Wellness Programs A to Z

Just how does physical activity fit into a full-time worker’s busy schedule? Typically, it doesn’t.

One possible solution to this challenge is to make exercise a part of the work day. Clearly, being active at work is advantageous for workforce.

But corporations also benefit from having fit, energetic and healthy workforce who are more productive.

The challenges

Your job takes up a lot of your time. In addition to the hours you spend actually working, there is the time required to get to and from work and take lunch and rest breaks during the work day.

In the end, there are a limited number of hours left over for the rest of your life. This work life imbalance is particularly true for Alberta, where statistics show that we work exceptionally hard.

Many jobs today are sedentary, and many Americans drive to work.  The pressures of work might also cause us to eat lunch at our desks and skip breaks.

Then, after work or on the weekends we juggle household chores, family responsibilities and social engagements.

Health Promotion Programs –  Get started on a workplace fitness program

Management plays a key role in building a culture that promotes health.  The leaders at your worksite influence the various policies and the informal or formal practices, and these policies and practices affect your attitude towards healthful active living.

Begin by talking to your boss about the benefits of a healthful active workplace.  The best way to ensure the success of a workplace fitness program is to have the upper management on side and cheering you on.

Ask your boss to consider taking these actions –

• Send a memo or message about the importance of health and healthful living that encourages staff to take an active break each day.

• Give for flexible work hours that help staff to be more physically active. for example, they may need to take a longer lunch break to attend an exercise class, making up the time by coming to work early or staying late.

• Make available a meeting room or other suitable office space for noon-hour yoga or exercise classes, and hire a teacher to lead them, or use videos.

When your boss agrees to support a workplace fitness program, don’t forget to say thanks.

You don’t need an on-site fitness club

Only very large corporations can afford on-site fitness facilities such as exercise equipment or squash courts. Still, most corporations can take other cheap steps to support staff who wish to become more active.

For  instance –

• Arrange for discounted fees for workforce at a health and fitness center, recreation centeror YMCA facility.

• Install showers and a place to hang a towel. (Be sure the showers are cleaned regularly and that women who use them will feel secure.)

• Install bicycle racks or a locked enclosure that is safe, conveniently located and well lighted.

• Hold walking meetings and set up lunch-hour walking groups

• Make workers conscious of safe and pleasant walking routes near the workplace, as well as nearby facilities that offer fitness plans (like walking, swimming, running, yoga, stretching).

• Hire a licensed instructor to teach staff about health, fitness and how to become more active.

Any size and type of workplace can support employees who wish to be physically active. It’s highly desirable to get senior management on side.

Even if your boss isn’t supportive, you can still find ways to get moving more. Make certain to set up activities for groups and individuals, and encourage your colleagues to join in.