Finding a fit place to work

The sedentary lifestyle is not good for your health. But it can be difficult to combine physical activity with office work. Getting just 20 to 30 minutes of aerobic activity per day could make a significant difference to our health. A quick-paced walk with the dog, a coffee break spent doing crunches and press-ups, even walking out to lunch rather than munching at the desk, could make us healthier. Fewer than 30 per cent of people at work exercise regularly, according to Workplace Policies: A Guide to Staff Health Promotion published by Dublin Healthy Cities. The 1998 SLAN national lifestyle survey found that only 42 per cent of adults in Ireland engage in regular physical activity, while almost one-third of people over 55 years of age take no physical exercise.

If employers encourage a physically active workforce, businesses will themselves reap benefits. Advantages listed by the guide include reduced absenteeism, shorter sickness leave, lower health care costs and fewer injuries. Businesses are likely to enjoy improved productivity and a higher quality of work. Other organisational benefits listed include enhanced corporate image (internally and externally); increased work ability of employees; and reduced costs in job replacements, re-training and early retirement.

Workers themselves are likely to feel better, mentally and physically. They are less likely to develop cardiovascular disease or suffer a heart attack or stroke. Physical activity can also benefit people with conditions such as arthritis. "Physical activity involved in one's work can be either harmful or beneficial. Harm can come from repetitive, monotonous work, whereas a person might derive benefits from the long-term effects of work that provides suitable physical loading." Practical ideas to promote physical activity proposed by the guide include:

Physical activity noticeboard;

Guest speakers on physical activity and health;

Poster displays;

Dedicated space in a staff newsletter;

Internal email; [SBX]

Incentive schemes such as time credits or spot prizes for participants;

Information updates on physical activity campaigns;

A survey to document participation in physical activity.

Facilities that companies could provide to promote physical activity by workers include:

Secure bicycle sheds;

Attractive stairways;

Develop a Sli na Slainte walking route;

Mark out a jogging route;

Provide hygienic changing and shower facilities;

Arrange discounts at local fitness centres;

Develop simple "knockabout" facilities, e.g., basketball ring, gravel-base playing area, putting green.

Other practical suggestions in the guide include gaining the support and involvement of senior management, and identifying in-house leadership resources (e.g., soccer coach, basketball teacher, hill-walking leader).

Workplace Policies: A Guide to Staff Health Promotion, published by Dublin Healthy Cities, Carmichael House, North Brunswick Street, Dublin 7. Telephone: 01-8722 278. Fax: 01-8722057. E-mail: dhcp@indigo.ie.

jmarms@irish-times.ie