Physical Activity in the Workplace

Some of the benefits of physical activity in the workplace include:

Better employee health and morale that results in improved job performance and service to clients
Improved employee health and chance of avoiding health problems that come from being inactive
Increased self-confidence and sharper mental skills for employees that will improve employees’ abilities to succeed in all areas of their life

How To

Increase Physical Activity in the Workplace

Providing employees with opportunities to build physical activity into their workday can improve employee health, productivity, job satisfaction and morale.

Creating workplace policies and supportive environments can make healthy choices easier. Policy and supportive environment approaches to physical activity are more beneficial than exercise programs because of sustainability, cost effectiveness and accountability.

Create Supportive Environment

Create Policies

Access to Physical Activity Resources

Some ways you can create a supportive environment for physical activity in your workplace:

Provide secure bike storage, change room and shower facilities, safe and clean stairwells, way-finding signs, motivational posters and safe walking paths.
Move office equipment, such as printers, into a common space to encourage employees to leave their desks.
Provide maps for walking and cycling routes around your workplace. Revisit the routes periodically to check for changes and new opportunities.
Promote dress down days or casual dress code to encourage active commuting or being active during breaks and lunch hour.

Some policies you can create to support physical activity:

Where feasible provide flexible work arrangements for employees, such as starting work earlier or later, taking longer lunch breaks by extending the work day, or telecommuting
Create policies that support active commuting, such as reduced fare transit passes
Look for corporate rate or provide subsidized gym memberships or recreation passes
Develop corporate policies that reduce sedentary behaviour, such as no meetings over lunch; encourage employees to take breaks, walk to offices or workstations to speak with staff instead of emailing or calling; hold walking meetings and take breaks in meetings that are one hour or longer to encourage movement
Make an organizational commitment to advocate for an active community that includes walkable and bike-able streets, mixed-use neighbourhoods, compact design and a transit-oriented culture

Always consult with the appropriate legal and risk management advisors within your workplace to ensure that all due diligence requirements are in place when you are developing policies or programs for your workplace.

Hamilton employers and their employees can access the following resources to support physical activity:

Adults 24-Hour Movement Guidelines
The Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Adults aged 18-64.

Smart Commute
For Employers - Become a Smart Commute Member Organization.
For Employees - Provides commute opportunities such as carpooling, transit and cycling.

Hamilton Bike Share
Hamilton Bike Share - public bike share transit system.

Recreation Assistance Program
Subsidized recreation passes for employees/residents who meet the income level criteria.

Date modified

November 27, 2023