Cancer Council Queensland spokesperson Katie Clift helps Queensland workplaces make small changes for big health boosts!
Making the decision to get healthy always starts and ends with you – but life can often get in the way!
We break out of our comfortable, healthy routines (where we eat well and spend time being physically active) every day to go to work, catch up with friends, attend school or university or spend time travelling.
But the environments we find ourselves in actually have a huge part to play in helping all Queenslanders make healthy choices the easier choices on a daily basis – especially workplaces.
Most of us spend at least a quarter of our week at work! There are some simple, cost-effective and low maintenance ways that workplaces can support staff to make healthier choices every day.
Here are Cancer Council Queensland’s top tips for workplaces to start boosting the wellbeing of employees:
· Review existing canteen and vending machine options and replace junk food with healthier snack options.
· Develop standard healthy catering menus for organisation events and meetings.
· Encourage staff to go for short walks on breaks and hold walking meetings.
· Remind staff to get up from their desk regularly to stretch and be active.
· Encourage staff to talk with their GP about recommended cancer screening and identify environmental risks known to cause cancer (think about using existing workplace communication like newsletters, staff intranet or emails!)
· Help staff stay SunSmart by promoting and providing shade and rescheduling outdoor work to avoid peak UV times.
· Ensure all smoke-free areas are clearly signed, with the aim to go entirely smoke free! Let your staff know about quit smoking services like Quitline 13 QUIT (13 7848).
Encourage your workplace to join the QUEST to promote and support healthier Queenslanders at quest.org.au or by emailing
More information about Cancer Council Queensland is available at www.cancerqld.org.au or via the Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20.