Active workplaces
Discover the benefits of being an active workplace for both businesses and employees, as well as actions to encourage and increase workplace activity.
Value of being active at work
An inactive workplace isn’t just bad for employee health – it increases costs to the business such as those associated with sickness and lower productivity.
Studies have linked being inactive with being overweight and obese, type 2 diabetes (opens in a new window), some types of cancer (opens in a new window), and early death.
Sitting for long periods can slow metabolism, affecting the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar, blood pressure and break down body fat. Many adults in the UK spend around nine hours a day sitting (opens in a new window), whether watching TV, using a computer, reading, commuting, or working- excluding sleep.
The workplace environment plays a significant role in employee health and wellbeing. Factors such as job demands, office setup and company culture all impact how employees feel physically and mentally.
A positive workplace that encourages movement and regular activity helps employees stay healthy, happy and motivated.
Page last reviewed: 14th March 2025
