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  Physical Activity in the Workplace...
   
Workplace Challenge Working For Your Health

Have you ever noticed how refreshed you feel after a good workout? That's because physical activity goes beyond improving your physical health. Regular activity enhances mood, performance and improves concentration. It's clear: a healthy body leads to a healthy mind.

Because most adults spend half their waking hours at work, finding ways to include physical activity during the workday is the most practical way for many adults to become more active. Workplaces can do a variety of things to foster a working environment that incorporates regular physical activity throughout the year. Promoting physical activity doesn't have to be complicated, expensive or time consuming. A little creativity can go a long way!

Why Promote Physical Activity in the Workplace?

The latest Health Canada Population Health Survey (1996/1997) shows that people who are inactive at work are also inactive at home. Research also indicates that there may be increased costs for organizations that have physically inactive employees. Some of these costs include: increased employee benefit costs, reduced productivity, and increased absenteeism.

Workplaces that encourage regular physical activity report:
  • Increased productivity and morale
  • Reduced injury rates
  • Better employee relations
  • Improved job satisfaction and team spirit
  • Improved employee health and fitness
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Exercise Your Options

It's never too late to incorporate regular physical activity into the workday. Many worksites have found innovative ways to promote physical activity. Here are a few activities organized by workplaces this year:
  • Take the Stairs Campaign
  • Coffee and lunch time walks
  • Fit breaks
  • Running clubs
  • Exercise Workshops
  • Physical Activity Picnic
  • Office "mini-putt"
  • Workplace Dances
  • Yoga Classes
  • Seasonal Sports Challenge
Physical activity can provide a creative outlet for everyone. Share with your colleagues the benefits of regular physical activity. Choose a physical activity all can enjoy and watch as new relationships and health habits are cultivated.

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Stay Active Year Round

The workplace is an ideal setting to promote physical activity to adults. Business leaders have a unique opportunity to create a culture at work that supports "active living" which can benefit both their business and the people working within. As a leader within your workplace, you can raise awareness about the importance of physical activity through communication channels such as e-mail or posters. Create a buzz among staff by organizing an event like a company walk or a fund-raising physical activity challenge. Make changes in your workplace that make access to physical activity opportunities possible throughout the year e.g. install shower facilities or support gym memberships.

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Contact Us

An effective physical activity program requires a leader to champion the initiative. You can be that leader and role model for your colleagues year round. Toronto Public Health staff would be pleased to provide you with new ideas for promoting physical activity in your workplace through our free "Get Active" information package (PDF file size 226KB). For more information on physical activity call Toronto Health Connection during regular business hours at 416-338-7600.

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Last updated January 2010

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