Ideas > Individual Level: Helping your employees be more active

When working at this level, aim to explore ideas that offer choices, and help individuals choose to be active. Try a variety of ideas that appeal to as many people as possible in your workplace.

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  When you launch the initiative, put together an employee kit that includes a letter from management endorsing the program, a copy of the Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines and an activity tracker or logbook.

• Start a physical activity closet filled with low-cost sport and activity equipment (e.g., basketballs, fitness bands, pylons, skipping ropes, Frisbees).

• Install a basketball net and keep basketballs on hand, so employees can play during breaks or before or after work.

• Encourage employees to follow the Yoga @ Your Desk, Stretching @ Your Desk or Exercising for Your Hands and Wrists @ Your Desk videos on this website.

• Have employees track their physical activity week by week by using an activity tracker.

• Buy one or two bikes and helmets for employees to use at work to get fresh air and sunshine or run errands.

• Organize “Activity Sampler Days” with varied physical activities for employees to try. Offer information to help connect them to community activities they enjoy.

• Produce or link to an active living screensaver with physical activity tips that employees can download.

• Help employees develop time-management skills. These skills can help employees make time for physical activity.

• Subsidize employee enrolment in community walking or running programs aimed at preparing for specific events.

• Subsidize memberships in recreation facilities or instructional classes.

• Arrange individual or group fitness assessments on site or at community facilities.

• Hire a certified fitness trainer to help employees train for their specific goals.

• Offer a healthy living program at work that involves experts in both physical activity and nutrition.

• Provide easy access to resources and information on physical activity, including the resources on the Alberta Centre for Active Living’s website.

Find out More

• Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines: Learn about how much physical activity you should be doing to achieve health benefits.

• Provincial Fitness Unit: This organization can give you information about certification for fitness leaders.