Community Level: How Does Your Organization Connect with the World Outside?

Jump in air This section focuses on interactions with the community that encourage physical activity.

Government agencies, other corporations and unions can help support your initiative. You might work with city planners, for example, to develop walking/biking paths. You might work with a health and safety committee to improve union as well as organizational policies.

Consider the following action steps and questions to help you build your connections at the community level.

Access to Facilities and Space

Make an assessment of community facilities or services that are nearby. Consult with employees to help determine some of their favourites.

Depending on the interests in your workplace, you might look for swimming pools, gyms, walking trails, or exercise or yoga classes. Also consider sharing space with other workplaces in your building.

Identify other organizations and community-based services you can connect with to provide physical activity information, classes or even the space to be physically active.

Community Programs

Many opportunities exist for group physical activity in community settings, such as Corporate Challenges, team sports and charity walks/runs. Some of these offer rewards.

Has your community initiated active living programs that will support your efforts?
Is there an opportunity for your workplace to rally the troops to participate in community activities?
Is there a provincial or municipal workplace award you can go after?

For examples of community programs, see Active Edmonton or Healthy U’s Community Choosewell Challenge. One example of an awards program is the Alberta Premier’s Award for Healthy Workplaces.

Professional Expertise

Employers and employees often have important questions, such as:

Do we need to hire a qualified instructor?
Is there a certification organization?

Such questions may be important from a safety or legal point of view. It is very important to hire people who have the knowledge and training to instruct classes for employees or provide advice. In Alberta, visit the Provincial Fitness Unit for more information on certification. This organization administers, certifies and supports Alberta fitness professionals. The Provincial Fitness Unit can help you identify qualified fitness leaders.

For other ways to connect with the community to promote physical activity at work, visit the Ideas section on this website.

Find out More

Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation: Sport and recreation programs and services that are offered through the Alberta Sport, Recreation, Parks & Wildlife Foundation.

Canada’s Healthy Workplace Month : This event is held each October, but you can access the website year round. Check out the archived activities from past years for lots of ideas.

Corporate Challenges: Getting a team together to participate in a Corporate Challenge can make your work a friendlier place. Available in many communities, these employer-focused competitions promote team spirit and kindle employee friendships. Check with your municipal recreation department to find out if there is a challenge in your community and if so when.