Have you factored health into your company’s budget?
As the new financial year looms, businesses consider exercise to help boost productivity
10 June 2013
They say your health is your greatest wealth.
As businesses around Australia start to finalise their budgets for the 2013-14 financial year, Exercise is Medicine (EIM) Australia has urged all Senior Management and Human Resources Managers to factor workplace health into their finances.
Exercise is Medicine Chair Chris Tzar said investing in work place health is proven to improve productivity.
“Research shows that engaging in workplace health programs result in a 25 per cent reduction in sick leave, a 40 per cent decrease in workers compensation costs and a 24 per cent decrease in disability management costs,” Mr Tzar said.
“This means for every $1 invested in employee health, your company saves on average $5.81.*”
“Other benefits include improved employee engagement and morale, increased concentration, improved team relationships, reduced stress levels and an improved corporate image.”
To help employers promote and support physical activity in the workplace, EIM Australia in partnership with the Healthier Australia Commitment has released “Physical Activity in the Workplace: A Guide” and the “Be Active at Work Survey” employee program.
“These tools can be used across all industries and company sizes to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment and evaluate progress” Mr Tzar said.
“The Guide gives recommendations on how to reduce sitting time at work, tips on promoting active modes of transport for employees and getting your workplace involved in community physical activity events. The innovative Be Active at Work survey is very time and user-friendly, providing instant and personalised feedback for the employee and in depth data for the employer to measure outcomes and success.”
“Studies show that low cardio fitness contributes to more deaths than obesity, smoking and diabetes combined, so as an employer you are really doing both yourself and your employees a favour by helping them become more active in the workplace.”
Find out more about the survey and costs involved at http://exerciseismedicine.org.au/active-workplaces. ‘Physical Activity in the Workplace: A Guide’ is available for free download from the EIM website http://exerciseismedicine.org.au/active-workplaces and hard copies can be ordered from the Exercise and Sports Science Australia’s Shop www.essa.org.au.
Workplaces interested in the Guide and Survey can contact Jenny Shaw, Project Officer at Exercise is Medicine Australia by phone on (07) 3862 4122 or email at Jennifer.shaw@essa.org.au .
Ends.
For further media information, please contact Maya from Fresh PR & Marketing on 0410 109 102 or email maya@freshprm.com.au.
*Health and Productivity Institute of Australia, 2010
** Blair, S. 2010
Official Media Spokespersons for this release:
Anita Hobson-Powell
Executive Officer
Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA)
327 Sandgate Road, Albion, QLD 41010
Anita.Hobson-Powell@essa.org.au
Tel: 07 3862 4122
M: 0400 519 800
For further media information, please contact Maya from Fresh PR & Marketing on 0410 109 102 or email maya@freshprm.com.au.
[nggallery id=51]
