Evidence of the Need for Increased Attention on Physical Activity from Business

Consider the following facts:

• Sixteen million Canadians spend one-half of their waking hours at work. As a consequence, it is vital to find ways of increasing physical activity at and around work.
• The majority of Canadians are sedentary at work. Their health risks are increased if they are also sedentary in their leisure time.
• Canada 's workforce is aging. Benefit costs and absenteeism will likely escalate if older workers do not increase their physical activity levels.
• Canadians cite physical activity as one of the means by which they intend to improve their health.
• Workers are reporting increased levels of stress.
• Workers report that physical activity is a means by which they can reduce stress. Stress is playing an increasingly important role in workplace illness and sick days.