Physical Health in the Workplace
What do we mean by physical health at work?
Physical health at work isn’t just about preventing injuries — it’s also about:
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Supporting healthy lifestyles (like stopping smoking, healthy eating, staying active)
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Preventing and managing long-term conditions
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Creating a workplace that enables healthier choices every day
Why it matters for Suffolk businesses
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Healthier staff have more energy, fewer days off sick and better focus at work.
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Nationally, musculoskeletal problems and lifestyle-related illnesses (e.g. heart disease, diabetes) are major causes of sickness absence.
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Supporting healthy changes benefits your staff and your bottom line.
Common Challenges
🪑 Sedentary jobs or long hours that make healthy habits harder
👷♀️ Physically demanding roles leading to injuries or fatigue
🧓 Older workforce managing chronic conditions
🏃 Limited facilities or space to support active breaks
Practical steps employers can take
✅ Share information about local services like Feel Good Suffolk
✅ Encourage regular movement breaks or walking meetings
✅ Offer healthy food options in canteens or vending machines
✅ Review workplace ergonomics and manual handling practices
✅ Support staff to stop smoking or reduce alcohol consumption
Resources for businesses
