Physical inactivity poses a significant health risk for Ontarians and this risk is transferred to workplaces as fifteen million Canadians spend one-half of their waking hours at work.  According to the Alberta Centre for Active Living:

• People generally work longer hours.
• It is now common for both parents to have jobs outside the home, creating more work and home conflicts.
  Many employees hold down more than one part-time job.
• Jobs are significantly more inactive-many employees are sedentary for long periods of time (e.g. sitting in front of computers, answering phones, driving).
• Many employees have limited leisure time during the work week.

These changes in the nature of work contribute to inactive lifestyles, stress and alarmingly high rates of preventable diseases.

Outlined in this section, are several recommended initiatives that workplaces may use to support employees to be more active. Workplaces are encouraged to select which physical activity initiative will best meet the needs of their particular setting.

In this section you will find:

• Why Promote Physical Activity in Your Workplace?
• List of Physical Activities to Try
• Business Case for Active Living at Work Tool Summary   - or -   Business Case Pamphlet   - or -   MS Business Case Powerpoint Presentation (186 KB)
• Canada’s Physical Activity Guide for Healthy Active Living
• 10,000 Steps Challenge - Tool Summary    - or -    Idea Sheet   - or -   Step Recording Poster
• Workplace Physical Activity Framework
• Additional Physical Activity Initiatives
• Recommended Physical Activity Websites
• Reference

One great resource in Haldimand-Norfolk is the Health Unit. For more information please contact the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit at 519-426-6170/905-318-6623 (free from 905).