The Business Case for Active Living At Work Insert name of organization

1. The Business Case for Active Living AtWork(Insert name of organization) This presentation has been assembled to facilitate discussion on what your organization could do to make active choices, easy choices for your organization’s employees.This presentation has been assembled to facilitate discussion on what your organization could do to make active choices, easy choices for your organization’s employees.

2. 2 The Business Case for Active Living at Work has been developed jointly by Public Health Agency of Canada and the Canadian Council for Health and Active Living at Work. They have produced an evolving web site that brings available research and anecdotal information to one place so that organizations can use it to evaluate how they could contribute to employee health and organizational effectiveness. The Business Case for Active Living at Work has been developed jointly by Public Health Agency of Canada and the Canadian Council for Health and Active Living at Work. They have produced an evolving web site that brings available research and anecdotal information to one place so that organizations can use it to evaluate how they could contribute to employee health and organizational effectiveness.

3. 3 Physical Inactivity: A Serious Health Issue 56 % of Canadians not active enough to achieve optimal health benefits leaving them at risk for premature death, chronic disease and disability. Physical activity levels increased between 1981 and 1995, but stalled between 1995 and 1997. Canadian Community Health Survey 2003 2003 - Federal, provincial and territorial governments responsible for physical activity, recreation and sport recognize physical inactivity as a serious health issue and set a new national target to increase the physical activity levels of Canadians in each province/territory by 10 percentage points by 2010. It is well recognized that physical inactivity is a serious health issue in Canada. The most recent research provides evidence that much more needs to be done. The Canadian Fitness and Lifestyles Research Institute (CFLRI) underlines the issue. For example: 56% of Canadians are not active enough to achieve optimal health benefits which leaves them at risk for premature death, chronic disease and disability. For more information on the Healthy Living Strategy go to: http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/hl-vs-strat/index.html It is well recognized that physical inactivity is a serious health issue in Canada. The most recent research provides evidence that much more needs to be done. The Canadian Fitness and Lifestyles Research Institute (CFLRI) underlines the issue. For example: 56% of Canadians are not active enough to achieve optimal health benefits which leaves them at risk for premature death, chronic disease and disability. For more information on the Healthy Living Strategy go to: http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/hl-vs-strat/index.html

4. 4 Guide Leads the Way Public Health Agency of Canada and the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology introduced Canada’s Physical Activity Guide to Healthy Active Living as a first step in helping Canadians recognize the importance of physical activity to their health. The Guide is the first-ever set of national guidelines based on tested research and outlines what activities people should pursue and for how long to get maximum health benefits. The Guide recognizes that people do not have a lot of time and suggests ways for people to get active in and around the home, to and from and at the workplace and helps them to understand how they can build physical activity into their daily lives. Public Health Agency of Canada and the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology introduced Canada’s Physical Activity Guide to Healthy Active Living as a first step in helping Canadians recognize the importance of physical activity to their health. The Guide is the first-ever set of national guidelines based on tested research and outlines what activities people should pursue and for how long to get maximum health benefits. The Guide recognizes that people do not have a lot of time and suggests ways for people to get active in and around the home, to and from and at the workplace and helps them to understand how they can build physical activity into their daily lives.

5. 5 Health Risks of Physical Inactivity long-term activity limitations chronic health conditions high blood pressure adult-onset diabetes osteoporosis obesity stroke depression colon cancer premature death heart disease The health risks of physical inactivity are well publicized by researchers, the medical profession and health focused organizations. They include: Long-term activity limitations Chronic health conditions High blood pressure Adult-onset diabetes Osteoporosis Obesity Stroke Depression Colon cancer Premature death Heart disease Experts agree that physical activity improves health and quality of life. The health risks of physical inactivity are well publicized by researchers, the medical profession and health focused organizations. They include: Long-term activity limitations Chronic health conditions High blood pressure Adult-onset diabetes Osteoporosis Obesity Stroke Depression Colon cancer Premature death Heart disease Experts agree that physical activity improves health and quality of life.

6. 6 PHAC Guide Recommends 30-60 minutes of physical activity most days accumulate activities 10 minutes at a time a mix of activities that include endurance, flexibility, strength Canada’s Physical Activity Guide to Healthy Active Living recommends: • 30 - 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity most days of the week • That people can accumulate activity throughout the day in increments of 10 minute duration and that people should build physical activity into their daily routines • That physical activity should include a mix of activities that include: - endurance activities that strengthen the heart and lungs; - flexibility activities that keep joints flexible and mobile; and - strength activities that help to keep the bones strong. Canada’s Physical Activity Guide to Healthy Active Living recommends: • 30 - 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity most days of the week • That people can accumulate activity throughout the day in increments of 10 minute duration and that people should build physical activity into their daily routines • That physical activity should include a mix of activities that include: - endurance activities that strengthen the heart and lungs; - flexibility activities that keep joints flexible and mobile; and - strength activities that help to keep the bones strong.

7. 7 PHAC Suggests

8. 8 Why Active Living at Work? absenteeism costs are in excess of 15 billion dollars a year Buffett Taylor Report 2003 16 million adult Canadians spend half waking hours at work Canadians need help in making active, easy choices stress related illness is on the increase 65% of adults hold strong beliefs that physical activity will reduce stress CFLRI 2002 the environments in which people live, learn, work and play have a significant impact on health Martin Shain, 2000 enabling physical activity can make a difference Most of us agree that physical activity is essential to good health and research tells us that 56% of Canadians not active enough to achieve health benefits. 16 million Canadians spend half their waking hours at work, a majority of them are reporting increases in stress-related illness and many of them cite time as their biggest impediment to becoming more active. It would seem, therefore, that if we want to increase physical activity levels, we need to consider what the workplace could do to help. Workplace wellness is already on the agenda - if we can make a case that workplace wellness cannot be achieved without increasing physical activity levels, then it would make sense that business would consider active living strategies. Research also tells us that the environments in which we live, learn, work and play have a significant impact on our health. “The perceived impact of the work environment on health is higher than any other setting with the exception of the social environment of the school” (Decima, 1993) Most of us agree that physical activity is essential to good health and research tells us that 56% of Canadians not active enough to achieve health benefits. 16 million Canadians spend half their waking hours at work, a majority of them are reporting increases in stress-related illness and many of them cite time as their biggest impediment to becoming more active. It would seem, therefore, that if we want to increase physical activity levels, we need to consider what the workplace could do to help. Workplace wellness is already on the agenda - if we can make a case that workplace wellness cannot be achieved without increasing physical activity levels, then it would make sense that business would consider active living strategies. Research also tells us that the environments in which we live, learn, work and play have a significant impact on our health. “The perceived impact of the work environment on health is higher than any other setting with the exception of the social environment of the school” (Decima, 1993)

9. 9 Benefits of Active Living at Work improved fitness and health improved productivity and morale improved job satisfaction and team spirit reduced stress and back injuries We already know that there are business benefits derived from Active Living at Work strategies, policies and programs. The data that has been accumulated indicates that there are benefits for employers and employees. For the employee these benefits include: - Improved fitness and health - Improved productivity and morale - Improved job satisfaction and team spirit, and - Reduced stress and back injuries We already know that there are business benefits derived from Active Living at Work strategies, policies and programs. The data that has been accumulated indicates that there are benefits for employers and employees. For the employee these benefits include: - Improved fitness and health - Improved productivity and morale - Improved job satisfaction and team spirit, and - Reduced stress and back injuries

10. 10 Benefits of Active Living at Work reduced absenteeism and turnover reduced stress and back injuries reduced workplace injuries reduced worker’s compensation costs reduced claims against group benefit plans improved productivity For employers and their organizations the benefits include: - Reduced absenteeism and turnover - Reduced stress and back injuries - Reduced workplace injuries - Reduced worker’s compensation costs - Reduced claims against group benefit plans - Improved productivity Active Living at Work makes good business sense For employers and their organizations the benefits include: - Reduced absenteeism and turnover - Reduced stress and back injuries - Reduced workplace injuries - Reduced worker’s compensation costs - Reduced claims against group benefit plans - Improved productivity Active Living at Work makes good business sense

11. 11 Supportive Environments encourage active transportation promote stair use end trips facilities (showers, bike racks, etc.) add fitness facilities on site adopt the use of stretch breaks during meetings provide healthy alternatives in the cafeteria introduce flexibility into policies and scheduling Active Transportation, in the first bullet refers to any form of self-generated non-motorized method of transportation (i.e., walking, cycling, in-line skating, etc. to routine destinations such as to and from the workplace). Active Transportation, in the first bullet refers to any form of self-generated non-motorized method of transportation (i.e., walking, cycling, in-line skating, etc. to routine destinations such as to and from the workplace).

12. 12 Why Now? Canadian Mental Health Association estimates that 1 in 5 workers will experience a stress related illness during any given year and depression is rapidly becoming a major health issue Quality of life is high on Canadians’ agenda Population is aging -- benefit costs are on the rise Business is concerned about costs / global competition 70.4% do not offer comprehensive wellness program in the workplace Buffett & Co. Report 2006 Canadians are concerned about health care and personal health issues - Canadians consider these two of the most important issues/priorities facing Canada. Quality of life is also high on the public agenda and it is likely to gain in importance. The population is aging and will become increasingly concerned about health issues and quality of life. Business is concerned about costs and global competitiveness. Ideas that show how to save on the costs of benefits, how to recruit and retain employees, and how to improve morale are becoming increasingly important to employers. People cite the following barriers to physical activity: - Lack of time - Lack of energy - Lack of motivation Active Living at Work can help to break down these barriers.Canadians are concerned about health care and personal health issues - Canadians consider these two of the most important issues/priorities facing Canada. Quality of life is also high on the public agenda and it is likely to gain in importance. The population is aging and will become increasingly concerned about health issues and quality of life. Business is concerned about costs and global competitiveness. Ideas that show how to save on the costs of benefits, how to recruit and retain employees, and how to improve morale are becoming increasingly important to employers. People cite the following barriers to physical activity: - Lack of time - Lack of energy - Lack of motivation Active Living at Work can help to break down these barriers.

13. 13 Barriers MALES lack of time and interest long-term illness lack of energy inadequate access to green space cost safety FEMALES lack of time and interest lack of energy long-term illness, inadequate access to green space cost availability of child care safety CFLRI June 2002

14. 14 Barriers for Organizations inadequate space and facilities lack of funds shortage of time lack of employee interest lack of staff lack of management support lack of awareness of services CFLRI 2004

15. 15 How Physical Activity Can Play a Role in Addressing Management Priorities increasing profitability * attracting and retaining high-caliber employees* expanding number of markets in which they do business growth through mergers and acquisitions increasing productivity* launching new products and services obtaining new capital or financing *directly related to physical activity Angus Reid Group, 1999 A survey of Chief Executive Officers done by Angus Reid in 1999, shows that physical activity could play a role in meeting the priorities of CEOs. Their priority list includes: Increasing profitability Attracting and retaining high-caliber employees Expanding the number of markets in which they do business Growth through mergers and acquisitions Increasing productivity Launching new products and services Obtaining new capital or financing Three of the things on their priority list can be linked to Active Living at Work.A survey of Chief Executive Officers done by Angus Reid in 1999, shows that physical activity could play a role in meeting the priorities of CEOs. Their priority list includes: Increasing profitability Attracting and retaining high-caliber employees Expanding the number of markets in which they do business Growth through mergers and acquisitions Increasing productivity Launching new products and services Obtaining new capital or financing Three of the things on their priority list can be linked to Active Living at Work.

16. 16 Evidence Suggests a Return on Investment for Business As early as the 1970’s a study at Canada Life found a return of $1.95 - $3.75 per employee per dollar spent on corporate wellness programs Shephard et al, 1982 municipal employees in Toronto missed 3.5 fewer days in the first six months of the “Metro Fit” program Municipality Toronto 1995 BC Hydro employees enrolled in the fitness program had a turnover rate of 3.5% compared to company average of 10.3% The Economic Benefits of Regular Exercise, IHRSA 1996 In a separate study Canada Life found that turnover rate for fitness program participants was 32.4% lower than average over 7 years Leatt et al, 1988

17. 17 Low Cost Solutions initiate department stretch breaks make stair climbing accessible and post highly visible signs incorporate walking meetings into schedules mark distances on walking trails near the workplace introduce flex time encourage and support employees to actively commute to and from their workplace promote information about physical activity in newsletters, on bulletin boards or through targeted company e-mails participate in national events such as Commuter Challenge, WinterActive, SummerActive, Healthy Workplace Week, Terry Fox Run, etc. organize lunch-time activities such as volleyball, tai chi, yoga, group walk, etc.

18. 18 Principles of Successful Program Design management commitment clear goals and objectives employee participation in the planning process integration across the organization supportive environment regular evaluation and reporting Program design is an important element that contributes to the success or failure of Active Living at Work strategies. The design principles that result in success have been identified as - management commitment - clear purpose and objectives - employee participation in the planning process - integration across the organization supportive environments regular evaluation and reporting These are parallel to almost every set of management of change principles. Program design is an important element that contributes to the success or failure of Active Living at Work strategies. The design principles that result in success have been identified as - management commitment - clear purpose and objectives - employee participation in the planning process - integration across the organization supportive environments regular evaluation and reporting These are parallel to almost every set of management of change principles.

19. 19 Program Components employee physical activity opportunities Supportive health promotion activities Providing opportunities for employees to participate in active living programs. Employee active living - which includes assistance with the assessment of fitness levels and assistance in developing corrective action plans as necessary; and Supportive health promotion activities - that is education and information about the benefits of healthy living. The goal is to make active living decisions, easy choices, for employees during their work day. For example, employers can provide bike racks and shower facilities for active commuting; they can encourage people to take the stairs instead of the elevator; and they can provide health information and seminars to educate employees. Providing opportunities for employees to participate in active living programs. Employee active living - which includes assistance with the assessment of fitness levels and assistance in developing corrective action plans as necessary; and Supportive health promotion activities - that is education and information about the benefits of healthy living. The goal is to make active living decisions, easy choices, for employees during their work day. For example, employers can provide bike racks and shower facilities for active commuting; they can encourage people to take the stairs instead of the elevator; and they can provide health information and seminars to educate employees.

20. 20 Considerations in Successful Program Design determine the interests and current physical activity of employees consider the available budget identify the availability and operating costs of facilities/equipment on site or near the work site investigate opportunities for partnering with available community resources Continued…

21. 21 Considerations Continued consider the feasibility of contract consultants versus in-house fitness/nutrition professionals invest in showers, change rooms, workout rooms and bike racks look at ways of including family members of employees identify relevant safety issues

22. 22 Ready to Take Action For more information on setting up your workplace program please check out the following sites: www.activelivingatwork.com www.cchalw-ccsvat.com

23. 23 The data makes a compelling case for active living at work. The data makes a compelling case for active living at work.