The results of a recently released study by the Heart Foundation has revealed more than half of Australia’s workers do not do enough exercise to be healthy. A quarter said they do not do any physical activity at all. The Heart Foundation survey also showed that while many Australian workers know they are not getting enough exercise, most would rather stay at their desk than getting up and doing something about it. Nearly half in the survey said they do not enjoy exercise, and a third wants to see immediate results for their efforts. According to the Heart Foundation, many nine-to-fivers are now more sedentary than ever but are unwilling to change their behaviour despite the risks.
This is not only detrimental to the health of the individual, but unhealthy workers affect a company’s bottom line. As you would expect, unhealthy people take more sick days, are more injury prone and don’t cope with work pressure as well as a healthy person. Contrary to what most corporate health companies would have you believe, it doesn’t mean a business has to throw a big chunk of money at the problem to fix it. A conservative, targeted health intervention can be extremely effective at making a difference on an individual and organisational level.
Exercise Physiologists are perfectly positioned to lead a worker health interventions in small to medium sized businesses. Our skill set encompasses the scope of positive health behaviour changes and allows us to implement programs focused on increasing physical activity or injury prevention, fatigue management, stress management and adequate nutrition. Call us today to find out more about what we do.
