Get your move on

Don’t just sit there...Move! A phrase often uttered by parents and coaches to motivate individuals to take action also translates into the battle cry in the fight against sedentary life in the workplace. The word “sit” could easily be replaced by “stand,” but “Move!” still reigns supreme for the healthiest way to go about your day.

Study upon study of prolonged sitting or standing prove that purposeful, incremental movement throughout the day is the only way to ensure proper blood flow which nourishes the body and prevents toxin buildup, especially in the spine. What’s interesting is that the research also shows that no matter how much you exercise outside of the workday, the effects of stagnant sitting and standing can’t be reversed...inaction simply must be turned into action. 

In the age of wearable technology, movement shouldn’t be a problem, right? Buzzes, beeps, and flashes should be abundant reminders to not “just sit or stand there” but to move, stretch out, and walk. Often the events of the day take over, and if we’re not uber-disciplined and focused on a culture that promotes well-being, movement moves down the list of priorities. Yet movement must become as inherent as breathing. 

What starts out as something very specific, that is, eliminating sedentary positions, really is just one piece of the overall puzzle to make the workplace full of healthy choices and behaviors. Workplace well-being must be a holistic approach and part of an overall strategic program to support an organization’s most important asset, people. 

Well-being as a workplace initiative is the catalyst to boost energy, productivity, and morale, mitigate healthcare expenses, and serve an integral role in recruiting and retaining talent. Creating a culture of wellbeing by empowering employees with accessible programs, classes, incentives, teams, information and the flexibility to make healthier choices throughout the day builds fundamental elements that transcend employees simply coming to work. The workday becomes an extension of your active lifestyle rather than an interruption of it. 

“It’s amazing how much team-building happens when people are running hills and doing push-ups together during our morning, lunchtime, and afternoon workouts. The encouragement and commitment translate directly back into their daily responsibilities and making healthier lifestyle choices. It’s powerful,” Lindsey Hochgesang, OFS Wellness Coordinator, attests. 

Sometimes, we think that creating a lifestyle of wellness takes lots of work, or only belongs to the most disciplined people. But truly, it just means moving in the right direction. Just make a move in the right direction: make one vegetable-rich meal, take an afternoon walk, drink an extra glass of water, let a little natural light in, or change your work position throughout the day. 

As a company, we are committed to our employee wellness, so we have invested in learning about and putting WELL Building Standards into place. Small, purposeful steps can produce big results in the pursuit of a thriving wellbeing culture. Every movement in the right direction demonstrated to your employees that you value them, their wellbeing, and your drive for greater purpose. 

Whether a company of 3 or 3,000, create an evolution with movement and commitment to wellbeing as a fundamental initiative in your business model. It will make a difference. Don’t just stand or sit there...move!

To give some practical steps on how to keep moving throughout the day, we reached out to our Wellness Coordinator, Lindsay Hochgesang, to provide a few tips to counter a typically sedentary workday. 

1. Take the stairs every chance you get.
    

2. Use designated walking paths during breaks and after lunch.

3. Inquire about sit-to-stand desks of flexible spaces with tiered worksurface options.

4. Transform seated one-on-one meetings into walking meetings.

5. Transition between working spaces often to encourage good blood flow.

6. Stretch as a reward for completing tasks.

7. Bring a water bottle and regularly walk to the water fountain to refill.

8. Set an alert for every 45 minutes as a reminder to stretch and move.

9. Form a regular walking club with coworkers for extra accountability.

10. Park further away from your office building to get more steps in.

These are only a few practical "steps" that you can take to get your move on during the workday. Remember, small, intentional changes lead to big results. Place your health and well-being as a top priority and commit to moving more as you work towards an activated day. Now, don't just sit there, MOVE!