Workplaces have long been recognised as a key setting for promoting health-enhancing physical activity (HEPA). Recently, an international collaboration of leading experts created a roadmap to maximise the effectiveness of workplace HEPA programs. The Copenhagen Consensus Statements, published in the European Journal for Sport and Society, provide valuable insights and recommendations for organisations committed to fostering healthier, more active workplaces. This blog article provides a summary of the key points from this article.
What is Health Enhancing Physical Activity (HEPA) in the workplace?
HEPA programs in the workplace aim to encourage physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviours among employees through structured and unstructured activities. These programs range from active transport initiatives, like cycling to work, to integrated exercises and active breaks throughout the workday. The term HEPA recognises that the aim is for a “Goldilocks” or just right amount of physical activity exposure to enhance health in this setting: not too much and not too little.
Key Consensus Insights for Success
- Tailor Programs to Employee Needs: Effective programs align with specific roles, occupational demands, and health needs of employees. Sedentary roles may benefit from strategies that involve regular movement and postural breaks to reduce exposure to prolonged sedentary time, while physically demanding jobs might require targeted interventions such as injury prevention and strength training and ensuring sufficient rest breaks.
- Managerial Support is Crucial: Active engagement from managers significantly boosts program uptake and success. Managers should visibly support and participate in programs, fostering an environment where physical activity is both encouraged and normalised.
- Use Multi-Level, Multi-Sector Approaches: Successful initiatives are often multi-layered, involving clear goals and collaboration across different organisational levels and possibly external partners. Considering workplace culture, environment, and broader policy context helps ensure sustainability and effectiveness.
- Build Social Connection and Belonging: Workplace HEPA can significantly enhance community building, collaboration, and social cohesion. Team-based activities, peer support networks, and shared challenges can foster motivation, adherence, and employee wellbeing.
- Consider Employee Privacy and Preferences: Programs must respect boundaries concerning employees’ privacy, personal choices, and work-life separation. Using digital tools like wearables should be approached sensitively to avoid concerns about surveillance or privacy.
Future Research Directions
The Copenhagen Consensus also identified important areas for future research, including:
- Examining long-term impacts and sustainability of workplace HEPA programs.
- Understanding the role of technology and digital platforms in promoting physical activity and reducing sedentary time.
- Addressing socio-cultural differences to ensure equitable participation among diverse employee groups.
Implementing Workplace HEPA: Practical Steps
- Conduct an initial needs assessment tailored to your workplace.
- Engage leadership actively and visibly.
- Design multi-dimensional programs adaptable to various roles and employee groups.
- Regularly evaluate and adapt your approach based on employee feedback and program outcomes.
Workplaces represent a powerful opportunity for improving health through physical activity. By adopting insights from the Copenhagen Consensus, employers can foster healthier, happier, and more productive workplaces and make physical activity an accessible and integral part of our working lives.
How does BeUpstanding align with these consensus statements?
The BeUpstanding program (www.beupstanding.com.au) aligns closely with these recommendations by providing workplaces with practical tools and resources tailored to employee needs, emphasising management involvement, and encouraging multi-level, collaborative approaches. By focusing on reducing sedentary behaviour and fostering sustainable behavioural change, BeUpstanding supports workplaces in achieving these evidence-based goals.
To explore the full Copenhagen Consensus Statements, access the article here.
