Providing your employees with opportunities to be active at work increases employee engagement, productivity, and satisfaction. Research shows that a lack of physical activity at work, including prolonged sitting, is associated with heart disease, diabetes, cancer, premature mortality, and obesity.
A 14-year study found that men who spent 6+ hours per day sitting had an overall death rate 20% higher than those who sat less than 3 hours. Women who sat for 6+ hours per day had a 40% higher death rate.
Create a Workplace Fitness Culture
- Support employee wellness campaigns and initiatives.
- Encourage standing and stretching during meetings.
- Recognize employees who set healthy workplace fitness examples.
- Incorporate these workplace fitness ideas.
Walk Frequently
- Promote employee use of nearby walking trails.
- Encourage the use of pedometers.
- Schedule walking meetings.
Take the Stairs
- Make sure stairs are visible, bright, clean, and attractive.
- Provide fun and encouraging messaging on the walls.
- Give prizes to employees “caught” taking the stairs.
Commute by Bike
- Provide bike storage and shower facilities.
- Ensure bike storage area is safe, secure, and protected from snow and ice.
Take Physical Activity Breaks
- Promote movement breaks throughout the day to exercise, walk, or climb the stairs.
- Offer flexible schedules to promote physical activity.
- Hang physical activity posters in break rooms to promote quick and easy exercises:
Participate in Walk-Run Events
- Encourage participation in walk-run events or sport leagues.
- Organize lunchtime groups for walking, running, cycling, or yoga.
Follow Healthy Meeting Guidelines
- Use the LiVe Well meeting guidelines.
- Stand and stretch in meetings longer than 1.5 hours.
- End meetings ten minutes early to allow for physical activity breaks.
Use Exercise Facilities
- Provide access to onsite exercise and shower facilities where feasible.
- Encourage gym or recreation center use.