au or 13 11 20.