Fit Facts

• The workplace is an important venue for physical activity and fitness promotion because more than 15 million Canadians are in the labour force, employed either on a full- or part-time basis.^{1, 2}
• The majority of adults spend over half their waking hours (10.5) at, and commuting to and from, work.³
• The workplace is an appealing venue for physical activity and fitness promotion because of the convenience, familiarity, peer support, flexibility, and reduced expense to employees.⁴
• There is evidence that wellness programs in the workplace improve productivity, enhance job satisfaction, reduce sick leave/absenteeism, job stress, injuries and workers' compensation claims, and lower turnover.^{1, 5}
• Wellness programs are also linked to improved employee morale, increased employee loyalty, reduced organizational friction, and better employee decision-making.⁴
• To increase activity levels and reduce the risk of muscle- and bone-related disorders, the implementation of an activity program in the worksite is recommended.⁶
• Participation in worksite fitness and exercise programs can enhance health-related physical fitness (eg. favorable changes in body mass, aerobic fitness, muscle strength, flexibility, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels) and reduce risk-taking behaviors.⁷
• Individual, face-to-face counseling on physical activity, fitness, and health at the worksite positively affects activity levels and some components of health-related physical fitness.⁸
• Participants of worksite nutrition and cholesterol programs benefit in the short-term.⁹
• 73% of companies with more than 100 employees offer sport and recreation opportunities.¹⁰
• 39% of companies with more than 100 employees have some form of fitness program.¹⁰
• In 2002, an average of 7.3 workdays among full-time employees were lost as a result of illness and disability.¹¹
• Back pain is a major source of lost work time and is related to a stressful work environment.¹²
• Back pain is one of the most common medical problems. Approximately 35% of all Workers' Compensation claims are related to back injuries.¹
• Back pain is often caused by poor posture and body mechanics in the workplace.¹³
• For more fit facts visit Canada's Physical Activity Guide website.¹⁴