Wellness Programs : Encouraging Worker Exercise Through Corporation Policy.
• Commit to worksite exercise in policy statements and commit funding to exercise initiatives.
• Clearly communicating the benefits of being physically active during the workday reinforces the organization’s commitment to assisting all workers be active.
Use meetings, bulletin boards, newsletters and e-mail to reach as many employees as possible at least once a year.
• Make available flex time for exercise. Invite workers who actively commute to work or exercise at 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.
• Give interest-free loans for workers to buy bicycles or good walking footwear/runners.
• Conduct periodic surveys of staff physical activity preferences, and offer a selection of choices to suit those interests and needs.
• Hire certified individuals to lead stretch breaks or exercise programs or classes. for help in finding accredited fitness leaders, visit Alberta’s Provincial Fitness Unit.
• Recognize personnel who take part in physical activity. Survey personnel first to determine how they prefer to be recognized, e.g., through company 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 certain to encourage active breaks instead of coffee breaks.
• Have active fundraisers rather than bingos. for instance, employees 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 individuals to select an activity. Options could include a session with a yoga instructor or an evening ski trip.
• Promote a casual dress day. One study found that workers who dress casually were more physically active.
January 4th, 2011 at 4:48 pm
“Make available flex time for exercise.”
According to research within the field Industrial Organizational psychology, this is a very effective method for encouraging employees to exercise.
April 8th, 2011 at 10:38 am
These are all great ideas that an employer can use to try and motivate their employees to be more active and well. A healthy and well employee benefits the company as well as the worker.