A council is encouraging happy workersOne UK council has asked local employers to sign up to a challenge which aims to improve their well-being by encouraging them to lead active and more healthy lifestyles.

This week, Reading Borough Council’s sport Reading development team will launch its 2010 Healthy Workplace Challenge

Staff at businesses and organisations in the borough will be invited along to the scheme which will offer healthy eating and physical activity advice.

The scheme has been designed to support the trend that workers who are happy, healthy and who enjoy a well balanced life can benefit business, by reducing absenteeism and boosting motivation and morale.

This month, the scheme will focus on stress management and relaxation, which may be welcome as the end of the financial year draws to a close.

Graeme Hoskin, lead councillor for culture and sport, said: “The council’s healthy workplace challenge has been going for a couple of years now and it’s a great initiative to get people more active and think about their lifestyle.”

Meanwhile, Emirates Business recently commented that businesses which install a recreational area for their staff to relax in could help to improve productivity and well-being among their workforce.