The 12 Days of Sit Less challenge
Are you a workplace in the KFL&A area that is up for the challenge of moving more and sitting less throughout the workday? Then join us for our 12 Days of Sit Less Challenge November 30 to December 15, 2023.
What is the 12 days of Sit Less?
The 12 Days of Sit Less is a workplace sedentary behaviour reduction campaign that has been adapted by KFL&A Public Health from Thunder Bay District Health Unit. It is a two-week event that promotes moving more and sitting less in the workplace through a series of sit less ‘challenges’ that are designed to help improve physical and mental well-being while building social connections at work.
This year, workplaces can choose to follow along daily with KFL&A Public Health staff using the daily challenge calendar, or can distribute the Bingo card to allow employees to complete tasks at their convenience. Whichever option you choose, we encourage you to schedule some group activities for employees to do together throughout the campaign.
Why is the 12 Days of Sit Less important for your workplace?
Did you know that only 12% of Canadian adults aged 18 to 79 met the Canadian 24-hour movement guidelines for sedentary behaviour between 2018 and 2019? This means that 88% of adults are spending over eight hours each day sedentary (e.g., sitting). Adults employed in office work are even less likely to meet recommendations, spending over 20% more time at work sedentary and taking approximately 3,500 fewer steps than other occupational groups.
This is important, as sedentary behaviour has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, certain cancers, and even premature death.
When we move more and sit less, it can help lower our risk for these outcomes and keep us healthy. It can also help reduce feelings of fatigue, lower stress levels, boost mood, and improve memory and cognition! Not to mention, engaging in group activities as a workplace can help improve morale and build social connections.
This campaign can be a small first step to supporting employee health and well-being in the workplace. So, what do you say?
Are you ready to move more through the 12 Days of Sit Less?
Organizing and participating in the 12 Days of Sit Less |
Take two minutes to register your workplace to let us know you are interested and if you would like to receive a prize pack to distribute to employees. Prize packs will include a limited amount of swag such as:
They will be available to all workplaces on a first-come-first-serve basis and as supplies last. Throughout the campaign, we encourage you to share photos or videos of your workplace engaging in the different challenges. You can post on X, formerly known as Twitter, using the hashtag #12DaysofSitLessKFLA2023 or send your photos and videos to WorkWell@kflaph.ca for posting on KFL&A Public Health's social media. Every post or email made for a new challenge will enter you into a draw to win additional gift card prizes throughout the campaign. Tips for organizing challengesComplete the 12 Days of Sit Less resource order form to access campaign resources such as:
Organizational
Divisional:
Individual:
Tips for prize pack distribution
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Follow along |
You can follow-along with the campaign on X (@KFLAPH), where we will be sharing photos and videos of KFL&A Public Health staff leading the daily challenges, other workplaces’ submissions, and the physical and mental health benefits of moving more and sitting less. Challenge hashtag: #12DaysofSitLessKFLA2023 |
Adapted with permission from Thunder Bay District Health Unit