Active Workplaces

Employers see significant financial costs from poor employee health. This is mainly through sickness absence, presenteeism (working when unwell), and poor productivity.

That’s why promoting the benefits of physical activity and being an active workplace are so important.

As a nation, we are 24% less active today than we were fifty years ago.

• Absence costs businesses over £14bn per annum
• Over 15.4m days were lost to stress, depression and anxiety in 2017/18 – an increase of 27% since 2009
• 33% of English long-term sickness absence is attributed to musculoskeletal conditions
• Costs of presenteeism are estimated to be £30bn annually

This inactivity is contributing to a rise in the number of people suffering from avoidable health problems. It’s also contributing to the increase in the number of long-term health conditions that are being diagnosed.

Improved mental health

Exercise can be a more effective treatment than medication for people suffering with mild to moderate depression.  It can help reduce anxiety and feelings of stress. In addition, it supports clearer thinking and increased self-esteem, too.

Reduced sickness absences

Mental ill-health, stress and musculoskeletal problems are the three leading causes of long-term absence. They also make up two of the top three causes of short-term absence.  Physical activity can help to reduce the risks and lessen the symptoms associated with all three of these areas.

Improved physical health

It’s medically proven that people who exercise regularly have a lower risk of developing many long-term (chronic) conditions.  Exercise can reduce your risk of major illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and cancer by up to 50%. It can also lower your risk of early death by up to 30%.  It boosts your mood, and improves sleep quality and energy levels, too.

Be a more attractive employer

Active workplaces can enhance the reputation and profile of your organisation. Providing an attractive workplace health offer demonstrates that you value staff health and wellbeing. It can make you more appealing to future employees, too.

Increase in staff productivity

Numerous studies have shown that incorporating physical activity into your regular routine can provide cognitive benefits. These include improved concentration, sharper memory, prolonged mental stamina, and enhanced creativity.

Improved morale and relationships

Physical activity initiatives provide opportunities to improve workplace relationships. In addition, improved team cohesion, boosted morale, and a good bit of office banter are important benefits, too.

Active workplaces: Support for an ageing workforce

In 2010, one in four of the working age population were aged 50 and over. This is projected to increase to one in three by 2022. As people live and work for longer, this certainly presents both challenges and opportunities to employers.

Supporting your staff to be active will help them to maintain their physical and mental health as they age. Therefore, it is important to maintain staff wellbeing and productivity as they get older. In addition, it can improve symptoms of age-associated conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and high blood pressure.