• Commit to workplace physical activity in policy statements and commit funding to physical activity initiatives.
• Clearly communicating the advantages of being physically active during the workday reinforces the organization’s commitment to assisting all employees be active.
Use meetings, bulletin boards, newsletters and e-mail to reach as many workers as possible at least once a year.
• Offer flex time for exercise. Invite staff members who actively commute to work or exercise at lunch to make up any missed time later in the day.
• Allow staff to work part time, so that they can participate in physical activity.
• Include a physical activity account in your benefit plan to pay for or subsidize fitness memberships, assessments, classes, counselling or instruction.
• Give interest-free loans for staff members to buy bicycles or good walking footwear/runners.
• Conduct periodic surveys of staff exercise preferences, and offer a variety of options to suit those interests and needs.
• Hire qualified individuals to lead stretch breaks or exercise programs or classes. for help in locating accredited fitness leaders, visit Alberta’s Provincial Fitness Unit.
• Recognize employees who participate in physical activity. Survey employees first to determine how they prefer to be recognized, e.g., through business newsletters, appreciation lunches, rewards and/or thank you notes.
• Provide child care and other family-friendly amenities during physical activities that occur after work.
• Avoid scheduling meetings over lunch.
• Be sure to encourage active breaks in lieu of coffee breaks.
• Have active fundraisers rather than bingos. for instance, staff members might climb the Calgary Tower stairs or take turns riding a stationary bike for 24 hours.
• Make birthday celebrations active times. Instead of a lunch, invite the birthday individuals to select an activity. Choices could include a session with a yoga teacher or an evening ski trip.
• Promote a casual dress day. One study found that employees who dress casually were more physically active.
Corporate Wellness Companies