Active Halton is encouraging all workplaces to develop workplace wellness policies, and all members to develop a physical activity policy.
Why workplaces? People spend a significant amount of time in the work place; some are spending 50 to 60 hours a week at work. There can and are many opportunities to be active during business hours and there are many benefits to the workplace that encourages activity at work. There needs to be a change in how physical activity is valued. Workplaces can have a “corporate culture” that supports or negates physical activity. Active Halton members are being asked to be role models by working towards developing a corporate culture that supports physical activity at the workplace.
Why Policy? A workplace physical activity policy has the potential to:
- Create a “corporate culture” – a working environment – where physical activity is encouraged, supported and celebrated.
- Demonstrate the value your company places on physical activity and active lifestyles for its employees and the community.
- Educate employees about the many benefits of physical activity
- Change social/cultural norms (currently it is normal to sit for 8 hours a day)
In February Active Halton hosted a policy workshop in Halton. This was part 1 of a 2 part series. Both workshops are here for you to review:
The following resources complement the workplace policy workshops we hosted in February and April of 2009.
What is a Workplace Policy?
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Policy is often thought of as a principle, value or course of action which guides present and future decision-making
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Should be part of a comprehensive health promotion strategy
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In a variety of settings: community, workplace, school, home
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Can specify expectations, regulations & guides to action
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Can be informal or formal
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At macro level, can provide more equitable access to determinants of health (income, housing, etc.)
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Usually has a consequence for non-compliance & some method of enforcement
Below are a couple of how to guides:
What is a Physical Activity Policy?
Physical Activity resource centre – Policy Workbook to influence physical activity policy
Catalogue of best practice Situational Assessment tools (Workplace surveys)
Workplace Policy Examples
Building Support for Policy Development
The Business Case for Active Living at Work.
Click here to find many resources, case studies and a template on how to write a business case.
Click here for a Power Point Presentation to help you build your case
Working to become active: Increasing physical activity in the Canadian Workplace.
The Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute surveyed Canadian workplaces in 2007-8. Here are some of the ways to use the findings from their survey.
How to promote your policy:
Click here for: Some Useful Steps to Follow when Introducing Work-life Balance Practices into your Organization
Websites
Canadian Fitness Lifestyle Research Institute - Physical Activity Statistics and research
National Quality Institute - Healthy Workplace Resources
Successful Physical Activity Programs to offer at the workplace
