The Scotland staff at Re-engage (formely Contact the Elderly) have been taking on various activities including regular daily step counts and the Kiltwalk while working towards their award.
It is the first time that the Walk at Work Award has been presented to an organisation whose employees are all home-based.
Re-engage walking champion, Jennifer Kaney, who encouraged the team to work towards the award is delighted that they have been recognised for their efforts to support staff wellbeing.
Morna O'May, Head of Service, Scotland said
Focussing on our step count each day, especially on days when we work at home all day, made us more proactive about getting up and moving about and heading outside in the fresh air for a while. It’s especially important for home-based workers to be aware of this when you don't have a commute.
Recent findings from UK workplaces reveal that half of all employees experience poor mental health at work, including stress, anxiety and depression. Regular walking can reduce the effects of poor mental health, particularly walking in greenspace.
We set up the award a year ago to help tackle poor health in the workplace and reverse the trend of inactive workplaces where staff sit for up to nine hours a day.
We provided Re-engage with one-to-one support to set up activities to get their workforce walking.
Ian Findlay CBE, our Chief Officer, has urged all Scottish workplaces to take their employee’s health seriously. He said
Congratulations to Re-engage for achieving our Walk at Work Award. It’s brilliant to see Scottish workplaces take the lead in creating a work-based walking culture and making improvements to staff health and wellbeing.
Research shows that employees who are physically active in and around the working day take fewer sick days, are more motivated and productive, and are more able to concentrate, so walking is not just good for us, it’s good for business.
I would urge any Scottish workplace to follow Re-engage’s lead and use Paths for All’s support to take small steps to a healthier workforce.
Taking part in the award is free and open to any Scottish workplace that wants to promote an active workforce.
Re-engage work to reduce isolation and loneliness among older people in the community. To find out more about becoming a volunteer driver, host or reading friend or to find out if there is a group in your area please, click here.