Walk More for Workplace Wellness

Date: 31.07.2010

When it comes to solving the increasingly dire problems of obesity and inactivity, there are large, systemic solutions that are being enacted by policymakers and institutions, and then there are small but significant lifestyle changes that anybody can make – baby steps, if you will. Believe it or not, one of the most effective ways to get active and turn the tide on obesity is simply to put one foot in front of the other.

Humans have been walking for millions of years, but rapid technological advances over the last century have meant that growing numbers of us are turning to other forms of transport to get from Point A to Point B – even when the distance separating the two is short enough to be walkable.

According to a recent study undertaken by researchers affiliated with the UK’s National Health Service, fitting walking and other forms of “active travel” into the workday is a great way to boost health, curb obesity, and reduce disease risk.  The study found that employees who rode their bicycle or walked to work were able to reduce their risk of developing cardiovascular disease by 11% in only a few months’ time.

Whether it’s adding incentives and perks for employees who bike or walk to work, encouraging employees to take the stairs more often, or even passing out free pedometers to staff members, employers who encourage active travel  to, from, and within the workplace can boost wellness – and reduce carbon emissions, to boot!