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FOCUSING ON EMPLOYEE’S PHYSICAL WELLBEING MAKES BUSINESS SENSE
More than four-fifths (84%) of Brits are failing to achieve the amount of physical activity recommended by the NHS, according to the third Wellbeing Index Report from health and wellbeing provider, Westfield Health, and workers are calling out for support from their employers.
The latest quarterly analysis of the nation’s wellbeing highlights the negative impact of desk jobs: over a quarter (26%) spend a dangerous nine hours or more sat down; 65% say they quite or very often sit continuously for one hour or more, clocking up an average of seven hours and two minutes every day.
The health risks of our sedentary lifestyles are well recognised. Prolonged inactivity is responsible for one in six UK deaths and studies have found that even when we exercise daily, we’re still at risk of developing diseases such as type 2 Diabetes, heart disease and cancer if we sit down for more than six hours a day.
Although the Wellbeing Index showed that over 60% of Brits are aware of the risks of a sedentary lifestyle, just 12% say they are proactively trying to reduce the amount of time spent sitting down.
Lack of time (32%), low energy levels (31%) and low mood (25%) were found to be the biggest barriers to moving more. When asked about basic fitness facilities at work, such as changing rooms and bike storage, almost half (47%) of employees don’t currently have access to any form of physical activity provision at work.
The study also revealed that people expect more from their employer: 67% believe it’s an employer’s responsibility to support their physical wellbeing and fitness, yet around one in five say the support they’re currently getting is below average or very poor.
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Dave Capper, CEO of corporate health and wellbeing provider Westfield Health, believes employers have both the opportunity and responsibility to make workplaces more active.
Capper commented: “When it comes to physical wellbeing, the Wellbeing Index shows it’s not really a lack of awareness that’s the problem – people know the risks of a sedentary lifestyle – it’s a lack of responsibility.
“As individuals, only 12% of us are trying to reduce our sedentary time; as employers, we have to recognise just how much the structure of the work day and the office environment contribute to this escalating national health issue.
“We have to take action to protect our health and our businesses. To remain competitive at both a national and business level, we have to become more productive. That can only happen when you take good care of your team and create an environment where they can perform at their best.”
The report showed that HR professionals do recognise the value of physical wellbeing: almost three quarters (74%) agree that physical activity reduces absenteeism by reducing the number of sick days being taken, yet 44% admit their company is not considering investing more in this area.
Capper added: “UK businesses spend up to 16% of annual salary costs on absence and absence management. Yes, putting in showers, offering on-site classes or putting in an Active Space costs money, but the longer-term costs to individuals and companies of ignoring our physical wellbeing is so much higher.”
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