What does "doing" mean in a company's context?

In a company, "doing" refers to integrating physical activity and movement into the daily work routine or corporate environment to counteract sedentarism and promote active living.

What are the main benefits of workplace physical activity?

Workplace physical activity improves physical and mental health, boosts productivity and focus, reduces absenteeism, strengthens corporate culture, and lowers healthcare costs.

How can companies effectively implement wellness programs?

Companies can implement effective wellness programs through needs assessment, securing leadership buy-in, designing diverse initiatives, allocating resources, promoting programs, offering incentives, and continuous evaluation.

What practical steps can employees take to increase movement at work?

Employees can take micro-breaks, walk more, use standing desks, actively commute, suggest walking meetings, perform desk exercises, hydrate regularly, and participate in company wellness programs.

How do ergonomics and movement work together in the workplace?

Ergonomics designs the workplace to fit the worker and facilitate movement, while regular, conscious movement prevents the detrimental effects of static postures, fostering dynamic posture changes.

What is a 'do' in a company for employee wellness?

What is a do in a company?

In the context of exercise science and corporate wellness, understanding "what is a 'do' in a company" refers to the integration and impact of physical activity, exercise, and movement within the workplace environment to foster employee health, productivity, and overall well-being.

The Sedentary Challenge in Modern Workplaces

Modern professional environments, characterized by desk-bound roles and prolonged screen time, have inadvertently fostered a culture of sedentarism. This pervasive lack of movement, often extending beyond working hours, poses significant health risks, including increased incidence of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, musculoskeletal disorders, and mental health issues. For companies, a sedentary workforce translates into higher healthcare costs, decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, and reduced employee engagement. Recognizing this challenge is the first step in understanding the critical role of "doing" – or physical activity – within the corporate structure.

Defining "Doing" in a Corporate Context

Within the framework of exercise science and kinesiology, "doing" in a company refers to any form of physical activity or movement integrated into the daily work routine or supported by the corporate environment. This extends beyond formal exercise programs and encompasses a spectrum of behaviors designed to counteract prolonged sitting and promote active living. Key aspects include:

Structured Physical Activity: Organized exercise classes (e.g., yoga, boot camps), gym memberships, or on-site fitness facilities provided or subsidized by the company.
Active Commuting: Encouraging or facilitating walking, cycling, or using public transport that involves walking to and from stops.
Movement Breaks: Short bursts of physical activity performed throughout the workday, such as stretching, walking laps, or climbing stairs.
Ergonomic Movement: Utilizing ergonomically designed workstations that allow for posture changes and movement, such as standing desks or treadmill desks.
Mindful Movement: Incorporating practices like walking meetings or active brainstorming sessions.
Wellness Challenges: Company-wide initiatives promoting physical activity goals, often with team-based competitions.

The Profound Benefits of Workplace Physical Activity

Integrating "doing" into the corporate fabric yields a multitude of evidence-based benefits for both employees and the organization:

Enhanced Physical Health: Regular movement reduces the risk of chronic diseases, improves cardiovascular health, strengthens musculoskeletal systems, and aids in weight management.
Improved Mental Well-being: Physical activity is a powerful antidote to stress, anxiety, and depression. It boosts mood, enhances cognitive function, and promotes better sleep quality.
Increased Productivity and Focus: Short activity breaks can re-energize the mind, improve concentration, and stimulate creativity, leading to higher quality work output.
Reduced Absenteeism and Presenteeism: Healthier employees are less likely to take sick days. Furthermore, active employees are more engaged and productive while at work (reducing "presenteeism," where employees are present but not productive).
Stronger Corporate Culture: Wellness initiatives foster a sense of community, teamwork, and employee care, leading to higher morale, increased job satisfaction, and improved employee retention.
Lower Healthcare Costs: A healthier workforce directly translates to reduced healthcare expenditures for the company over time.

Implementing Effective Corporate Wellness Programs

Successfully integrating "doing" into a company requires a strategic and holistic approach, often led by human resources, wellness committees, or dedicated kinesiologists. Key steps include:

Needs Assessment: Identify the specific health risks, interests, and barriers to physical activity within the employee population.
Leadership Buy-in: Secure support from senior management, demonstrating commitment through policies, resources, and leading by example.
Program Design: Develop diverse initiatives that cater to varying fitness levels and preferences, including both structured programs and opportunities for spontaneous movement.
Resource Allocation: Provide access to facilities (on-site gym, discounted memberships), equipment (standing desks, resistance bands), and qualified professionals (fitness instructors, kinesiologists).
Communication and Promotion: Effectively market programs and highlight their benefits to encourage participation.
Incentives and Recognition: Offer rewards for participation and achievement to maintain engagement.
Evaluation and Adaptation: Regularly assess program effectiveness through health metrics, participation rates, and employee feedback, adjusting strategies as needed.

Practical Strategies for Employees to "Do" More

While company-led initiatives are crucial, individual employees also play a vital role in embracing movement. As an "Expert Fitness Educator," I recommend the following actionable strategies:

Take Micro-Breaks: Every 30-60 minutes, stand up, stretch, or walk for 2-5 minutes. Set a timer as a reminder.
Walk More: Opt for stairs instead of elevators, park further away, or take a short walk during lunch breaks.
Standing or Treadmill Desks: Advocate for or utilize adjustable workstations that allow you to alternate between sitting and standing.
Active Commuting: If feasible, walk or cycle part or all of your commute.
Walking Meetings: Suggest taking walking meetings for small groups or one-on-one discussions.
Desk Exercises: Perform simple stretches or exercises at your desk, such as neck rolls, shoulder shrugs, leg extensions, or calf raises.
Hydrate Regularly: Keeping a water bottle close by encourages more frequent trips to refill, promoting movement.
Participate in Wellness Programs: Engage with company-sponsored fitness challenges, classes, or events.

The Synergy of Ergonomics and Movement

It's important to recognize that "doing" is not just about structured exercise but also about optimal daily movement. Ergonomics, the science of designing the workplace to fit the worker, plays a crucial role. A well-designed ergonomic workstation minimizes strain and discomfort, but it also facilitates movement. For instance, a standing desk isn't just about standing; it's about the ability to transition between sitting and standing, encouraging dynamic posture changes throughout the day. Kinesiology emphasizes that the human body is designed for movement, and static postures, even ergonomically correct ones, are detrimental over long periods. Therefore, the most effective approach combines ergonomic setup with conscious, regular movement.

Conclusion: Cultivating a Culture of Movement

In essence, "what is a 'do' in a company?" transcends a simple definition; it represents a fundamental shift towards prioritizing employee health and well-being through intentional physical activity and movement. For organizations, this means investing in comprehensive wellness programs and fostering an environment that encourages regular physical activity. For individuals, it means taking personal responsibility for integrating movement into their daily work lives. By embracing the principles of exercise science and kinesiology, companies can transform sedentary workplaces into dynamic environments, cultivating a healthier, happier, and more productive workforce that truly thrives.

Modern sedentary workplaces pose significant health risks and costs, including chronic diseases, decreased productivity, and increased absenteeism.
"Doing" in a corporate context encompasses integrating various forms of physical activity, such as structured programs, active commuting, movement breaks, and ergonomic setups.
Workplace physical activity offers profound benefits for both employees and organizations, including enhanced physical and mental health, increased productivity, and a stronger corporate culture.
Implementing effective corporate wellness programs requires a strategic approach, including needs assessment, leadership buy-in, diverse program design, resource allocation, and ongoing evaluation.
A holistic approach combines company-led initiatives with individual employee strategies for movement, synergizing with ergonomics to cultivate a dynamic, healthier workforce.

Workplace Physical Activity: Defining 'Doing', Benefits, and Implementation Strategies