Low-Cost Workplace Wellness Strategies: Promote Physical Activity and Weight Management
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Insights from Anthem’s 2018 National Health Benefits Statistics & Trends Report and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)’s 2018 Employee Benefits Survey point to a trend in employers offering company-organized fitness challenges and competitions (including incentives for purchasing and using healthcare apps and wearable fitness trackers). Such initiatives can ignite a “fitness is fun” culture in the workplace and motivate employees to get more engaged with their health.
We know that workplace wellness programs can sometimes be expensive, but there are ways employers can make positive changes without breaking the bank. In conjunction with our resources provided by HR360 the Employee Benefits Management Group (EBMG) at Rose & Kiernan, Inc. has put together a series of low-cost workplace wellness strategies. In this post, we will talk about activities that promote physical activity and weight management.
Allow access to on- and off-site gyms and recreational activities before, during and after work. Encourage and support participation in after-work recreational leagues. Provide incentives or reduced insurance costs for participation in physical activity or weight management or maintenance activities. Also, provide showers and changing facilities at the workplace.
Map out on-site trails or nearby walking routes and destinations, and host walk-and-talk meetings when it is nice outside. Provide bicycle racks in safe, convenient and accessible locations, and maybe even sponsor a “bike to work” day and reward employees who participate.
Create activities that have strong social support systems like buddy or team physical activity goals or programs that involve co-workers and their families. Set up programs to encourage physical activity, such as pedometer walking challenges. Offer flexible work hours and breaks to allow for physical activity during the day.
Motivate employees! Post motivational signs at elevators and escalators to encourage stair usage. Encourage employees to map out their own biking or walking route to and from work. Provide or support physical activity events on-site or in the community.
By considering the strategies above, you can implement low-cost wellness activities at your workplace. For help setting up a workplace wellness program, contact Rose & Kiernan, Inc.
Rose & Kiernan, Inc. offers workplace wellness support through our signature platform RKHealthy Workforce. If you are interested in learning more, please contact us here or by calling (800) 242-4433.
