by Jasmine Ruscoe, Bizwize Business Solutions.
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Fitness initiatives in the workplace are nothing new: programs like Walk to Work Day, Take the Stairs Day and 10 000 Steps Australia have been created to remind us of the importance of being active in daily life, especially when we have stationary, and often screen-based, office jobs. Recently however, Bizwize has created a walking challenge with a twist, taking advantage of our beautiful surrounding environment to turn exercise at work into a more fulfilling experience.
Though it may not immediately come to mind when one thinks of nature, we live in one of the most unique and biodiverse regions in the world. The Banksia Woodland habitat, home to rare and iconic species including Carnaby’s Cockatoo and the Splendid Fairy Wren, has been 70% destroyed since European colonisation – but the good news is, efforts to conserve it have been made across the Perth metro area. In fact, there is a reserve right near our Joondalup office, at Yellagonga Regional Park! Taking our walk just around the corner to appreciate this beautiful environment delivers a satisfaction that a pedometer alone just cannot manage.
Another important element is of course the motivation. When our director Michelle wanted to get fit and lose weight for an upcoming trip to Bali she invited the rest of the team on board and since then, various combinations of team members (and occasionally, their dogs!) have taken part. Bonding with colleagues, sharing goals and motivating others – as well as appreciating the beautiful outdoors – has seen what was initially one symbolic Walking Week become something to look forward to at the end of a busy day almost a month later. Rather than a token gesture, we are infusing our workplace with a healthy culture, and so far it’s working out great!
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For another healthy idea from Bizwize, see Michelle’s almond milk recipe.