Each year 140 million working days are lost to sickness absence in the UK, costing UK businesses an estimated £29 billion. Presenteeism – attending work while sick – is valued at an average cost to employers of £605 per employee per year, due to reduced productivity.
An active, healthy workforce means a happy, healthy business. It means increased productivity; lower rates of early retirement due to ill health; reduced absenteeism and quick return to work after illness; fewer workplace injuries; greater staff retention; engaged employees; reduced costs to train new staff; improvements in communications; a more positive corporate image.
On average, we spend 60% of our waking hours at work and most of this time is spent sitting. Being inactive is the 4th leading risk factor for global mortality. However, just 150 minutes of activity a week, or 20-30 minutes every day, is all that is needed to improve a person’s overall health and wellbeing. Being active has many positive effects on work performance, but it can also improve motivation, energy and stress levels.
Active Kent & Medway’s programme of support is available for local businesses to help create an active, healthy workforce.
Michelle Bird
Health and Wellbeing Officer
- Tel: 03000 417422
- Email: michelle.bird@kent.gov.uk
"I love to keep active by walking, hiking or cycling in the countryside or by the coast, just taking in the beauty of nature and catching up with friends."