Library
A Challenge For the Workplace
Work may seem like the last place we need to think about being physically active, but in fact work is one of the places where we have lost much of our activity compared to previous generations. For many of us we are victims of our own relative success. As our careers progress, gone are the days of physical labour - replaced instead by hours sitting at a desk and in front of a computer.
As we gradually and systematically have the physical demands in the work environment reduced, we must replace this activity or face the related threats to health. Research shows that workplaces that support physical activity improve employee productivity and morale. In addition a physically active workplace is likely to increase job satisfaction and cut down on absenteeism and stress levels of workers.
The challenge is to re-introduce physical activity into our lives, and the workplace it turns out, is an excellent venue to do this. To combat this re-introduction, 10,000 Steps has developed the 10,000 Steps Challenge for Workplaces which may just add to employee morale as the physical activity challenge offers the opportunity to increase your activity in a team-based environment. The 10,000 Steps Challenge for Workplaces will:
- Increase awareness of physical activity.
- Assist workplaces in encouraging their employees to get active.
- Get you and your employees more active.
Workplaces which take the Challenge form teams to complete ‘virtual’ walking journeys which is tracked using 10,000 Steps pedometer and your very own Journey Map. There are a number of Challenge’s to choose from ranging in length from 3 to 12 weeks.
Companies wanting more information on the 10,000 Steps Challenge should contact the 10,000 Steps Project Office by calling (07) 4930 6751 or emailing 10000steps@cqu.edu.au.
Article provided courtesy of the 10,000 Steps Project
