Canadian office workers are encouraged to “kick the sit” and adopt a standing work environment to decrease health risks associated with sedentary behaviour

Most Canadians know that low levels of physical activity have negative effects on our health. What many may not be aware of is that spending less time sitting and more time standing, walking and engaging in light movement throughout the day can help reduce the risk of developing chronic illnesses like obesity, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and respiratory diseases.



Today, the Honourable Jane Philpott, Minister of Health, along with Paul Estey, Chief Innovation Officer of Public Inc. announced the launch of Sit Kicker. Sit Kicker is a nationwide initiative focused on encouraging Canadians who work in office settings to reduce sedentary behaviour and “kick the sit” out of their work habits by shifting workplace culture towards more stand-friendly physical work environments. The Public Health Agency of Canada is providing $1,164,360 over two years in funding to Public Inc. to implement the Sit Kicker initiative in up to 1,500 workplaces across Canada.



Sit Kicker will encourage employees to participate in a four-week challenge to interrupt sitting every half hour and stand more often. Participating workplaces will be provided with a Sit Kicker tool-kit that includes portable stand-up desks for use with laptops, tablets, phones or other office devices, a companion iPhone/Android Sit Kicker app that enables workers to track their standing time, as well as posters, stickers and other workplace supports. The program is designed to inspire participants to transfer the knowledge, experience and less sedentary habits gained from the Sit Kicker initiative to other parts of their life.