Before You Start > Keys to Success: What it Takes to Make a Difference

To make a difference in the lives of your fellow workers, you first need to understand that getting active is not simply a matter of choice. Some things are within our individual control, but others are shaped by the people and circumstances in which we live and work.

It‘s Easier to Be Active When…

• We know what to do and have the confidence, skills and opportunity to do it.

• It’s fun. For instance, “working out” at the gym does not appeal to everyone. Activities need to reflect what people enjoy.

• Our friends, family or co-workers are active with us (or at least support us).

• We feel safe, e.g., streets and stairwells are well lit.

• Sidewalks, walking/biking trails, parks and gyms are nearby.

• We have money to pay for equipment, instruction or memberships.

• We can walk, bike or take public transit to work.

• Active choices such as taking the stairs, having stretch breaks at meetings and going outside at lunch are “normal” in the workplace.

• Managers support and recognize employee efforts. Better yet, they participate.

• We can juggle our work hours to fit in physical activity.

Think about how you could create some of these conditions in your workplace. By taking these steps, you’ll make it more likely that employees both want and are able to be active during the workday.

Workplace physical activity initiatives that focus only on individuals have limited success. Research shows that reaching people in various ways gives the best chance of long-term success.

A strategy directed at multiple levels is also called an “ecological approach.” For more information about ecological models, go to the Research section of this website.

What’s in This Section for You?

The “levels” in this section are simply the different ways to reach people in your workplace. Physical Activity @ Work calls for a broad approach to increasing physical activity that reaches people through the five ways, or levels, listed below.

• Individual Level: What Do Employees Know, Believe and Do?

• Social Level: What’s The Level of Social Support in Your Workplace?

• Organizational Level: How Does Your Organization Support Physical Activity?

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

• Policy Level: What Policies Make It Easier to Be Physically Active?