Workplace Physical Activity and Well-being
To encourage employers to have an appropriate corporate health and well-being programme available for their staff at their workplaces. The benefits to the employer of implementing a successful workplace health and well-being program cannot be undervalued.
PURPOSE
Over 10 million Sri Lankans spend an average of 8 hours per day in their workplaces. We recognise that initiatives targeted at the workplace, provide a unique opportunity to access a large portion of the adult population (in particular high risk groups), achieve improved physical activity levels and health outcomes, provide participation and lifestyle change opportunities in a supportive environment and ultimately, enhance the quality of life of Sri Lankans.
KEY FACTORS
There has been significant increases in the prevalence of obesity, physical inactivity and lifestyle disease in Sri Lanka and worldwide. Over the past 50 years, the nature of work and the work-life balance have changed. Today’s working environment contributes to inactive lifestyles and high levels of stress. The workplace is a key setting to promote and enhance the health and well-being of Sri Lankans, while improving the wellness of workers is a vital social and economic priority.
Effective workplace health programmes have been shown to improve the health and well-being of employees and facilitate organisational changes such as reduced absenteeism and increased productivity.
Further benefits include,
- Increased worker morale and engagement
- Increased team cohesion
- Improved corporate and recruitment image
- Increased job satisfaction
- Decrease in workplace injuries and associated expenses.
IMPLEMENTATION
Workplaces require comprehensive, integrated approach to health promotion in the workplace, that enhances the workplace culture and environment, and is supported by strong leadership and vision. In today’s workplaces, in order to promote and improve health and well-being, the focus should be on the individual, the workplace environment and the people management practices of the organisation.
When implementing a workplace health and well-being program one should;
- Ensure senior and middle management are committed to the programme,
- Integrate the programme with the organisation’s goals and policies,
- Consult with staff for programme planning,
- Promote safe environments,
- Provide participation opportunities and activity sessions.
Implementing workplace health and well-being programmes can be easy and inexpensive.
Examples include;
- Physical health – organized walks at lunchtime, promoting active travel to meetings and implementing healthy eating policies and food choices,
- Mental health – Tai Chi or Qi Gong, reflexology and meditation,
- Educational workshops – exercise and nutrition, mental health, equity and diversity management, resilience and stress management.
WHAT IS TAI CHI?
Tai Chi is a type of martial arts very well known for it’s defence techniques and health benefits. The martial art has evolved over the years into an effective means of alleviating stress and anxiety. It has been considered to be a form of “meditation in motion” which promotes serenity and inner peace.
WHERE DID TAI CHI ORIGINATE?
Tai Chi which originated in China as a martial art.
WHAT IS THE MEANING OF TAI CHI?
Although Tai Chi was originally a martial art it is mainly practiced today as an excellent form of exercise with many health benefits. The word Tai Chi Chuan mean supreme ultimate boxing, used as an exercise for health it would loosely translate as supreme ultimate exercise or skills. They involve certain postures and gentle movements with mental focus, breathing, and relaxation. It is sometimes referred to as “moving meditation” – practitioners move their bodies slowly, gently, and with awareness, while breathing deeply.
WHAT’S THE BOTTOM LINE?
Practising Tai Chi may help improve balance, stability and reasoning ability in older people and in those with Parkinson’s disease, reduce chronic neck pain, back pain and pain from knee osteoarthritis, and improve quality of life in people with heart disease, cancer and other chronic illnesses. Tai Chi may ease fibromyalgia pain and promote general quality of life.
Tai Chi appear to be safe practices, but it’s advisable to talk with your healthcare providers before beginning any exercise programme.