To Activate the Eastern Shore. Pa# Garvin Kiger, M.Ed., Ph.D. candidate Eastern Virginia Medical School Eastern Shore Child Health Coali=on

Transcription

1 To Activate the Eastern Shore Pa# Garvin Kiger, M.Ed., Ph.D. candidate Eastern Virginia Medical School Eastern Shore Child Health Coali=on

2 Background ESCHC founded July % of ES residents overweight 33% obese! Became a CDC/Y- USA ACHIEVE community 2010 Aim: Creating a healthier Eastern Shore Vision: We envision a healthier Eastern Shore emerging from livable communities where children and adults have healthy eating choices at home, school, and work, can safely walk or bicycle; can play or exercise outdoors in neighborhood parks, trails and open spaces; and can enjoy a tobacco free community.

3 Why a policy? Good business sense to promote PA among employees Increasing evidence of link between health and productivity Regular exercisers shown to use less sick leave than those who do not exercise

4 Why a policy? A written document that includes a statement of intent about how a company proposes to address an issue: physical activity in the workplace Demonstrates a formal commitment to the health of employees Outlines physical activity goals with clear direction and methods for achieving these goals

5 Why a policy? Offers a structured and coordinated approach to improving the physical activity status of your workforce Offers a basis for consultation with staff over the matter and is likely to be well received. Staff involvement is also an important step in encouraging people to take more control over their physical activity choices.

6 Why a policy Complements any existing policies such as tobacco & alcohol Gives recognition to the good physical activity practices already present in many companies.

7 A posi=ve policy Well- received by employees Makes positive statement about the value a company places on the health and well- being of its workforce Very practical way of improving company public relations both internally & externally

8 Benefits Healthier & more energetic staff Better physical activity habits among staff Less sickness and long- term health problems Improved staff relations Good company public relations Reduced absenteeism Increased productivity Enhanced employee recruitment

9 Step- by- step guide 1. Inform & consult your workforce Perhaps appoint an employee task force to develop policy Inform employees about policy development & explain why it is being introduced Explain benefits of policy & outline what employees gain from it Invite ideas & suggestions ask for volunteers to assist with development

10 Step- by- step guide 2. Identify Employee Needs Find out what employees want from a physical activity policy to secure high participation rates and benefit to employees Use questionnaires If you use a task force, members can ask colleagues for suggestions & needs

11 Step- by- step guide 3. Develop the policy. Use sample policy provided by ESCHCC or develop one on your own Base policy on results of consultation with employees Distribute draft policy to key employees to get feedback Make adjustments as needed

12 Step- by- step guide 4. Notify employees of launch date Set an official launch date & formally notify employees Organize a fun and physically active launch event to raise awareness of the policy Ensure all new employees are made aware of the policy, its conditions and provisions Include policy in staff handbook, and in all employee information & orientation packs

13 Step- by- step guide 5. Monitor & review Review your policy at 3 months after implementation Are the initiatives within the policy being carried out? What levels of participation and up- take have there been from the staff? Speak to employees and ask them what they think of the policy and its provisions Continue to review the policy annually and make amendments as necessary

14 Prac=cal ideas to consider Promote stair- walking or walking at lunchtime Provide bicycle racks to encourage biking to work Provide info on local opportunities for physical activity Maps of local walking trails Info on local sports and leisure facilities, classes & clubs Publicize physical activity on bulletin boards & newsletters Provide advice booklets

15 Prac=cal ideas to consider Purchase corporate memberships to exercise facilities Provide on- site facilities Provide changing facilities & lockers for those who wish to participate in more vigorous activity in and around the working day Provide incentives to promote physical activity as opposed to car use during working day Provide flexible lunch times or working hours to allow physical activity before, during & after working day

16 Promote physical ac=vity Organize a workplace physical activity event on an annual basis (e.g. family fun days, mini olympics, etc.) Company membership to sports facility On- site fitness classes Reduced insurance rates Recognize employee participation in sporting activities Field teams in the upcoming fitness challenge & use media to promote their success

17 Policy parts Title: Physical activity promotion Statement of intent: to support and promote physical activity among all staff and to encourage all staff to be regularly active (more people, more active, more often) Effective date Introduction to the organization The need for the policy Policy aim Objectives Reviewing & Monitoring