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Employee Wellness Fitness Programs


There are many options available for implementing employee wellness fitness programs in the workplace, from subsidising gym memberships to setting up a walking program. There are just as many ways to provide incentives for your employees to participate.		 Workplace Wellness Programs 

The benefits are obvious - an improved health, alertness, and general wellbeing of staff, resulting in a reduction in the number of injuries, claims, and sick days. In effect, an employee wellness program will help your employees become a happier, healthier, and a more productive workforce.

Getting Started with a Fitness Program

Ensure that participants are fit enough to safely take part. Take into account the age and body types of the people involved before choosing the elements of the program. As with undertaking any health regimen, a physical exam by a qualified health professional is advised.

There are different styles to consider: Aerobic, Strength, and Agility. A good program will incorporate elements of each.

Some Options and Ideas

  • If your office building has a lot of stairs or if you are on a lower floor, you might suggest walking up instead of taking the elevator.
  • Try a "Walk to Work Day" for employees who live close enough.
  • Provide handbooks for employees to find out more about the various options open to them.
  • How about a lunch time group walk?
  • Bring in a Personal Trainer to help devise a fitness program for the group and/or individuals. They can also be brought in to measure progress.
  • Subsidise memberships at a fitness club near the office.
  • Group yoga is healthy, therapeutic, and team-building.
  • Provide storage for bicycles and other equipment.
  • Encourage regular physical activities: sponsor a company team or arrange regular activity nights.Allow flexible working hours to let staff fit in exercise time before or after work.
  • Install showers in the office.
  • Bring in small exercise equipment that can be used throughout the day.
  • Implement a Fitness Challenge, where the goals are to be the Most Improved, rather than to compete with each other.

The Physical Activity Challenge

Thirty minutes of physical activity three times a week can help set employees on the path to improved health. Benefits include better self-esteem, reduced stress, increased relaxation, and slowing the aging process.

Reaching thirty minutes of physical activity can be easier than you thought. Thirty minutes does not have to be "30 consecutive minutes" - a minimum block of five minutes can be counted toward your daily total.

Fast ways to add minutes to your total:

  • Park your car further away from the office.
  • Get off the bus a few stops early.
  • If you live close enough, walk to work.
  • Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator.
  • Organise or join a lunch-time group walk.
  • Organise or join a company sports team.
  • Exercise while watching TV.
  • Walk or bike while doing your errands.
  • Go dancing!

 

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