- Reduces cost for chronic diseases
- Decreases absenteeism
- Reduces employee turnover
- Improves worker satisfaction
- Demonstrates commitment to your employees
- Improves morale
- Less risk of on-the-job injuries
Workplace programs also have the potential to go beyond the workplace. A study done at IBM, participants completed a voluntary web-based program and earned $150 rebate. They chose family goals, such as limiting fast food, walking children to school, limiting video games or involving children in meal preparation.
The study found that family physical activity increased by 17.1 percent. The study authors suggest the results show that employers can improve some short-term behaviors in children and parents.
- Ensures greater productivity
- Reduces absenteeism
- Improves fitness and health
- Provides social opportunity and source of support within the workplace
- Improve health, safety and well-being of family
For a workplace program to be effective at increasing physical activity, consider the following:
- The Task Force on Community Preventive Services recommends a combination of nutrition and physical activity programs. Studies show an emphasis on interventions that combine instruction in healthier eating with a structured approach to increasing physical activity in the worksite are effective in controlling overweight and obesity.
- Some studies have shown that physical activity helps in facilitating behavior change in both nutrition and smoking behaviors. The design of a safety and health program should be based on the needs and concerns of employees.
- Look at your benefits plan to include health promotion and prevention programs, screenings, and HRAs. A comprehensive insurance plan will give employees the resources to support behavior change.