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Employers urged to inspire healthy workforce

28/05/2008

Employers should encourage their members of staff to be physically active, according to new guidance issued today.

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (Nice) says employers in all organisations should attempt to improve health in the workplace.

It recommends that employers encourage employees to walk, cycle or use another mode of transport involving physical activity to travel part or all of the way to and from work.

Employees should be helped to be physically active during the working day, the guidance adds, for example by providing information about walking or cycling routes or putting up signs to encourage staff to use the stairs.

As well as benefitting employees' health, a more active workforce can also improve productivity.

Physical inactivity in England costs an estimated £8.2 billion each year - this includes the direct costs of treating diseases linked to lack of activity and the indirect costs caused through sickness absence.

Dr Matt Kearney, a GP and member of the public health interventions advisory committee at Nice, said: "Physically active employees are less likely to suffer from major health problems, less likely to take sickness leave and less likely to have an accident at work.

"These recommendations aim to help employers make it easier for staff to be active, and so contribute towards a healthier workplace."

He added: "The guidance will help improve employees' activity levels and reduce the time and money lost due to sickness absence. This guidance is good news for employers and employees alike."