Fat Chance - A Workplace Activity Programme
22nd August 2007
The Fitness Industry Association (FIA)* has received funding from the Scottish Executive to pilot the Active at Work programme across 12 sites of official socio-economic deprivation in Scotland. The FIA is currently recruiting businesses to participate.
The Scottish launch of Active at Work, is part of an extension pilot involving London and the East region in England. Implemented by the FIA, the free 12-week programme comprises sessions in the workplace, as well as in a gym with trained professionals and includes a three-month membership at the participating health club or leisure centre, to help make physical activity an integral part of employees' lives. Nutritional advice is also
embedded in the programme.
Frightening Facts
In Scotland 65.4% of men and 59.7% of women are now either overweight or obese (Scottish Executive, 2005)
The UK is getting fatter and if current obesity trends continue, one in four people will not fit into a standard office chair by 2010 (British Heart Foundation)
If 70% of the population exercised for 150 minutes or more a week, then the annual savings to employers would be almost £500m by cutting sick days by almost 3m (Deloitte, Health of the Nation report, 2006)
According to the CBI, minor illness is the greatest cause of absence, with long-term absence accounting for one third of days lost
Of the two million people who suffered work-related ill-health, three quarters were musculoskeletal disorders or stress related conditions (Health & Safety Commission)
Stress results in the loss of over 90 million work days every year and obesity almost 20 million. That puts the bill for ill-health related lost production at almost £10 billion a year
Scotland has a number of areas (defined by the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation) called 'Keep Well' areas which receive focused support from health interventions because of their high levels of deprivation. The Active at Work pilot is part of a three year plan which targets these key areas in a bid to get the population more active and healthy. Active at Work will contribute towards their focus on work place health and activity. Target areas include: Greater Glasgow; North Lanarkshire; Edinburgh and the city of
Dundee.
Active at Work, developed by the Fitness Industry Association (FIA), promotes physical activity in the workplace. Funded by Sport England, the programme links FIA registered health clubs and leisure centres with local businesses. The 12-week programme is designed to encourage participants to be more active and lead healthier lifestyles. Developed specifically for people who are relatively inactive, Active at Work provides easy access to facilities and qualified instructors.
The Problem
Illness caused by lack of exercise has a direct impact on the economy - days lost through sickness as well as the impact on the NHS.
Almost 35% of interviewees cited work commitments as a major deterrent to exercising.
(Deloitte, Health of the Nation, 2006)
The Solution
If 70% of the population exercised for 150 minutes or more a week, then the annual savings to employers would be almost £500m by cutting sick days by almost 3m (Deloitte, Health of the Nation report, 2006)·Organisations with a healthy workforce benefit from improved morale, reduced absenteeism, increased retention and increased productivity which makes good business sense ('Choosing Health' the Government White Paper on Public Health, 2005)
The Programme
Up to 30 employees from a local business:
Have access to an FIA health club/leisure centre and qualified instructor
Receive three months membership to the health club/leisure centre
Receive dedicated advice from the instructor on physical activity and healthy lifestyle choices
Benefit from an integrated programme comprising health screening and wellness management advice as well as information on nutrition and smoking cessation
The participants are evaluated at key milestones during the course of the programme.
All participants (employers, employees and clubs/centres) receive dedicated programme support packs containing advice, templates and procedures.
Key to the Active at Work programme is the employer's support and recognition that encouraging their time starved employees to lead more healthy lifestyles does have a beneficial impact on the workplace - in terms of reduction in sick days, as well as an increase in productivity.
"The instructors have been very enthusiastic and have helped to motivate and guide me in getting the most out of my busy work, family and leisure life." (Employee, Braintree District Council employee)
The Facts
Top line findings from the Active at Work participants' surveys:
Almost 90% made positive changes to their lifestyle i.e. became more active, drank less alcohol, smoked less and ate more healthily
80% felt healthier and more active
Almost 50% of participants felt they were more productive at work as a result of Active at Work
90% of participants claimed that they would continue to be more active, more often
64% of participants acknowledged that the programme and access to professional instructors and gyms were the biggest motivators to sustain their involvement in physical activity and helped them review and change their lifestyle.
"It gave me the opportunity to go to a gym, and opened my eyes to how to get healthier whilst having fun. I'm now motivated to exercise regularly." (Employee, Premier Foods, Food Manufacturer)
Top 10 benefits to employers of a healthy workforce:
1.
Increased employee productivity
2.
Reduced absence
3.
Lower costs associated with ill-health
4.
Decreased voluntary staff turnover
5.
Greater employee engagement/morale
6.
Improved perceptions and positioning as employer of choice
7.
Lower insurance premiums
8.
Reduced long-term disability and ill-health retirement
9.
Alleviated anxiety and depression
10.
Reduced risk of developing life threatening diseases such as heart disease, colon cancer, Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure
Issued by Fitness Industry Association http://www.fia.org.uk
