Finding Findel new ways to boost staff activity in the workplace

STAFF at a Tameside educational supplier have been learning new ways to move during the working day, boosting performance and improving their health and wellbeing.

Trisha Mistry, HR Administrator at Findel, an international supplier of early years and school supplies, teaching and educational resources, based in Hyde, attended a Workplace Active Champions workshop run by Tameside Council, and left with a host of new ideas.

Trisha said: “I attended the course as I thought it would be useful to get further ideas on how to keep our employees active and support their mental health. We are always looking for new ideas on making Findel a great place to work and keeping people active is a great initiative.”

During the session, Trisha and the other attendees found out about small, simple changes to make to the working day to improve employees' health and wellbeing.

Traditionally, activity at work has been focused on sporting events rather than the simple things we can all do to move more, such as walking meetings, using the stairs, taking calls while moving or desk based exercises

Trisha has implemented small initiatives focusing on active travel, annual workplace health checks, tips on nutrition, staff ping-pong, standing desks and using her role as active champion to work with employees to continue motivation to put in small steps for everyone to moving more and promoting a live well day.

While there are lots of opportunities for staff to be active at Findel, like a cycle to work scheme, get fit programme and diet support, they are always looking for new ideas.

Trisha found the session was extremely helpful, saying “I would definitely recommend it. It is very useful, particularly to know what is going on locally as sometimes colleagues just need a little nudge to get active.  I’ll be sharing the information across the teams so our staff have the opportunity to join in.”

She added that “staff always like a good initiative at Findel and I have had very positive feedback.”

Cllr David Sweeton, Tameside Council Executive Member for Inclusive Growth, Business & Employment, said: “Creating an active workplace may start with only a few simple changes to a workplace’s daily routine but the results can be immediate, and significant. Increased workplace activity helps teams be more productive and efficient, as 90 minutes of activity a week can bring in a 7.5% increase in earnings.

“An active employee is generally physically and mentally healthier which can result in fewer days off sick, so the financial benefits of an active workplace are huge.”

To find out more information about becoming an active champion in the workplace and finding out about the small changes a workplace can make please email Marie.Hare@tameside.gov.uk.