In this blog from ukactive Strategic Partner, CSSC, Richard Hemley – the organisation’s creative copywriter – explains the importance of building workplace wellbeing and activity into schedules and why it is so important over the winter period.
We spend so much time either at work or travelling to and from work, it’s no wonder that many of the barriers that people regularly offer as reasons they aren’t more active, include ‘a lack of time’, ‘having no energy’ or there being ‘minimal opportunities’.
Throw into the mix the darker evenings and colder weather of autumn and winter, and you have ensured people are far less likely to stay active and mobile, perhaps when they need it most. This is having a negative impact on people’s heath, wellbeing and work/life balance, which in turn is resulting in escalating health issues, causing more absence, less collaboration and decreasing output.
To combat this, more and more institutions are embracing the concept of wellbeing in the workplace and reporting the benefits of energising their employees with well managed and carefully delivered wellbeing strategies.
Maximising your health and wellbeing: what can be done?
There are many simple yet practical steps you can take to look after your health and wellbeing at work to protect what matters most.
Put your lunch to good use – firstly, it may sound obvious, but make sure you have a lunch! We don’t always make time for ourselves, but this should ideally be a full hour or half hour with some time reserved for a walk outside after eating. If that’s not feasible, try to make sure you take a break from a screen or workplace to clear the mind and reset.
Move meetings – we don’t mean put them off, but where possible, why not dial in to online meetings from your mobile and walk while you listen or talk? With the move to attending more virtual meetings, ask yourself how vital is it you attend, and do you need to be at a computer taking notes? Or could you steal that time back to get some fresh air?
Make it work for you – Find a gym, leisure centre, spa or fitness studio that works for you. Perhaps one that stays open late, offers single sex spaces, turn up and pay options, close to work or one which provides complimentary classes, so you don’t need to find separate studios for weights, Pilates, swimming or playing sports. There is a huge variety of options to choose from, suitable for every price point, schedule or specific need.
Share your journey – exercise can be much more motivating when you enjoy it and studies show that working out, staying active or playing sport with others, leads to longer spells of activity, greater participation and more enjoyment. So, why not explore communities in your workplace to share your passions, by getting a sports team together, booking a spare meeting room for a fitness class or organising a lunchtime litter pick?
Active Wellbeing 2024 – 1-28 February
For six years, CSSC have worked in partnership with the Government People Group to deliver a month-long health and wellbeing initiative, Active Wellbeing. Specifically designed to encourage all members of the civil service and public sector to increase their activity levels, Active Wellbeing provides the tools, tips, techniques, experience and funding to motivate people to try something different, explore new communities and get more active.
This year, we hope to encourage those colleagues who are particularly less active, by removing the barriers that many of us face when trying to move more. Whether that by physical, emotional, cultural or financial barriers.
To learn more about CSSC and Active Wellbeing Week 2024 click here.
CSSC is a member of the ukactive Strategic Partner Group – find out more here.
Disclaimer: Any views or opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of ukactive.
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