IBEC wants workers to exercise
Research shows 75% of employers believe their workplace does not encourage physical activity during or outside working hours.
IBEC is to promote a Workplace Wellbeing Programme developed by the Nutrition and Health Foundation (NHF) that provides structured and effective solutions to the problems faced by workers.
More than half of 1,200 people who took part in the TNS/MRBI survey said if their employer offered a healthy lifestyle programme they would participate in it.
The national consumer survey commissioned by the NHF, which is funded by the food and drink industry, found almost half of Irish people believe we are less healthy than 20 years ago, with 60% blaming lack of time or motivation to adopt healthier lifestyles.
But just 5% were concerned about being overweight or obese and the same percentage worried about getting enough exercise, despite a sharp decline in the number of people meeting minimum physical exercise recommendations and a sharp increase in the number of overweight and obese individuals.
NHF manager Dr Louise Sullivan said the programme provided structured, effective and easily accessible nutrition, exercise and sports initiatives for implementation through companies.
“The modern consumer leads an extremely busy life, with longer working hours and commuting times leaving less and less time for engaging in physical activity or cooking the traditional family meal.
“Our ultimate aim is that all employers will use the programme to promote healthy lifestyles in the workplace. The more companies that take it on, the more successful it will be in improving the health and lifestyle of the Irish population,” she said.
IBEC director of business sectors and trade policy Ciaran Fitzgerald said the programme was a serious attempt to encourage people to exercise during their break or on their way to work.
He pointed out IBEC was one of a number of organisations asked to put the programme to the test before it went national yesterday.
“We are now endorsing the programme because employers believe health is a serious issue and are aware of the need to promote exercise and good nutrition,” he said.
Broadcaster and rugby commentator George Hook, who helped launch the programme, said it was clear people did not have the time to engage in sports as they did in the past.
“We will in the next decade increasingly see work-related fitness programmes where employees will be doing some form of exercise in work areas. This is the first effort made. It is very laudable and it is why I am involved in it,” he said.
