Your wellbeing initiatives at the individual level will likely focus on raising awareness and/or building skills to manage this wellbeing area.
Raise awareness of the benefits of a non-sedentary lifestyle and identify lines of support
Strengthen your community by linking employees with local resources and even consider aligning with community organisations as part of a Corporate Social Responsibility policy.
Also see our Community Links to connect with an organisation that can help improve physical activity in your workplace. You can subscribe to their newsletter to keep abreast of the latest news and events in this wellbeing space and they may be able to offer supports, services or partnership in:
- Physical Activity Workshops or lunchtime information sessions. These can be educational in nature to help employees understand the health benefits of movement, and how a sedentary lifestyle is a major risk factor for chronic disease. Additionally, road safety is important. Instead of once-off sessions, include a long-term plan for these sessions and remember to enable employees to avail of these sessions by making reasonable schedule or workload accommodations.
- Resources to promote a better understanding of the health benefits of physical activity. These can include posters, infographics, videos, or write-ups in company newsletters etc.
- Participating in awareness days. National Walking Day and National Fitness Day are in September and Bike Week is in May. You can support local organisations that specialise in Physical Activity and honour these days in various ways while promoting your activities in a company newsletter or on your social media. Remember though that physical activity awareness is important all year ‘round!
- Building camaraderie and teamwork. Incorporate social events such as 30-day activity challenges or pedometer challenges and encourage the sharing of information about local walking, cycling or other active interest groups, and be sure to consider inclusive activity for staff with disabilities. Engage workers who have completed physical activity events (such as triathlons or charity events) as this can increase awareness of the topic amongst staff while also encouraging physical activity in the community. Also consider organising group volunteering to enhance health while strengthening cohesion at both workplace and community levels.
Appropriate level of support
It’s important to remember that every employee has different circumstances. Physical activity will look differently across age groups and some employees may have certain movement restrictions due to genetic or health conditions.
It is important to provide comprehensive supports, signpost to appropriate resources or link with appropriate department(s) in the workplace (HR, Occupational Health Nurse, insurance-provider etc.)
Also see our Community Links to connect with an organisation that can help improve physical activity in your organisation that may be able to offer supports, services or partnership in:
- Physical Activity workshops or lunchtime sessions. These can be skills-building in nature, such as how to how to interrupt sedentary behaviour during the day (‘desk-ercises,’ stairs rather than elevators, going to colleagues’ desks rather than emails, far parking etc.).Instead of once-off sessions, include a long-term plan for these sessions and remember to enable employees to avail of these sessions by making reasonable schedule or workload accommodations.
- Resources to promote ways for staff to prioritise movement. These can include posters, infographics, videos, or write-ups in company newsletters etc. that include various physical activity practical tips.
- Ensure inclusion. Don’t forget to make accommodations for remote-working employees and those who work off-site or travel as they will not be able to see on-site posters and are somewhat isolated from formal and informal conversations. It’s easy for these employees to feel disconnected so special considerations should be made. Additionally, consideration must be made to staff with disabilities; link with Cara to ensure all employees are able to participate in physical activity initiatives.
- Integrating holistic wellbeing. See how you can integrate other wellbeing areas such as Mental Health as active living and physical activity, along with the social aspect of group activities, have been linked to improved mental health.