Sport in the Workplace
Get into Sport and Physical Activity at work
The benefits of a healthy workforce
Many people spend a great deal of time at work, making the workplace an important place for advice, guidance and access to healthy lifestyle opportunities. Employers who promote physical activity report the following effects on their workforce:
- Improved health
- A positive impact on stress, back pain and mental health
- Increased productivity
- Lower rates of absenteeism and quicker return to work after illness
- Fewer injuries in the workplace
- Greater staff retention
- Improvements in communications, morale and working atmosphere
- A positive corporate image.
To stay healthy and productive employees should aim to get 30 minutes of activity into each working day.
- Increasing our activity levels can help to protect against coronary heart disease, stroke, obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), colorectal (bowel) cancer, stress, anxiety, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and low back pain.
- Physical activity helps people to manage stress, back pain, weight and medical conditions.
- Active people fall ill less often and recover more quickly when they do get ill.
- Employees who participate in workplace physical activities have reported greater enjoyment of their work, increased concentration and mental alertness and improved co-operation and rapport with colleagues.
What's happening in the Tees Valley
The Tees Valley Lasting Legacy Plan was launched in August 2010 and is aimed at increasing participation in sport, physical activity and cultural activities across the Tees Valley. The Lasting Legacy will harness the unique opportunity provided by the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games to promote grass roots community sport and physical activity, nurture talent and support our volunteer base.
Sport and physical activity can play a major contribution in improving health and reducing the risk of many diseases and ailments. We are working with a number of national governing bodies of sport, local authority partners, leisure trusts and community sector organisations to promote opportunities for your company to develop sport and physical activity for employees.
How can your employer get involved?
Are you a health advocate in your workplace or would you like to encourage your company to put on more sport and physical activity for employees. Please click on the sport to find out more about the sport and physical activity opportunities available.
The North East 'Better Health at Work' award encourages businesses to make a contribution to improving the health and wellbeing of their staff and the award is open to any business with more than 5 workers. Is your company interested in the North East Better Health at Work Awards? Please contact your local Workplace Health Lead Officer, click here for contact details. You will receive support and guidance through NHS Workforce Officers and it is a great start if you would like to see more sport and physical activity at your workplace. Please click on the options below for more information.
BadmintonMiddlesbrough Football in the CommunitySwimmingWalking