GREEN BAY, Wis., Dec. 15, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — This Wednesday, some of the country's top design minds will converge on Chicago's Merchandise Mart for a panel discussion on "Active Design," a new trend that promotes physical activity in the workplace — and improves employee health in the process.
"If employers want a healthier workforce, an office gym isn't enough," said Jonathan Webb, Vice President for Business Markets at KI Furniture. "Companies must reinvent their workspaces — with an eye on nudging their workers toward healthier lifestyles."
Forward-thinking employers are embracing Active Design by empowering employees with height-adjustable sit/stand desks, making healthy foods the default in the cafeteria, and opening up their floorplans so that workers have to get up and move during the day.
Active Design isn't a fad. It can yield a healthier workforce — and thus save employers money. Two-thirds of Americans are overweight or obese — largely because they sit all day at work. These folks miss 450 million workdays per year — at a cost to employers of $153 billion.
Standing for two hours a day burns 30 percent more calories than sitting. By driving down obesity rates at work, Active Design can translate into real savings for companies.
The panel will feature top workplace experts from manufacturer KI Furniture, the International Interior Design Association, and design firms Gensler and Cannon Design.
"By sitting all day, American workers are slowly killing themselves," said Webb. "Active Design allows them to get healthy without even knowing it — to their benefit and that of their employers."
For more information or to RSVP for Wednesday's event, please contact Chris Grady at (202) 471-4228 or email.
About KI Furniture
KI manufactures innovative furniture and movable wall system solutions for education, healthcare, government and corporate markets. The employee-owned company is headquartered in Green Bay, Wis. and operates sales offices and manufacturing facilities in the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe and Asia. KI tailors products and service solutions to the specific needs of each customer through its unique design and manufacturing philosophy. For more information, visit www.ki.com.