Written by Kristine Keykal, CEO of AdvantageHealth Corporation
A healthy workforce is a productive workforce. By prioritizing physical activity for employees, companies can not only boost morale and engagement but also reduce healthcare costs and absenteeism. Here are some actionable strategies businesses can adopt to promote physical activity in the workplace:
1. Create a Culture of Movement
Encourage a workplace culture where movement is celebrated and normalized. Managers can lead by example by taking walking meetings or using break times to stretch. Recognizing employees who embrace physical activity through rewards or shout-outs can further reinforce this culture.
2. Offer Flexible Scheduling
Allow employees the flexibility to incorporate physical activity into their workday. For example, providing extended lunch breaks for exercise or the option to start or end the workday earlier can make it easier for employees to prioritize fitness.
3. Invest in On-Site Fitness Facilities
If space and resources allow, create an on-site gym or fitness area equipped with basic workout gear like weights, mats, and treadmills. For companies without this option, consider offering partnerships or discounts with local gyms or fitness centers.
4. Host Fitness Challenges
Encourage camaraderie and healthy competition by organizing fitness challenges. These can range from step-count contests to team-based physical activities like sports tournaments. Offering small incentives for participation and achievement can help maximize engagement.
5. Provide Ergonomic and Active Workstations
Offer alternatives to traditional desks, such as standing desks, treadmill desks, or balance ball chairs. These options allow employees to stay active while working, reducing the negative impacts of prolonged sitting.
6. Schedule Group Workouts or Classes
Bring employees together with group fitness classes like yoga, Pilates, or Zumba. Scheduling these sessions during lunch hours or as a start/end-of-day activity can help employees feel energized and build camaraderie.
7. Encourage Walking and Biking
Promote walking or biking to work by providing secure bike storage, shower facilities, or incentives for employees who choose these options. You can also encourage short walking breaks throughout the day to help employees recharge and refocus.
8. Make Physical Activity Accessible
Ensure activities are inclusive and accommodate varying fitness levels. Offering a range of low-impact and high-impact options ensures everyone can participate comfortably. Additionally, providing virtual fitness resources can engage remote employees.
9. Leverage Technology
Provide employees with access to fitness apps or wearables to track their activity levels. Organize challenges based on app metrics, like step counts or workout durations, to keep employees motivated and accountable.
10. Integrate Physical Activity into Events
Incorporate physical activity into company events and meetings. For instance, start conferences with a group stretch or energizing workout, or include outdoor team-building activities that involve movement.
11. Educate and Raise Awareness
Offer workshops or seminars on the benefits of physical activity and how to incorporate it into daily life. Bringing in guest speakers, such as fitness coaches or wellness experts, can inspire employees to take action.
12. Provide Financial Incentives
Subsidize gym memberships, fitness equipment, or wellness programs. Reimbursement for participation in fitness classes or sporting events can also encourage employees to stay active.
Email Kristine at kkeykal@advantagehealth.com to get started or call 612.823.4470 (select option “1”).
Let Kristine Keykal, M.P.H, co-founder of AdvantageHealth with over 25 years of experience, consult with you on your employee wellness program.
Since 2001, Minnesota-based AdvantageHealth has been delivering award-winning employee wellbeing programs and fitness center design & management throughout the U.S.
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