Employees in Motion : Wellness At Work Programs

Finding ways for employees to be active while in the workplace setting is a key way to encourage physical activity. In a 2003 study, Johnson & Johnson found that the following factors were associated with greater employee participation in workplace fitness:

• There is a wide range of types of activities available.
• Programs are offered during the workday, as well as just before and after work.
• Facilities have a convenient location.
• Facilities are perceived to be high quality with professionally trained leaders who have good motivational skills.
• Participants perceive both management and peers to be supportive of employees using the facility.
• Participants have an opportunity to socialize at facilities.
• Aerobic machines, weight machines, and free weights are available.

Johnson & Johnson also found the following to be reasons for reduction in participation from employees:

• Perceived lack of time to exercise
• Perceived lack of self-discipline
• Perceived lack of motivation
• Perceived poor fitness level and overall health
• Perceived older age
• Perceived long distance from home to work
• Cost of participation
• Lack of flexible work hours
• Shift work and working overtime
• Perceived lack of management support
• Home responsibilities
• Fatigue
• Lack of skill or experience
• Feeling self-conscious

The following are a number of companies who have overcome challenges to fitness in the workplace and have implemented a number of excellent programs for their employees.