ACTIVE GEELONG 2024 ACTIVE WORKPLACES AWARDS

Workplaces can support their staff to be physically active by creating an environment and culture that enables physical activity and reduces sedentary behaviour.

In the new ‘hybrid’ environment workplaces find themselves in as we come out of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to approach workplace physical activity strategies in an innovative, holistic and personalised way.

Physical activity reduces the risk of serious chronic illnesses like heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Regular physical activity improves blood pressure, cholesterol and cardiovascular fitness and improves mental health.

The following awards are based on the Healthy Workplaces Achievement Program – Physical Activity Benchmarks

Active Geelong invites workplaces in the region to nominate for the following awards:

Active Geelong Active Workplaces Awards’ for 2024 criteria here

GOLD Award

ACTIVE GEELONG 2024 ACTIVE WORKPLACE OF THE YEAR 

The ‘top gong’ and most prestigious award for the 2024 Active Geelong Active Workplace of the Year. This award will go to the workplace that best demonstrates a commitment to all areas of physical activity within the workplace including:

• Active Culture
• Active Physical Environment
• Active Opportunities
• Active Community Connections

SILVER Award

Active Geelong 2024 Active Workplace Award – Active Culture

Awarding a workplace that promotes physical activity through supportive leadership and employee participation and clearly demonstrate some of the following:

• Policies and procedures that support physical activity, active travel and reduced sitting time
• Physical activity is actively encouraged and supported by senior management 
• Physical activity information and policies are included in employee inductions
• Employee and leadership are jointly involved in supporting physical activity in the workplace

SILVER Award

Active Geelong 2024 Active Workplace Award – Active Physical Environment

Awarding a workplace that supports physical activity for their employees before, during and after work and can clearly demonstrate some of the following:

• Promotion of public transport, cycling and walking routes near the workplace
• Provide facilities that promote active travel to work 
• Employees are aware of minimum required breaks and are encouraged to take them 
• Promotion of shade, sun protection and support for outdoor activities
• Well maintained physical environment supportive of physical activity (example stairs are maintained, standing desk, on-site exercise classes or activities

SILVER Award

Active Geelong 2024 Active Workplace Award – Active Opportunities

Awarding a workplace that provides resources, support, and information to encourage increased physical activity and can clearly demonstrate some of the following:

• Provision of information and education around the benefits of physical activity and the increased risk of health conditions 
• Provide and promote information about opportunities to be physically active in or near the workplace 

SILVER Award

Active Geelong 2024 Active Workplace Award – Active Community Connections

Awarding a workplace that engages with the wider community to support and participate in physical activity and active travel initiatives and can clearly demonstrate some of the following:

• Actively promote and participate in community initiatives that encourage physical activity 
• Encourage workplace teams to participate in organised sport and physical activity opportunities in the local area
• Use and promote local parks, open spaces, recreation and community activities to encourage physical activity by our employees 

SILVER Award

Active Geelong 2024 Active Workplace Award – GP Clinic of the Year

This award recognises the GP Clinic that goes above and beyond to promote physical activity to their staff and patients. They show some of the following characteristics:

• Have representatives on the Active Geelong GP Special Interest Group
• Host or refer clients to the GP Clinic Walks Program
• Actively promote physical activity to staff and patients

Active Geelong Active Workplaces Awards’ for 2024 criteria here