Health Wellness ProgramHealth and Wellness Programs and Wellness Program Consulting

• Commit to workplace exercise in policy statements and commit funding to exercise programs.

• Clearly communicating the advantages of being physically active during the workday reinforces the company’s commitment to assisting all staff members be active.

Use meetings, bulletin boards, newsletters and e-mail to reach as many staff members as possible at least once a year.

• Give flex time for exercise. Invite workers who actively commute to work or exercise during lunchtime to make up any missed time later in the day.

• Allow staff to work part time, so that they can participate in exercise.

• 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 to purchase bicycles or good walking shoes/runners.

• Conduct periodic surveys of staff physical activity preferences, and offer a variety of choices 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 workforce who take part in exercise. Survey workforce first to determine how they prefer to be recognized, e.g., through business newsletters, appreciation lunches, rewards and/or thank you notes.

• Give 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 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 pick an activity. Choices could include a session with a yoga instructor or an evening ski trip.

• Promote a casual dress day. One study found that workforce who dress casually were more physically active.