The Irish Businesses and Employers Confederation (Ibec) has unveiled a scheme aimed at encouraging workers to get fit by using their lunch breaks to take a walk.
Ibec said as little as a 15-minute stroll during the day could have significant health benefits.
The body's Nutrition and Health Foundation (NHF) is advising the step as it prepares for National Work Life Balance Day on March 1st.
"It is important for everyone to fit in at least 30 minutes of physical activity on all or most days of the week," said Dr Louise Sullivan, NHF manager. "This can be broken into two separate 15-minute bouts of activity."
The average Irish worker takes less than 38 minutes for their mid-day break - significantly less than the normal one-hour allowance.
"Many people simply don't bother taking a short walk at lunchtime because they are not aware of the health benefits," Dr Sullivan said. "Lunchtime is an ideal opportunity for workers, particularly those with sedentary jobs, to fit some physical activity into their busy lives."
Ibec will publish its new Work-life Balance and Childcare Manual on Thursday to mark National Work-life Balance Day.