Staying physically active reduces risk of obesity, heart disease, diabetes and some types of cancer. Physical activity also supports emotional health and stress reduction. Creating a workplace that promotes physical activity through policies, programs, and the built environment can help employees stay active during the workday.
RECOMMENDED STRATEGIES:
- Implement policies that allow employees to be active during the day (for example flextime, using paid time for physical activty).
- Support physical activity breaks and active meetings such as walking meetings.
- Provide on-site bike racks in safe and convenient locations.
- Incentivize active commuting to work through biking, walking, rolling or using public transit.
- Use signs, prompts and inviting stairwells to encourage the use of stairs.
- Provide maps of trails or walking paths in the area.
- Provide an on-site fitness space or discount memberships at local gyms.
- Offer on-site fitness opportunities such as group classes.
- Provide showers, locker rooms and walking paths.
- Provide incentives for participating in physical activity or weight management activities.
- Include family members in activities that promote physical activity like wellness challenges.
RELATED RESOURCES:
- Go! Vermont – Promotes active and green commuting at the workplace
- Local Motion - Supports active transportation
- Vermont State Parks Hiking Trails
- Come Alive Outside - Physical activity challenges for all ages
- CDC Physical Activity Breaks for the Workplace Resource Guide
For more information, download the physical activity section of the Worksite Wellness Toolkit!