Workplace
We are all aware of the importance of physical activity for our physical and mental well being. Unfortunately however many of us aren't active enough and the medical evidence of the results of this inactivity are now proven.
Fact 1.
30% of Irish adults spend 5 or more hours sitting down.
Source: HSBC 2000
Fact 2.
Cardiovascular disease, which includes coronary heart disease, stroke and disorders of blood vessels, is the single most important cause of mortality in Ireland
Source: Dept of Health & Children, 2000
Fact 3.
The risk of developing coronary heart disease among those who are inactive (37% of cases) is almost twice that of those who smoke (19%).
Source: Dept of Health & Children, 2000
Lack of time is the biggest reason why people avoid exercise. The pressures of work, commuting, home and family life can leave little time left to fit in exercise. However, when you think of the many benefits that physical activity brings - nobody, least of all employers and employees, can afford not to make time for exercise!
Increasing your physical activity can be done in the workplace. Walking is probably the easiest (and cheapest!) way of doing this and allows for both individual and group actions. It may be done by taking the stairs instead of the lift, having a walk after lunch or taking a bike instead of the car to work, even one day a week.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) in a 2008 report stated that "Workplace health promotion (WHP) programmes, targeting physical inactivity and unhealthy dietary habits, are effective in improving healthrelated outcomes such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease risk factors. Enhancing employee productivity, improving corporate image and moderating medical care costs are some of the arguments that might foster senior management to initiate and invest in WHP programmes".
Strong management support, effective communication with, and involvement of, employees and considering incentives to foster adherence to the programmes ( perhaps providing rebates on the €200 car park tax if employees walk/cycle to work!!) are all key elements of successful WHP programmes.
There are now various organisations that provide information and assistance to companies seeking to improve workplace health promotion. These include;
Nutrition & Health Foundation www.nutritionandhealth.ie - which can provide companies with workplace wellbeing packs. Tools that are provided in one kit include a personal nutrition & exercise planner (covering up to 50 employees), posters/signage, a detailed manual for management, and full access to their workplace wellbeing network.
Irish Heart Foundation www.irishheart.ie - which provides active@work heart health programmes to workplaces which include:
1. Walking Challenge
2. Step Challenge
3. Slí na Sláinte (Path to Health)
4. Slí na Sláinte Time or Distance Challenge
5. Heart Point Challenge
6. Desk Work-Out
One Small Step www.onesmallstep.ie - an initiative of the Dublin Transportation Office to reduce traffic on our roads and consequently improve health. Many well known organisations such as AIB, RTE and Irish Life & Permanent took part in their recent Step Challenge league with all participants receiving a free pedometer to measure their steps taken.
South Dublin Chamber of Commerce is a partner in the SDCSP and we would be delighted to work with and support businesses as much as possible in implementing workplace health promotion.
