Physical Activity

fitness watch

The most effective physical activity programs combine various approaches to engage employees. These approaches include:

Examples include:

  • Policy changes, such as allowing time for staff to exercise during the workday.
  • On-site exercise facilities or designated areas for physical activity.
  • Group activities, like walking groups or games.
  • Educational resources, like websites, books, or flyers about physical activity to help employees learn more.

What Can Employers Do to Promote Physical Activity?

Employers can encourage increased levels of physical activity by developing an organization-wide plan or policy that supports employees in becoming more active. This plan can include multiple strategies, such as:

  • Offer flexible work hours that allow for physical activity and exercise, including longer lunch breaks.
  • Encourage use of stairs, physical activity breaks, walking meetings and use of stand-up workstations.
  • Provide on-site exercise facilities and classes for physical activity or access to facilities or property nearby with before-and-after-work access.
  • Promote discount memberships to commercial fitness centers, gyms, or exercise classes.
  • Provide and promote a map of walking routes on or near worksites.
  • Encourage employees to walk, cycle or jog by offering secure bicycle parking.
  • Develop a map with points of interest near worksite, and provide information about local gyms, parks, walking and cycle routes.
  • Provide education and discount resources for using public/alternative transportation, including bus routes and safe routes for biking and/or walking to work.

Physical Activity Resources