Promoting physical activity in the workplace

Summary

This guidance is for employers and professionals in small, medium and large organisations who have a direct or indirect role in, and responsibility for, improving health in the workplace. This includes those working in the NHS, local authorities and the wider public, voluntary, community and private sectors, especially those working in human resources or occupational health. It will also be of interest to employees, trades union representatives and members of the public.

Increasing physical activity levels will help prevent and manage over 20 conditions and diseases including cancer, coronary heart disease, diabetes and obesity. It can also help to promote mental wellbeing.

Many employers recognise that they have an obligation to the health and wellbeing of their workforce. Investing in the health of employees can also bring business benefits such as reduced sickness absence, increased loyalty and better staff retention.

The guidance complements and supports, but does not replace, NICE guidance on: physical activity and the environment, workplace smoking and obesity.

Documents

For healthcare professionals

• PH13 Promoting physical activity in the workplace: full guidance
• PH13 Promoting physical activity in the workplace: full guidance (MS Word format)
• PH13 Promoting physical activity in the workplace: quick reference guide

For patients, carers and the public

• Promoting physical activity in the workplace: quick reference guide

Background information

• Press release: New NICE public health guidance on promoting physical activity in the workplace
• Promoting physical activity in the workplace: fieldwork report
• Promoting physical activity in the workplace: fieldwork report appendices
• Promoting physical activity in the workplace: economic modelling report
• Promoting physical activity in the workplace: final evidence review

Implementing this guidance

Any further information NICE has produced to help the NHS implement this guideline locally is linked to below:

• Promoting physical activity in the workplace: business case
• Promoting physical activity in the workplace: slide set