< Back to News Listing

Psychologists help workers work out

28/03/2008

Psychologists from the University of Leeds are helping workers improve their fitness levels by adapting a more positive attitude to exercise.

More than 1,000 employees are taking part in the scheme which targets people working in sedentary roles, such as secretarial jobs and accountancy jobs.

"Many of us sit for long periods of the day at work," said health psychologist Dr Rebecca Lawton, who is leading the team.

"The organisations we are working with want to give their staff the opportunity to become more active because this has real benefits for health and well-being."

The initiative is funded by the BUPA Foundation and has devised a toolkit that can be used by workers to help them monitor their exercise levels and give them fitness tips.

"Exercise not only reduces the risk of physical illness and therefore sickness absence, but can also lessen anxiety and depression and help people to perform everyday tasks better," Dr Lawton added.

Currently, UK business looses 21 million days each year to sickness.

 

< Back to News Listing