ARARAT - Workers from more than three hundred workplaces in towns including Ararat have taken a stand to build happier, healthier workplaces.
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Ararat Rural City, AME Systems and A F Gason as well as Ararat community members were among the thousands of Victorian workers who did their bit by participating in Victoria Walks' Walk the Block.
Ararat's Walk the Block took place at Alexandra Gardens with workers throwing on their trainers after work to 'walk the lake'.
Walk the Block is a simple, fun event to get Victorian workers away from their desks and onto their feet and start the process of combating workplace physical inactivity.
A staggering 73 percent of Victorian workers report inadequate physical activity. That is, less than 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day.
A VicHealth report found workers who are most at risk from prolonged sitting are those working in offices, transportation and highly mechanised trades.
It found poor employee health and absenteeism is costing Australian businesses $7 billion annually.
"The event is showing employers how a simple walk around the block each day will improve productivity and the health of their staff," Victoria Walks Executive Officer, Dr Ben Rossiter said.
"The benefits of increased workplace physical activity include reduced absenteeism, fewer accidents, higher staff morale and increased productivity."
Ararat joined workplaces in Mildura, Wodonga, Morwell, Ballarat and Melbourne as part of the state wide initiative.
"It is pleasing that many local governments around Victoria are taking the issue of workplace inactivity seriously and have encouraged their staff to Walk the Block", Dr Rossiter said.
Walk the Block is part of Victoria Walk's Smart Steps for Business initiative that promotes ways to get active and stay active at work.