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Workin’ 9 to 5: what a way to be unhealthy this festive season?

11 Dec 2012
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With the Christmas party season in full swing, Australian adults will no doubt be looking forward to indulging in a few well-earned festive treats.

However, for those of us attempting not go too overboard, it appears our working lives are getting in the way of these healthy intentions.

Respondents of the AIA Australia Healthy Living Index Monitor, a survey of more than 1,500 Australian adults, put this down to free snacks in the office (25%), office location/long commute (22%), after work socialising (18%), networking events and cocktail parties (12%) and client lunches (9%), all of which look set to be magnified during the festive season. 

A lucky few might be winding down over the next few weeks, but for most there is likely to be a mad dash to meet pre Christmas deadlines. According to AIA Australia’s survey, half of Australians already feel their workload hinders them from eating healthily or exercising, and this perspective is stronger among younger generations. Most (7 out of 10) Australians believe companies should be doing more to promote healthy living to employees.

Damien Mu, General Manager of life insurance at AIA Australia said, “Sticking to healthy habits in the work place can be difficult but considering this is where we spend the a major part of our day so it’s an important issue to address.”

Interestingly more Gen Zs (17%) and Gen Ys (16%) rated ‘good health helps me perform better at work’ as a motivator for leading a healthier lifestyle compared to 13% of Gen X and 9% of Baby Boomers. When respondents were asked on negative influences on their healthy eating habits 18% said their colleagues were a negative influence.

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