We know that regular physical activity is an important part of enjoying a healthy lifestyle. But it’s frequently hard to be physically active when our lives are so busy. For many of us, our natural reaction is to press the elevator button. But, just as we are thinking differently about the food we eat and changing our habits, taking the stairs should be a part of our everyday routine. Participating in the ‘take the stairs’ campaign is a fun, easy way to invest in and promote the health of your employees.
Research shows that a healthier workforce benefits both the employer and employees by:
- Enhancing employee relations and morale
- Reducing absenteeism
- Better retention of healthy employees
- Lowering health care costs
A recent study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found an increase in stair use when signage was displayed at the decision point between the stairs and the escalator or elevator. The study also said that stairwell use is a lifestyle choice that helps increase overall physical activity. If businesses encourage taking the stairs at work, employees may adopt this behavior more generally, choosing to use the stairs in other environments.
See other research and figures at facts and figures (some of them are in English).