Corporate Wellness Incentive Plans

How does physical activity fit into a full-time employee’s hectic schedule? Often, it doesn’t.

One possible solution to this challenge is to make physical exercise a part of the work day. Clearly, being active at work is beneficial for workers. But employers also profit from having fit, energetic and healthy workers who are more beneficial.

The challenges

Your job takes up much your time. In addition to the hours you invest actually on the job, there is the time required to get to and from work and take lunch and rest breaks during the work day. In the end, there are a limited number of hours left over for the rest of your life. This work life imbalance is especially true for Alberta, where statistics show that we work exceptionally tough.

Many jobs today are sedentary, and countless Americans drive to work. The pressures of work may also cause us to eat lunch at our desks and skip breaks. Then, after work or on the weekends we juggle household chores, family responsibilities and social engagements.

Corporate Wellness Programs: Get started on a workplace fitness program

Senior Leadership plays a key role in creating a culture that promotes health. The leaders at your workplace influence the various policies and the informal or formal practices, and these policies and practices affect your attitude towards healthy active living.

Start by talking to your boss about the advantages of a healthy active workplace. The best way to guarantee the success of a business exercise program is to have the management on side and cheering you on.

Ask your boss to consider taking these actions:

• Send a memo or message about the effect of health and healthy living that encourages employee to take an active break each day.
• Provide for flexible work hours that assist employee to be more physically active. For example, they might need to take a longer lunch break to attend exercise class, making up the time by arriving at work early or remaining late.
• Provide a meeting room or other suitable office space for noon-hour yoga or workout classes, and hire a teacher to lead them, or use videos.

If your boss agrees to support a workplace fitness program, do not forget to extend gratitude.

You do not need an onsite gym

Only very big businesses can afford onsite fitness facilities such as exercise equipment or squash courts. Still, most employers can take other affordable steps to support employees who wish to become more active.

For example:

• Arrange for discounted fees for workers at a health club, recreation center or YMCA facility.
• Install showers and a place to hang a towel. (Make sure the showers are cleaned regularly and that women who use them will feel secure.)
• Provide bike racks or a locked enclosure that is safe, conveniently located and well lighted.
• Hold walking meetings and set up lunch-hour walking groups
• Make workers knowledgeable about safe and pleasant walking routes near the workplace, as well as nearby facilities that offer physical activity programs (such as walking, swimming, running, yoga, stretching).
• Hire a certified instructor to instruct employee about health, fitness and how to become more active.

Any size and sort of workplace is able to support workers who wish to be physically active. It’s highly desirable to get management on side. Even if your boss isn’t supportive, you are able to still find ways to get moving more. Set up activities for groups and individuals, and promote your co-workers to join in.