Health Handouts : Workplace Physical Activity Programs: Developing an Action Plan

Prior to kicking off your Workplace Physical Activity Program, summarize the information you’ve collected and plan your next steps.

At this point, you have

• gained backing from upper management for the Workplace Physical Activity Program
• formed an Workplace Health Promotion Program Committee
• assessed what is possible in your workplace
• found out what employees want and need in a Workplace Physical Activity Program.

Based on this information, you’re now ready to develop your action plan to stimulate physical exercise at your workplace.

With the Company Wellness Program Committee, take the following steps.

• Combine the results of the employee survey with the workplace environmental assessment, and report to upper management and workers.
• Prioritize the possibilities at each of the “levels” (individual, social, corporation, community, policy) in the workplace listed in “Keys to Success”. By way of example, suppose a large group of employees show an interest in biking to work. Since these individuals may want to shower and change after their commute each day, you might give showers and changing facilities priority in your workplace. Bike racks might also be valuable for making employees’ bikes secure during the workday.
• Consult the list of practical ideas found this website.
• Create a mission statement (one which aligns with your organization’s central mission statement) to define your purpose and help guide your process. Setting goals/objectives will help you achieve your mission statement.
• Put together a plan or blueprint approaching what you have learned. Make program and activity recommendations with timelines, identify resources and assign responsibilities. Revisit the list of tasks outlined in “Step 2: Forming an Employee Committee.” Seek senior staff approval to move ahead.
• Once your plan is in place, it’s important to encourage it to employees. Organizing a launch is a great way to do this. A formal kick-off additionally demonstrates senior staff responsibility. If employees don’t know about the plan, they can’t take advantage of it!
• Decide what you need to track to show that you have accomplished your goals. Measure these factors before you start. This way, when you evaluate later, you will know if there has been a change.