Highlands Sports Complex WELL
Physical activity, or rather, inactivity, has emerged as a primary focus of public health due to a rise in premature mortality and chronic diseases attributed to physical inactivity, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, depression, stroke, dementia and some forms of cancer. Despite widely disseminated physical activity guidelines (Appendix V1), global estimates from 2016 show that nearly a quarter (23%) of the adult population are physically inactive. In addition, over time, our homes, schools, workplaces, communities, jobs and transportation systems have been physically designed to demand less movement and require more sedentary activities over time. The impact of changing the global physical activity narrative is substantial. Worldwide, if physical inactivity were reduced by just 10%, more than half a million deaths could be averted, while over one million deaths could be averted if physical inactivity were reduced by 25%.
We applied these to V03.1 of “Movement Network and Circulation” feature of the WELL Building Standard; “Aesthetic Circulation” because Highlands Sports Complex integrated aesthetically designed features on each of our two floors including the staircases of the facility. Hallways within the facility are aesthetically designed through the inclusion of the following on both floors: artwork that reflects movement and happiness, and natural design elements that promote images of nature and movement. Our stairwells reflect these same principles that flow with consistency from floor to floor.
In 2016, among all age groups musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) ranked seventh on the list of top drivers of global disability of which low back and neck pain are core issues. MSDs are one of the most commonly reported causes of lost or restricted work time and also contribute to presenteeism and lost productivity. Researchers estimate these types of losses summed to as much as 2% of gross domestic product in the European Union alone. Worldwide, of the leading environmental and occupational risk factors for disability, occupational ergonomic factors ranked fourth among those aged 15-49. Specific risk factors for work-related MSDs include occupational hazards such as heavy lifting, bending, reaching overhead, pushing or pulling heavy objects, working in generally awkward positions or performing repetitive tasks. In addition, both prolonged sitting and standing pose health risks. Implementing ergonomic programs in the workplace has been associated with a return on investment; one case study demonstrated a return of $10 USD for every $1 USD invested in ergonomics. A more extensive study that summarized the benefits of ergonomics programs across 250 case studies found generally positive results including reductions in the number (49.5% across 37 studies) and cost (64.8% across 22 studies) of work-related MSDs and also noted that the payback period was generally less than one year. While case studies should be interpreted cautiously, they offer valuable insights into outcomes across unique and individual programs.
Visual Ergonomics:
All MacBook Pro screens can be adjusted by height and horizontal distance from the user through some combination of the following: height-adjustable stands used to raise the laptop screen paired with an external keyboard and mouse that are placed on the work surface. All additional monitors are provided with the following adjustability features: built-in height adjustment, height-adjustable stands, and mounted, adjustable arms that hold primary or additional screens.
Desk Height Flexibility:
For at least 25% of seated-height workstations, employees have the ability to alternate between sitting or standing through one of the following: Adjustable height sit-to-stand desks. Desktop height-adjustment stands.
Seat Flexibility:
All seating at workstations for employees meets the following adjustability requirements in compliance with the HFES 100-2007 standard or BIFMA G1-2013 guidelines in regard to chair height, seat depth. ne additional adjustability requirement: Seat angle, backrest angle, arm rests.
Standing Support:
All workstations in which employees are regularly required to stand for 50% or more of their working hours include at least 10 cm [4 in] of recessed toe space and one of the following: A footrest or footrail to allow employees to alternate resting feet or a seat or leaning chair that allows occupants to alternate between standing and sitting or leaning and anti-fatigue mats or cushions that are also anti-slip and anti-trip.
Ergonomic Education:
Highlands Sports Complex provides education that is appropriate for employees, workstations and type of work being conducted at our facilities. Topics include: recognizing risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders and ergonomic issues in the work environment relevant to our work; recognizing signs and symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders relevant to the type of work conducted in the project space; reporting processes for risk factors and musculoskeletal disorders; how to adjust ergonomic furnishings (e.g., seating) and workstations (e.g., height adjustment stands) provided by the project team; the process for employees to request ergonomic furnishings; and on proper posture and/or form (e.g., proper posture while seated, standing, lifting, bending). All of this is available on our learning portal on our website and on kiosks throughout our facilities.
Physical inactivity and sedentariness have emerged as a primary focus of public health in recent years due to the host of negative health implications associated with both behaviors. Strategies that promote stair use and general movement throughout buildings have emerged as promising interventions that aim to encourage short-bouts of health-enhancing physical activity throughout the day. Stair climbing is classified as moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and enhances certain health outcomes. By creating aesthetically designed staircases and hallways, and encouraging stair use when available, WELL seeks to encourage occupants to accrue bouts of health-enhancing physical activity throughout the day.
Aesthetic Circulation:
Hallways within the project boundary are aesthetically designed through the inclusion of the following on both floors: artwork that reflects movement and happiness, and natural design elements that promote images of nature and movement. Our stairwells reflect these same principles.
Point-of-Decision Signage:
Highlands Sports Complex implements point-of-decision signage that encourages stair use at each of the following locations within our facilities: elevator banks or other modes of motorized vertical circulation; base of stairwells and re-entry points at each floor; junctions in corridors that lead to either a stairwell open to regular building occupants or an elevator. We promote using our stairs.
Promoting Visible Stairs:
Staircases in our facility between floors are open to regular building occupants, services both floors of Highlands Sports Complex and are located visibly before any motorized vertical circulation such as an elevator as measured from the main point of entry to the project or building. We promote using our stairs.
International physical activity recommendations address both cardiovascular and muscle strengthening activities for the general population. Despite widely disseminated guidelines, nearly a quarter of the general population fails to achieve physical activity guidelines and is considered physically inactive. Key determinants of physical activity behavior include time, convenience, motivation, self-efficacy, weather conditions, travel and family obligations, fear of injury, lack of social support and environmental barriers such as availability of sidewalks, parks and bicycle lanes. We have much to gain by reducing barriers to physical activity beyond the individual benefits associated with physical activity. In a review conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, two studies highlighted economic benefits of workplace programs, including reduced healthcare costs, decreased costs and days lost due to disability, reduced absenteeism and increased productivity.
Highlands Sports Complex provides age and ability appropriate physical activity/exercise opportunities, led by a qualified professional and offered to our full-time employees at no cost at least one opportunity per week. Highlands Sports Complex management will provide the “Highlands Challenge”, incentivizing the staff to participate in healthy initiatives ranging from walking challenges to healthy eating challenges to weight management challenges.
At no cost to Team Members, SFM will support both: organized group physical activity opportunities and individualized instruction in working out and becoming more active.
These events are available at least once per week at the Fitness Center. The Fitness Center Manager employment contract includes the duties of coordinating all workplace wellness programming, challenges, and wellness promotion.
International physical activity recommendations address both cardiovascular and muscle strengthening activities for the general population. Despite widely disseminated guidelines, nearly a quarter of the general population fails to achieve recommended physical activity levels. Key determinants of physical activity behavior include time, convenience, motivation, self-efficacy, weather conditions, travel and family obligations, fear of injury, lack of social support and environmental barriers such as availability of sidewalks, parks and bicycle lanes. Availability of proximate fitness facilities has the potential to increase and improve physical activity and exercise engagement.
Dedicated Activity Spaces
Highlands Sports Complex provides at no cost to employees a dedicated space of at least 370 m2 [4,000 ft2] or 18.6 m² [200 ft²] plus 0.1 m² [1 ft²] per employee.
Physical Activity Equipment:
At least one type of age and ability appropriate equipment from each of the following categories, accompanied by instructions for safe use, is made available to employees at no cost: cardiorespiratory equipment and muscle-strengthening equipment. Total units for each category allow for use by at least 1% of employees at any given time.
Off-Site Activity Spaces
There are a variety of activity spaces nearby that are available outside of the Highlands Sports Center that include green spaces and sidewalks for pedestrian walking throughout the Highlands.
Over time, nearly every aspect of our environment has been physically designed to demand less movement and facilitate more sedentary activities. As a result, physical inactivity and sedentariness are on the rise along with a host of poor health outcomes. Maximizing site amenities to encourage and invite physical activity can not only engage tenants to move throughout the day, but also enhance the experience of the broader community and create more vibrant places.
The building’s street-facing façades include no more than 15 m [50 ft] or 40% (linear distance) of blank space along the street level, achieved by incorporating mixed building textures, colors, and other design elements.
Within the Highlands Sports Complex boundaries, we have integrated an outdoor plaza with seating, water features, a playground for children, and landscaped elements.
Physical inactivity has emerged as a primary focus of public health due to a rise in premature mortality and chronic diseases attributed to inactive lifestyles, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, depression, stroke and some forms of cancer. In addition to design strategies that aim to foster physical activity opportunities, WELL seeks to leverage programmatic strategies that aim to improve physical activity engagement.
Based on SFM’s desire to incentivize employees to participate in our physical activity programming. As a result of employees’ commitment to physical activity and health, SFM is providing the following incentives including free gym membership during the time of employment and SFM will organize an employee wellness challenges with the top 3 employees receiving an award.
Because SFM promotes physical activities for all of our visitors and our community, including area youth, we are implementing programming that will reduce time spent on TV viewing & Video gaming. This program aims to promote daily physical activity by teaching strategies that incorporate movement and activity into the sports and activities taught at Highlands Sports Complex.
The Highlands Sports Complex is a WELL Building, certified by the International WELL Building Institute. For additional resources and information, please visit our WELL Education Library.
We provide websites to search for resources concerning human and community health as it is influenced by the built environment.
If you are interested in learning more about Carpal Tunnel, Office Ergonomics, and Body Posture, be sure to visit our Movement WELL Education Library.