Wellness Plans : Encouraging Employee Exercise Through Company Policy.

• Commit to workplace physical activity in policy statements and commit funding to physical activity initiatives.

• Clearly communicating the benefits of being physically active during the workday reinforces the organization’s commitment to helping all personnel be active.

Use meetings, bulletin boards, newsletters and e-mail to reach as many workers as possible at least once a year.

• Give flex time for exercise. Invite staff who actively commute to work or exercise at lunch to make up any missed time later in the day.

• Allow staff to work part time, so that they can take part 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 personnel to buy bicycles or good walking footwear/runners.

• Conduct periodic surveys of staff exercise preferences, and offer a variety of options to suit those interests and needs.

• Hire certified individuals  to lead stretch breaks or exercise programs or classes. for help in locating accredited fitness leaders, visit Alberta’s Provincial Fitness Unit.

• Recognize personnel who participate in exercise. Survey personnel first to determine how they prefer to be recognized, e.g., through organization newsletters, appreciation lunches, rewards and/or thank you notes.

• Give child care and other family-friendly amenities during physical activities that occur after work.

• Prevent scheduling meetings over lunch.

• Be sure to encourage active breaks in lieu of coffee breaks.

• Have active fundraisers rather than bingos. for  instance, workforce might climb the Calgary Tower stairs or take turns riding a stationary bike for 24 hours.

• Make birthday celebrations active times. Instead of a lunch, invite the birthday individuals to pick an activity. Choices could include a session with a yoga teacher or an evening ski trip.

• Promote a casual dress day. One study found that workers who dress casually were more physically active.