We all know that exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. We also know that a lack of exercise can lead to a whole host of health conditions that can affect quality of life at home and at work. Research has found that organizations where employers work in sedentary environments, are seeing a decline in the health and wellness of their workforce. This decline not only leads to increased absences, lifestyle related diseases, stress and employee disengagement, but it can also impact occupational injury risks and contribute to less productivity, greater turnover and a loss of return on investment.Our prosperity as a province depends in large measure on the overall health and wellness of our people. Encouraging healthy behaviours isn't just the responsibility of healthcare providers. As leaders and employers, we have a role to play. In episode 7 of our Workshift podcast, former WCB CEO and Host Stuart MacLean talks to Dr. Jonathan Fowles and Dr. Robert Strang about the importance of physical activity and how leaders can help their workers be more active, and more healthy at work.Dr. Fowles is the director of the Center of Lifestyle Studies at Acadia University in Wolfville. His work is focused on the implementation of physical activity guidelines into practice. He spearheaded initiatives with many regional national and international organizations, such as Diabetes Canada, Nova Scotia Health, the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology and Exercise is Medicine.Dr. Strang is well known to all Nova Scotians as our Chief Medical Officer. His knowledgeable leadership and compassion has helped guide our province through the pandemic. Dr. Strang began his career in Nova Scotia’s health care system in 1999, as the Medical Officer of Health for the Capital District Health Authority. He then joined the government of Nova Scotia in 2007, as the acting deputy chief medical officer of health of the Department of Health Promotion, and then he eventually became the chief medical officer of health as we all know him today. Dr. Strang is a passionate advocate for physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle, which in turn supports better health and wellness outcomes and reduces the incidence of preventable diseases. KEY QUOTES“If we all move more and met the minimum guidelines of activity on a weekly basis, the impact we would have on the populations, physical and mental health would be quite profound.” - Dr. Robert Strang“It doesn't matter where your entry point is, moving a little bit more improves your health. You don't have to get to a threshold of 30 minutes in a day for it to suddenly be beneficial.” - Dr. Jonathan Fowles “People learn better when they have good nutrition, when they're active during their learning day. All of that promotes better learning outcomes.” - Dr. Robert Strang “One of the ways to relieve burnout tension is to give people control, and to invite social connectedness so that they have support and can build their resilience from their communities.” - Dr. Jonathan Fowles What they’ll talk aboutFor employers to be more healthy at work, leaders need to create and facilitate a culture that encourages physical activity in ways that are manageable for everyone. A little goes a long way, but it’s up to leaders to prioritize this. Dr. Robert Strang and Dr. Jonathan Fowles discuss the benefits of incorporating physical activity into daily routines, and how it can impact many areas of life - which will only lead to a stronger, healthier work environment. Dr. Strang and Dr. Fowles also talk about why the pandemic has forced leaders and employees to re-evaluate priorities, and why recognition is important in strengthening community in the workplace.WHAT YOU’LL LEARNPhysical Activity Is Impactful and ManageableMoving more in our daily life has positive impacts on physical and mental health. Encouraging employees to meet the minimum guidelines of activity can easily become a daily routine in any workplace or home life situation. Including Movement In Our Everyday Routines Improves Many Areas of LifeDoing a little is better than doing nothing. Doing more is better than a little. Overall, moving more in our daily life will have profound impacts across all areas, including physical and mental health, education, work, family and social connections in the long term. Wellness Creates Community and Recognition in the WorkplaceProviding a workplace culture that facilitates physical activity will strengthen social connections and support amongst employees. Rewarding and recognizing these efforts will build an even stronger community in the workplace as a whole. Make sure you follow WorkShift, a podcast from the Workers' Compensation Board that helps to rewrite the narrative on what makes a healthy, safe and successful workplace.
