
Worksites can encourage physical activity through a multicomponent approach of offering management support, physical access to opportunities, policies, and social support programs. Physical activity wellness has potential to increase employees’ productivity, reduce absenteeism, increase morale, and employees can benefit from reduced direct costs associated with health care expenses.
Additionally, these programs are often seen as a central component of an attractive employee compensation and benefits package that can be used as a recruitment and retention tool to attract and keep high quality employees.1
Best Resources
(3 pts on CDC Scorecard)
Provide and promote free or subsidized lifestyle coaching/counseling or self-management programs that equip employees with skills and motivation to set and meet their personal physical activity goals.
Provide or promote other environmental supports for recreation or physical activity.
Post signs at elevators, stairwell entrances and other key locations and use design enhancements to encourage employees to use the stairs.
- Stairwell Messages & Posters (Center for Disease Control and Prevention)
- Sample Stairwell Posters (MyInertia)
Provide and promote organized physical activity programs for employees (other than the use of an exercise facility).
- Guide to Walking Meetings (Every Body Walk!)
- Walking Equivalents of Other Aerobic Activities (Eat Smart Move More Weigh Less)
- Video-Guided Strength Exercises (Eat Smart Move More Weigh Less)
Encourage active transportation to and from work.
- Online Map-Based Route Planner (Map-O-Meter)
- Online Map Builder (MapWalk)
Better Resources
(2 pts on CDC Scorecard)
Provide and promote interactive educational programming on physical activity.
- Be Active (AZ Health Zone)
Provide or promote the use of activity trackers to support physical activity.
- Workout & Distance Tracker (MilerMeter)
- Mobile Walk-Tracking App (MapMyWalk by Under Armour)
Good Resources
(1 pt on CDC Scorecard)
Provide educational materials that address the benefits of physical activity.
- Physical Activity (Center for Disease Control and Prevention)
Provide an exercise facility on site.
Subsidize or discount the cost of on or off-site exercise facilities.