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Keys to implementing healthy workplace initiatives

Keys to implementing healthy workplace initiatives

September 15, 2017 Articles

The overall health and performance benefits of engaging in regular physical activity and exercise are numerous and undeniable. But, it is difficult for most people to find the motivation, time, and information needed to realize these benefits. For this reason, providing structured physical activity/exercise opportunities in the workplace could have positive impacts on public health and economic productivity. The key challenge is to identify barriers and enablers to implementing such initiatives given unique needs at the societal, organizational, and individual level. Below is a short summary of the article by Waterworth et al. Culture, management and finances as key aspects for health workplace initiatives. Health Promotion International (published online ahead of print), 2016. The study was designed to identify common barriers and enablers to implementing policies or programs that enhance worker health and wellness.

STUDY BACKGROUND

There is growing interest in workplace health and wellness programs due to the potential benefits they offer to employers and employees. Although every organization has different needs, research suggests that there are common barriers and enablers to implementing successful workplace health and wellness initiatives. This study aimed to identify factors that have the greatest influence on successful implementation of “healthy workplace initiatives” in small, medium, and large organizations.

STUDY DESIGN

Health promotion professionals, occupational health and safety officers, human resource managers, educators, and other related staff representatives from 31 small (0-19 employees), medium (20-199 employees), and large (200+ employees) organizations in Western Australian were interviewed by the research team. Each organization had existing workplace health-related programs or policies. Interviews began with general questions about the programs/policies and the workplace culture. Answers to these general questions were then used to follow up with more specific questions about barriers and enablers faced during the implementation process.

All interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim, and thematic analyses of the transcripts were conducted using qualitative research methods. From the analyses, the most commonly reported factors that influenced workplace health-related programs or policies were uncovered.

KEY FINDINGS

In total, 43 factors were identified that affected the implementation of workplace health-related programs and policies. Many of these factors varied in accordance with unique needs and wants of the different organizations. However, the researchers were able to identify the most influential factors by defining 7 broad categories that would encompass the unique demands of each organization.

The MOST influential factors were:
  1. Organizational Culture: Implementation is facilitated when attitudes, practices, and social norms regarding employee health and wellness are positive, but is impeded when they are negative or neutral.
  2. Multi-level Support: “Champions” from all levels of the organization are required to endorse, promote, support, and participate in the implementation of the program. It is especially effective if these champions have personal interests and positions within organization that are aligned with the program and policy goals.
  3. Commitment to Change: Within medium and large organizations, implementation is impeded when the patience and effort required to transform organizational culture is not afforded. Change takes both time and effort.
  4. Collaboration with Industry Partners: Forming strategic alliances with health and wellness professionals and/or organizations is often reported as a critical implementation enabler.
  5. Financial Resources: All organizations must consider the realities of their financial position and the general economic climate for successful implementation.
  6. Physical Environment: Implementation is facilitated when work places, stations, spaces, and systems are conducive to healthy behaviors (e.g., cooking amenities, bike racks, fitness equipment, walking meetings, etc.). The program must be accessible to all employees.
  7. High Turnover: A transient workforce is a barrier to implementation, especially in small organizations.

IMPLICATIONS

1. The success of any wellness program will be influenced by several common factors

Although every organization has specific needs and wants that will need to be addressed when implementing a workplace health and wellness initiative, there are several common factors that will influence success in any work environment. These are: culture; multi-level support; collaboration with industry partners; financial or economic circumstances, and the physical environment.

2. Culture, support and resources must be emphasized

Organizational culture, multi-level support and financial resources are consistently identified as highly influential factors that will influence the success of any health and wellness program/policies. Each must be emphasized together to achieve success. For example, within an organization such as a fire department, both support from all levels (management, labor, members) and resources will help to create a positive culture. If support is limited and/or resources are not available, it could be challenging to change the workplace culture and implement any health or wellness initiative.

3. Health and wellness initiatives must be comprehensive

Given the number and nature of the barriers/enablers identified in this study, a multi-faceted and well-planned implementation approach is warranted. The program should be evidence-based, engaging and relevant to all employees. Within the fire service, the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) and Fire Chiefs (IAFC) have created the framework for a comprehensive Wellness and Fitness Initiative (WFI) to address the unique needs of every firefighter. It is designed to address firefighters’ physical, psychological and emotional health both on and off the job, includes resources to support training and education and highlights the importance of collecting data. However, the implementation of the WFI will depend on the culture, support and resources available within each participating department.

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When it comes to designing exercise programs, cont When it comes to designing exercise programs, context always matters. There are few things that should ‘never’ be done, and likely fewer that are ‘always’ true.

Consider the performer(s), objective(s), environment, etc. and be willing explore new ideas because there are always multiple ways to achieve the same outcome.

One arm snatch x 4 each arm
Pull-up x 2
5 Rounds

One arm bench press x 6 each arm
Asymmetrical back lunge x 6 each leg
3 Rounds

One arm snatch x 4 each arm
Pull-up x 2
5 Rounds

#performanceredefined #beactive #hotelexercise #hyattfitness #physicalliteracy #makeexercisematter #knowyourwhy #iaffwfi #iaffpeerfitness #5minutesoffun #fittothrive
Many people get hurt when the demands of the activ Many people get hurt when the demands of the activities they perform exceed their capacity to move in a safe and effective manner.

This implies that without sufficient fitness we could be forced to perform in a way that elevates our risk of getting hurt.

Exercise can undoubtedly help with the prevention of injuries, but it if the injuries typically incurred by a particular population (such as fire fighters) stem from high demand activities, increasing fitness may need to be emphasized to reduce the risk of getting hurt.

To move well within any context implies that sufficient fitness is present - preventing injuries and improving performance really are two sides of the same coin.

#performanceredefined #injuryprevention #fitnessmatters #demandscapacity #movementmatters #firefighterfitness #preventionisperformance #iaffwfi 
#iaffpeerfitness #fittothrive
If you find yourself with limited time, space or e If you find yourself with limited time, space or equipment, try using a workout ‘complex’.

Complexes involve a series of exercises performed in succession with the same equipment, same load, and same space and can be used to meet a range of objectives.

Right arm snatch x 2
Right arm squat to press x 3
Right arm back to front lunge x 4
Right arm squat to press x 3
Right arm snatch x 2

Don't put the load down. Repeat with left arm.

Perform as many rounds as possible in 20 minutes.

#exercisechallenge #workoutcomplex #beactive #makeexercisefun #performanceredefined #iaffwfi #iaffpeerfitness #5minutesoffun #fittothrive
Grace starts with gratitude. Be kind. Be honest Grace starts with gratitude.

Be kind.
Be honest.
Be thoughtful.
Be gracious.
Be supportive.
Be positive.
Be sincere.
Be present.

We are better together.

#mindset #gratitude #thankful #relationships #connection #kindness #wellness #iaffwfi #performanceredefined #fittothrive
While there are an infinite number of ways to desi While there are an infinite number of ways to design workouts, it may be helpful to consider the positions (ranges of motion), motions (movement solutions) and fitness characteristics (intensity and time) that will be targeted prior to choosing exercises.

Will specific joint ranges of motion be emphasized?

Will specific movement patterns be encouraged?

Will specific fitness attributes be challenged?

Exercises are simply tools to achieve the intended benefit. Start with WHY and then choose WHAT will be used to make it happen.

Example Objective: Challenge active shoulder mobility and control of scapular motion in vertical and horizontal plane with a moderate load.

Pull-up x 3
Overhead squat x 6
Right-arm hanging press x 9
Pull-up x 3
Overhead squat x 6
Left-arm hanging press x 9

3 Rounds

#makeexercisematter #physicalliteracy #activemobility #movementpatterns #7keyfeatures #exerciseprogramdesign #firefighterfitness #iaffwfi #iaffpeerfitness #performanceredefined #5minutesoffun #fittothrive
Progress reflects the cumulative influence of seve Progress reflects the cumulative influence of several small actionable steps.

The choices we make and the actions we take every day will shape our behaviors and the extent to which we grow in the long term.

In the moment it can be challenging to see progress being made, perhaps because it is the small seemingly insignificant steps made consistently that produce big results.

Failing is ok if we get back up and try again. It's how we learn.

We are all beginners first.

#growth #growthmindset #smallsteps #smallstepbigchange #takeaction #makethingshappen #mindset #progress #goalsetting #iaffwfi #iaffpeerfitness 
#learntofail #performanceredefined #fittothrive
Learning to move for work, life and play is not ab Learning to move for work, life and play is not about perfecting any specific exercise technique.

In some instances, there will be certain movement characteristics that could or should be emphasized, but variability can help to facilitate learning.

Challenge yourself, use a range of demands, and explore multiple movement solutions when you have the opportunity to do so.

Air squat x 20s ON + 10s OFF (6 Rounds)
Front squat x 20s ON + 10s OFF (6 Rounds)
Squat to press x 20s ON + 10s OFF (6 Rounds)
Front squat x 20s ON + 10s OFF (6 Rounds)
Air squat x 20s ON + 10s OFF (6 Rounds)

Rest 2 minutes between each exercise.

Monitor progress by tracking the fewest reps performed in any round of Air squats.

#challenge #exercisechallenge #movementvariability #physicalliteracy #learntomove #worklifeplay #fordutyforlife #iaffwfi #iaffpeerfitness #5minutesoffun #performanceredefiined #fittothrive
Many of the health- and fitness-related goals we p Many of the health- and fitness-related goals we pursue can only be achieved by establishing new or better habits first.

Want to run a faster 5k? Become a more consistent runner.

Hoping to lose weight (and keep it off)? Change your eating habits and/or adopt a more active lifestyle.

Need more and better sleep? Establish a more repeatable bedtime (and wake time) routine.

Don’t overlook the process in pursuit of a specific outcome. It will be the habits we establish along the way that allow us to maintain our health and fitness in the long term.

#habits #betterhabits #wellness #fitness #mindset #goalsetting #process #consistency #beactive #activityhabits #performanceredefined #iaffwfi #iaffpeerfitness #fittothrive
Reinforcing your active mobility (the range of mot Reinforcing your active mobility (the range of motion you can access) while pursuing other fitness goals will limit the amount of stretching needed to restore or maintain your passive mobility (the range of motion you have available).

Use it often so you don’t have to regain access to it.

Right arm snatch x 5 
Right arm overhead walking lunge x 10
Right arm swing x 15
Left arm snatch x 5 
Left arm overhead walking lunge x 10
Left arm swing x 15

6 Rounds

#mobility #activemobility #makeexercisematter #movementhygiene #physicalliteracy #mobilitywod #firefighterfitness #iaffwfi #iaffpeerfitness #5minutesoffun #performanceredefined #fittothrive

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When it comes to designing exercise programs, cont When it comes to designing exercise programs, context always matters. There are few things that should ‘never’ be done, and likely fewer that are ‘always’ true.

Consider the performer(s), objective(s), environment, etc. and be willing explore new ideas because there are always multiple ways to achieve the same outcome.

One arm snatch x 4 each arm
Pull-up x 2
5 Rounds

One arm bench press x 6 each arm
Asymmetrical back lunge x 6 each leg
3 Rounds

One arm snatch x 4 each arm
Pull-up x 2
5 Rounds

#performanceredefined #beactive #hotelexercise #hyattfitness #physicalliteracy #makeexercisematter #knowyourwhy #iaffwfi #iaffpeerfitness #5minutesoffun #fittothrive
Many people get hurt when the demands of the activ Many people get hurt when the demands of the activities they perform exceed their capacity to move in a safe and effective manner.

This implies that without sufficient fitness we could be forced to perform in a way that elevates our risk of getting hurt.

Exercise can undoubtedly help with the prevention of injuries, but it if the injuries typically incurred by a particular population (such as fire fighters) stem from high demand activities, increasing fitness may need to be emphasized to reduce the risk of getting hurt.

To move well within any context implies that sufficient fitness is present - preventing injuries and improving performance really are two sides of the same coin.

#performanceredefined #injuryprevention #fitnessmatters #demandscapacity #movementmatters #firefighterfitness #preventionisperformance #iaffwfi 
#iaffpeerfitness #fittothrive
If you find yourself with limited time, space or e If you find yourself with limited time, space or equipment, try using a workout ‘complex’.

Complexes involve a series of exercises performed in succession with the same equipment, same load, and same space and can be used to meet a range of objectives.

Right arm snatch x 2
Right arm squat to press x 3
Right arm back to front lunge x 4
Right arm squat to press x 3
Right arm snatch x 2

Don't put the load down. Repeat with left arm.

Perform as many rounds as possible in 20 minutes.

#exercisechallenge #workoutcomplex #beactive #makeexercisefun #performanceredefined #iaffwfi #iaffpeerfitness #5minutesoffun #fittothrive

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