A CHARITY is urging Scottish businesses to start the new decade by getting the country’s workforce moving.
National walking charity Paths for All believes employers should act now to help staff be healthier and happier by signing up for its Walk at Work Award.
Aimed at reversing the trend of inactive workplaces, the accreditation supports businesses in tackling issues of staff wellbeing and corporate carbon footprint, while enhancing productivity.
Employers receive one-to-one support on how to create a walking culture at work as well as examples of best practice and where to find extra help and resources.
More than 20 workplaces have already earned the Walk at Work Award, with 42 more now working towards it.
Ian Findlay of Paths for All, said: “The workplace is where the majority of us spend a great deal of our time, so it’s incredibly important that staff wellbeing is at the forefront of any employer’s mind.
“The benefits of walking for mental health can’t be denied. Research has shown that physical activity helps to reduce anxiety and depression, and alleviate negative moods. It improves self-esteem and cognitive function – those who are active during their working day are more productive, take fewer sick days, and are more focused.
“Taking part in group activities also benefits social health, helping us to connect and build meaningful relationships with colleagues.
“On top of that, it is becoming increasingly difficult for companies to ignore the rising concerns and need for action around climate change. They have a growing responsibility to reduce their carbon footprint and introduce policies which put the environment at the centre of their business activities.”
Launched in November 2018, the Walk at Work award has proved popular with businesses from a wide range of sectors including private sector businesses, local authorities, charities, higher education colleges and universities, national parks and leisure centres.
Standing desks, lunch time walks, organised litter picks, encouraging staff to take breaks away from their desks and providing information on routes around the workplace are just some of the activities and adaptations implemented by companies to meet the accreditation criteria.
The companies taking part include large-scale organisations such as Queen Margaret University, the Scottish Ambulance Service, NHS Highlands, and Jacobs UK.
Bruce Laing, deputy director of Estates and Commercial at Queen Margaret University, said: “At QMU, we have seen many positive benefits in engaging our staff and students to participate in physical activity during their working day – it underlines the need for us all to take a proactive approach and think differently about our choices.”
Paths for All works with Scottish Government and 30 partners to support and deliver national
policies, such as the National Walking Strategy.
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