Workplace wellness and health promotion

According to an IWH study, Canadian workers typically fall into six patterns of daily movement. These six patterns are associated with varying levels of cardiometabolic disease risk. In general, workers with higher daily activity levels had lower levels of cardiometabolic disease risk factors, but those with moderate activity also showed lower risk factors.

Published: June 2023

Published: Health Reports, March 2023

What daily physical activity pattern is best for your heart health? To answer this question, researchers at the Institute for Work & Health analyzed activity tracker data in a nationally representative sample of 8,909 workers and their 10-year risk of heart disease. This infographic compares how Canadian workers get their exercise—and the implications for their cardiovascular health.

Published: October 2022

The quality of built environments and social environments can support active transportation. This study aims to help fill a knowledge gap on the role of the built environment around workplaces, as well as the interplay between work and home environments.

Status: Ongoing

What daily physical activity pattern is best for your heart health? An IWH research team analyzed activity tracker data in a nationally representative sample of nearly 8,100 workers and examined their 10-year risk of heart disease.

Published: June 2022

For optimal heart health, physical activity guidelines recommend that all adults exercise for at least 150-300 minutes a week at moderate intensity or for 75-150 minutes a week at vigorous intensity (or a combination of the two). Given the different ways that workers move at work and outside work, little is known as to whether certain patterns of daily movement are optimal for the heart health of Canadian workers. In this presentation, IWH Associate Scientist Dr. Avi Biswas shares findings from a recently completed study that identified the typical daily movement profiles of Canadian workers, using activity tracker data. He describes different groups of workers' typical movement patterns and their future heart disease risks. He also discusses whether any movement patterns present alternative strategies to the existing physical activity guidelines.

Published: June 2022

Published: Journal of the American Heart Association, June 2022

This project explores the role of champions in improving worker participation in workplace well-being programs.

Status: Ongoing

To help promote regular exercise among workers, workplaces must recognize that work conditions can sometimes be barriers to working out. IWH Associate Scientist Dr. Aviroop Biswas talks with NEWSTALK1010's Dave Trafford about employers can help workers make fitness part of their work day.

Published: The Weekend Morning Show with Dave Trafford, November 2021

We know regular exercise is really good for health, but many workers do not exercise as much as they should. Yes, workplaces can help promote fitness. However, workplaces also need to look beyond individual responsibility to get active, and address the job conditions that can get in the way, writes IWH's Dr. Avi Biswas in this op-ed piece.

Published: The Conversation, November 2021