Get Moving At Work

Workplaces are great locations to promote healthy living and integrate physical activity into daily life. Walking is a healthy, accessible and inexpensive alternative to the car for short trips that organisations can promote to their employees and even clients and visitors. Over 40% of Australian adults are not active enough. At least 30 minutes of physical activity on most days is recommended for good health. Walking is a free, healthy activity that generally doesn’t require any special equipment and can easily be incorporated into the working day.

The wide range of health benefits include:

• Reduces the risk of heart disease, diabetes, arthritis.
• Burns calories and helps manage weight.
• Reduces blood pressure and cholesterol.
• Improves fitness and muscle tone.
• Improves quality of sleep and is energizing – it’s a great way to wake up in the morning or relax after work.

Social

Physical activity is a significant element of social interaction, building a more connected workplace community, strengthening organisational cohesion and reducing employee isolation. As an activity everyone can participate in, walking is an ideal way to improve the social environment in your workplace.

Environmental

Walking can help improve your organisation’s environmental rating by reducing vehicle dependence and the associated problems of traffic congestion, parking, noise and pollution. Short car trips are the least fuel efficient and most polluting – walking is a zero emission alternative.

Economic

Increasing physical activity through walking improves productivity, reduces absenteeism in the workplace and supports overall economic growth.

• Fewer insurance and worker compensation claims.
• Attract and retain workers seeking healthy working conditions.
• Improved staff attitudes towards the organisation and higher staff morale.
• Helps to manage transport problems.