DIALOGUE

NETWORKING SOCIAL

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Dialogue

Former Olympian Professor Greg Whyte spoke at an FSB webinar about staff wellbeing and business fi nancial health. Th e panel also included Christine Husbands, Managing Director, RedArc; Kate Dale, Campaign Lead for Sport England; personal trainer Tracy Griff en; and Anna Davison, Head of Workplace Wellbeing, ukactive

From the webinar

QHow do you encourage staff to be more active? KD: With Sport England’s This Girl Can campaign (which is just as relevant to men) we shared stories – getting women talking about what they were doing, sharing photos of themselves getting active in normal, everyday ways. It’s about opening up conversations and fi nding out what is stopping them, and talking about what you are doing yourself.

QWhat’s the best regular routine for improving mental wellbeing? TG: The best cardiovascular activity for mood boost is lowintensity, steady-state aerobic exercise for half an hour or more, three times a week. Go for a walk, go for a ride, go for a swim. Get your heart rate up slightly so you feel slightly puff ed, but not exhausted, every other day. That will give the highest endorphin release.

QWhen does strenuous exercise become too strenuous? CH: It’s important to remember that it should be about enjoyment. Understand what type of discomfort is normal – and what is a warning sign and when it’s time to stop and see your GP. Make sure that it is safe and gradual and you get a benefi t. Q How can you prove the link between exercise and productivity? GW: When you are trying to promote physical activity it has to become a culture from top to bottom, and when measuring productivity, it is important you bring the workforce along with you. Negotiate with them on what aspect of productivity they want to have measured, and ensure there is parity and fairness. Not only will you see what is going on, but your workforce will, too. Not just the personal benefi ts around their physical, social and mental health, but all the benefi ts they are providing for the company as well.

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