Criteria to Implement the CEO Pledge
The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) is excited to introduce our new healthy workplace initiative, GO the EXTRA MILE. The goal of the NIHB GO the EXTRA MILE initiative is to create a healthier work environment and promote employee health. The GO the EXTRA MILE initiative stems from the CEO Pledge, a project through the National Coalition on Promoting Physical Activity (NCPPA), which urges CEOs to pledge their commitment to foster a healthy workplace. The NIHB GO the EXTRA MILE initiative is the newest element of collaborated efforts within the National Physical Activity Plan.
To participate in the GO the EXTRA MILE with the National Indian Health Board (NIHB), please incorporate the following:
Required:- Join the NIHB GO the EXTRA MILE initiative by signing up on NIHB’s website
- Sign the CEO Pledge
- Require staff to walk at least one extra mile each day for a year (separately from daily routine)
- Create a virtual walking plan, in which your organization uses the aggregated miles to virtually walk to other Tribal organizations
To show your commitment for fostering a physically active workplace after signing the CEO Pledge, consider choosing at least six elements listed below to incorporate into your GO the EXTRA MILE program. You may use NIHB’s plan as an example or design your own tailored plan.
Behavioral Support
- Support “healthy meetings” such as stand-up or walking meetings, and/or meetings that incorporate stretching or other physical activity
- Offer a physical activity program that includes motivational elements to inspire employees, such as employee competitions, team challenges and recognition/rewards
- Establish a non-competitive physical activity program, such as a “buddy program” or exercise groups
- Sponsor employee teams in organized fun runs/walks
- Integrate other innovative and effective ideas to increase physical activity
Educational support
- Provide education and information to employees about the benefits of an active lifestyle
- Invite experts to conduct regular information sessions in the workplace on physical activity-related topics
- Promote the health and productivity benefits of avoiding long periods of sedentary behavior (e.g. sitting at a desk for an extended period of time)
Environmental/Policy Support
- Organize onsite fitness classes
- Reimburse employees for purchases of fitness equipment or physical activity-related programs
- Offer incentives for physical activity such as gift certificates for equipment and include such incentives in the employee benefit plan when appropriate
- Provide free or subsidized public transportation passes to encourage walking as part of a daily commute
- Increase the time allowed for lunch breaks or provide flexible scheduling to create the opportunity for employees to be active during the workday
- Provide safe and clean facilities, such as showers, changing areas, and bike racks that support physical activity before, during, or after the workday
- Provide clean, safe, and attractive stairwells and encourage their use
- Create a map of indoor and/or outdoor walking paths that are safe, convenient, and easy to follow near the workplace
- Offer employees opportunities to wear casual, work-out-friendly attire to work
- Create an onsite fitness area or reimburse/subsidize the cost of an offsite fitness center membership
- Encourage employees to take brief activity breaks throughout the workday
- Provide employees with the option to use “active office” furniture such as stand-up or treadmill desks, and/or stability balls