Ideas > Policy Level: How Company Policies Can Help Everyone to Be Active

• 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 company’s commitment to helping all workers be active. Use meetings, bulletin boards, newsletters and e-mail to reach as many employees as possible at least once a year.

• Offer flex time for physical activity. Invite employees 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 participate in physical activity.

• Include a physical activity account in your benefit plan to pay for or subsidize fitness memberships, assessments, classes, counselling or instruction.

• Provide interest-free loans for employees to buy bicycles or good walking shoes/runners.

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

• Hire qualified people to lead stretch breaks or physical activity programs or classes. For help in finding accredited fitness leaders, visit Alberta’s Provincial Fitness Unit.

• Recognize employees who participate in physical activity. Survey employees 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.

• Encourage active breaks instead of coffee breaks.

• Have active fundraisers rather than bingos. For example, employees 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 person to choose 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 employees who dress casually were more physically active.

Find out More

• Provincial Fitness Unit: This organization can give you information about fitness certification for fitness professionals.