Keeping office workers moving in a healthy direction

OFFICE workers in the health service are to be encouraged to spend more time on the move through a joint initiative launched by health promotion charity Active Cheshire and NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups across the county
In a move that builds on the existing workforce wellbeing priorities of the Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs), the partnership will identify and implement new ways of encouraging colleagues to increase levels of activity throughout the day.
The “Active Workplace Pledge” aims to combat the major societal challenges posed by sedentary lifestyles.
Evidence shows that those in office-based professions spend as much as 75 per cent of their waking hours sitting down.
The CCGs and Active Cheshire want to ensure that local working practices and environments help integrate activity – which could involve anything from walking or standing meetings, to colleagues supporting each other to complete challenges.
The options are infinite and will include a range of easy to implement ideas to suit a range of lifestyles and challenges.
CCG spokesperson Clare Watson said: “We have always valued the health and wellbeing of our workforce, and taking the Active Workplace Pledge will provide real focus and direction in supporting the health and wellbeing of our teams in a positive and inclusive way that will ultimately support our organisational objectives.”
Active Cheshire chief executive officer Anne Boyd (pictured) said: “It’s fantastic to see the local NHS take such a step towards bettering the lives of their employees, and importantly, recognising the impact that can have on organisational performance.
“We are very excited about this partnership and the prospect of working together to support those that work so hard to make sure that the people of Cheshire get the healthcare that they need.
The Active Workplace Pledge will see the partnership grow throughout 2019, with colleagues across Cheshire having the opportunity to influence, inform, and benefit in a range of ways.
Throughout February the Cheshire CCGs will be working with Active Cheshire to develop their Active Workplace Plan to ensure a healthy start to the year.