Workplace wellness: get moving at work

Did you know that more than half of Flemish employees don't move enough?

Stretching your legs during work hours gives you a fresh boost of energy and productivity. Had you heard of active working before? No?! No worries, read all about it below.

What is active working?

Active working was introduced by the Flemish Institute for Healthy Living and aims to motivate employees to limit long periods of sitting and stand up regularly.

The benefits of moving enough

Standing up for just a moment every half hour has a positive impact on physical health: it speeds up fat burning, protects the body against cardiovascular disease and diabetes, and lowers the risk of back complaints. It also boosts mental energy, leading to better focus and more productive working hours.

If you sit still for long stretches, your body's metabolism slows right down. Think of it a bit like when you sleep and your body goes into rest mode.

Research shows that 79% of employees who tried active working found it genuinely doable in the workplace.

Tips for moving more

Here's a series of simple tips to bring more movement into your daily routine:

• Set a timer that reminds you every 30 minutes to stand up for a moment.
• Phone ringing? Stand up and walk around a bit while you take the call.
• Need to print something? Choose a printer tucked away in a far corner of the office.
• Take the stairs instead of the lift.
• Cut down on emails and walk over to your colleague more often instead.
• Fit in a few quick exercises here and there: 10 squats, 10 lunges…
• Hold short meetings standing up.
• Work standing up at a standing desk at certain times.

Above all, look for balance: alternate sitting with moving around regularly, but don't stand exclusively either. If you do, you'll start slouching, which increases the risk of back and neck complaints.

Join in!

Convince your colleagues, be the person who champions active working in the workplace! The video clip below from the Flemish Institute for Healthy Living will help you win them over. Good luck!

Are you in?