Physical Activity Promotion in the Evolving Work Landscape
Laurie P. Whitsel, Elizabeth Ablah, Nicolaas P. Pronk, Frederique Huneycutt, Mary T. Imboden, David R. Anderson, Neil E. Peterson, Samantha E. Yocke, Chase Sterling, Anna L. Zendell, Janet R. Wojcik
Abstract
How and where we do our work is changing in the United States across industry, government, and non-profit sectors. This evolving landscape includes downsized office space, the reduction of corporate fitness centers, decreased daily commutes, increased hybrid or remote work environments, and experiments with the length of the work week. While some of these changes may prove transient, others will likely be permanent changes affecting the context of work. Some occupations require in-person work settings, especially in the health care, education, travel and food processing sectors. Many of these employees are experiencing burnout after prolonged overtime work and stressful pandemic-related work conditions. Accordingly, employers are turning their focus to employee health and well-being; productivity, retention, promotion; diversity, equity, and inclusion; re-thinking their corporate wellness programs; and prioritizing financial stability, work-life balance, mental health, and other health-promoting culture, systems and policy changes.