Wellness Programs : Encouraging Staff Member Exercise Through Company Policy.
• Commit to worksite exercise in policy statements and commit funding to exercise programs.
• Obviously communicating the advantages of being physically active during the workday reinforces the organization’s commitment to helping all workforce be active.
Use meetings, bulletin boards, newsletters and e-mail to reach as many workforce as possible at least once a year.
• Provide flex time for physical activity. Invite employees 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 physical activity.
• Include a exercise account in your benefit plan to pay for or subsidize fitness memberships, assessments, classes, counselling or instruction.
• Provide interest-free loans for employees to purchase bicycles or good walking footwear/runners.
• Conduct periodic surveys of staff exercise preferences, and offer a selection of options to suit those interests and needs.
• Hire qualified individuals to lead stretch breaks or physical activity programs or classes. for help in locating accredited fitness leaders, visit Alberta’s Provincial Fitness Unit.
• Recognize workforce who participate 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 certain to encourage active breaks instead of coffee breaks.
• Have active fundraisers rather than bingos. for instance, workers might climb the Calgary Tower stairs or take turns riding a stationary bicycle for 24 hours.
• Make birthday celebrations active times. Instead of a lunch, invite the birthday person to select 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 employees who dress casually were more physically active.