Benefits of Workplace PA for the employer and employee:

Participants in physical activity programs report:

• Improved mental concentration, stamina, reaction time and memory;
• Being more alert;
• Experiencing a better rapport with co-workers;
• Enjoying work more than non-participants;
• Greater satisfaction;
• Improved performance.

Workplace physical activity initiatives are a good investment as employees’ health is directly related to the costs of sick leave and absenteeism. 

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What can a workplace do to promote physical activity?

There are many ways in which organisations can promote physical activity, some of which are very easy and inexpensive to implement.  These include:

• Displaying motivational or informative posters, signage or brochures about the benefits of physical activity and some tips on getting active; (link to Workplace PA promotional resources)
• Promoting and encouraging employees to use the stairs.  Use the ‘footprint’ stickers to guide people toward the stairs rather than walking straight to the lift; (link to Workplace PA promotional resources)
• Promote ‘walking meetings’, lunch-time walks and 5-10 minute walk breaks during the day (you’ll return a lot more alert!)
• Providing bicycle racks or alternative secure bicycle storage to encourage people to cycle to work;
• Providing information on local opportunities for physical activity;
• Publicising physical activity opportunities through email, company intranet or websites, links to the be active website, noticeboards and newsletters;
• Purchasing corporate memberships of local fitness centres.  Some local fitness centres offer attractive corporate packages which allow employees reduced membership rates;
• Providing on-site facilities such as gyms (this may be an option for large employers);
• Providing showers, change room facilities and lockers for those who wish to cycle, walk or jog to work or participate in more vigorous activities in and around the working day;
• Supporting sports and physical activity clubs such as social football and netball teams, and walking and jogging groups; and

• Encouraging employees to form corporate teams for events such as Corporate Cup, the be active tour and the Masters Games.

Download the Workplace Physical Activity Resource Kit here

Download a copy of the presentation presented at the Business SA Conference 2008: To view the notes for each slide you will need to save a copy to your computer

Checklist of Activity Promotion Environments at Worksite (CAPEW): A checklist designed to assess the characteristics of worksite environments that are known to influence health behaviours relating to physical activity.

be active Employee Survey: A survey designed to gauge staff willingness to take part in workplace physical activity. It helps determine:staff attitudes towards physical activity, barriers and enablers to opportunities to be active at work, activities of interest and current physical activity levels.

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Workplace Physical Activity promotional resources

If you would like to order any promotional items to promote physical activity in your workplace, complete the order form on the merchandise page and email it to beactive@saugov.sa.gov.au 

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