Walking Our Way to a Healthy Workplace

Walking Our Way to a Healthy Workplace . Sickness, disease, and stress cause major problems in the workplace. According to the CDC,

• In 2015, 50% of adults aged 18 years or older did not meet recommendations for aerobic physical activity. In addition, 79% did not meet recommendations for both aerobic and muscle-strengthening physical activity.
• More than 1 in 3 adults (about 92.1 million) have at least one type of cardiovascular disease. About 90% of Americans aged 2 years or older consume too much sodium, which can increase their risk of high blood pressure.
• In 2015, 50% of adults aged 18 years or older did not meet recommendations for aerobic physical activity. In addition, 79% did not meet recommendations for both aerobic and muscle-strengthening physical activity.
• More than 1 in 3 adults (about 92.1 million) have at least one type of cardiovascular disease. About 90% of Americans aged 2 years or older consume too much sodium, which can increase their risk of high blood pressure. CDC Report

Mental health and stress is also very costly to employers. Job stress carries a price tag for U.S. industry estimated at over $300 billion annually as a result of:

• Accidents
• Absenteeism
• Employee turnover
• Diminished productivity
• Direct medical, legal, and insurance costs
• Workers’ compensation awards as well as tort and FELA judgments Workplace stress

Workplace wellness programs have been taking off across the country and have been showing positive results. Healthier employees have a positive impact on businesses as a whole. Workplace wellness programs have shown to build staff relationships, increase productivity, decrease absenteeism, and lower insurance costs. Benefits of Workplace WellnessThese programs also benefit employees. By supporting employees in their health pursuits, one can positively affect job satisfaction, retention, and recruitment. Regular exercise among employees also lowers their risks of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, obesity, musculoskeletal problems, and even some cancers. Workplace Physical Activity

So, why, with all the possibilities, should companies support a walking break for employee wellness? Walking is an excellent way for all people to get into better health. According to the American Heart Association, walking has many benefits for the health of all people.

Walking can,

• Reduce your risk of coronary heart disease and stroke
• Improve your blood pressure, blood sugar levels and blood lipid profile
• Maintain your body weight and lower the risk of obesity
• Enhance your mental well-being
• Reduce your risk of osteoporosis
• Reduce your risk of breast and colon cancer
• Reduce your risk of non-insulin dependent (type 2) diabetes American Heart Association

Walking is an easy way for employers to encourage employees to get active. By providing incentives and two, fifteen minute breaks a day to encourage walking, employers can reap many benefits. Encouraging walking can increase employee productivity, decrease health care costs, and increase the life span of employees. If we all work together, we can walk our way to a healthier workplace.