Ideas for organizations

There are many easy and inexpensive (even free) ways you can create opportunities for your members or staff to move more.

Here are just a few ideas to get your business, department, community or not-for-profit group started:

Stairs

  • Post signs encouraging people to use the stairs
  • Make stairwells accessible and more inviting (e.g. ensure proper lighting, play music, add colour, pictures, etc.)

Administrative work

  • Encourage standing while on the telephone
  • Provide telephone headsets at teh office to keep moving during phone calls
  • Encourage walking to co-worker’s desks rather than using the phone or email

Gatherings/Meetings

  • Arrange regular (e.g. half-hourly) short breaks during sit-down meetings
  • Hold walking or standing meetings when appropriate
  • Add a physical activity component to existing social groups (e.g. walk to your bridge night, knitting group or book club)

Walking/Active Transportation

  • Promote active commuting to the workplace
  • Start a walking club
  • Post maps of walking routes close to or within your organization
  • Advocate for improvements in your community that will encourage walking/active transportation, like more bike lanes

Policies/Programs

  • Consider supporting employee efforts with incentives and work flexibility (e.g. corporate rates for gym memberships, subsidize employees’ enrolment in a community program designed to prepare them for a specific future event)
  • Encourage opportunities for unstructured physical activity and play
  • Encourage flextime (e.g. allow employees the chance to take a fitness class or take a walk during the workday)
  • Link members and employees with community facilities that offer opportunities for physical activity and fitness level assessments
  • Incorporate physical activity into other organizational events
  • Participate in physical activity campaigns such as Healthy Workplace Week, Take the Roof Off Winter, Bike Week, Commuter Challenge Week and local events happening in your area

Facilities

  • Provide supportive facilities (e.g. space for yoga, safe routes, bicycle racks, showers, lit stairwells)

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