• Encourage workers to take more steps and move more during the workday.

One study found that replacing 30 minutes of sitting each day with any type of movement was associated with better health. That means moving for any amount of time, at any intensity level. It could involve a brief walk, climbing a set of stairs, or doing some deskside stretches.

Physical activity helps employees manage weight, improve cardiovascular health, and alleviate the effects of stress.

To encourage employees to move more, try these ideas:

• Offer healthy activity challenges such as lunchtime walking programs, an after-work bike club, or a step challenge where teams or individuals compete to see who has taken the most steps at the end of the week or month.
• Reward employees who park in the back of the parking lot with special recognition.
• Offer the option to use sit-stand workstations.