Tools & Resources for Employers

Employers are noticing the toll the typical American lifestyle is taking on the workplace. The cost of healthcare, employee absenteeism, and reduced productivity are challenges faced by all employers. Most Americans spend a significant amount of time away from home in the workplace and commuting to their place of employment. Many of us are sedentary in the workplace. Our jobs and commutes require little or no physical activity.

Clark County is struggling with rising tides of obesity and its precursor, being overweight. Considering adults represent the majority of employees, these numbers tell a sobering story about the health of our workforce.

• In 1996 one out of six Clark County adults were obese. In 2005, that number increased to one out of four.
• In 1996, almost half (42%) of Clark County adults were either overweight or obese. By 2005, that number
  increased to three out of five (62%) adults.
  
  (source: Clark County Public Health)

Employers are beginning to embrace and support walkability in the workplace. Helping to increase the amount your employees walk will improve their health and morale, increase productivity, decrease absenteeism, and ultimately reduce healthcare costs.

Establish walking-friendly policies in the workplace and make it easier for your employees to make the healthy choice! Support a culture that values the benefits employees gain through walking.

• Review your workplace to evaluate the environment and existing policies that support walkability. Use the review
  to set goals and generate ideas.
• Try walking meetings! Instead of sitting while you meet, get on your feet. Walking meetings are especially easy
  for two-person conversations. Many people say they are more focused, take less time, and are less prone
  to interruption.
• Encourage employees to choose stairwells over the elevator by giving access to stairwells and ensuring they are
  clean and safe.

Check out more tips and resources below. For ideas about how to use these resources, please visit the How To Use Campaign Tools page.

 

Web Links

Employers

City of Vancouver Commute Trip Reduction

Making Washington the Healthiest State in the Nation

Washington State Guidelines to Help Energize Your Meetings

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Kids, Families, Safety, and Schools

City of Vancouver Commute Trip Reduction

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Learn and Get Involved Locally

City of Vancouver Commute Trip Reduction

City of Vancouver Strategic Plan

City of Vancouver Sustainability Initiative

Community Choices

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Local Walking Opportunities

Clark County Walkaround Guide

First Friday Art Walk

International Discovery Walk

International Discovery Walk (2008 PDF Brochure)

Kaiser Permanente

Southwest Washington Medical Center Passport to Wellness

Sunday Hiking Program

Vancouver Clark Parks and Trails

Vancouver's Downtown Walking Map

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Research, Advocacy, and Programs

CDC: Healthier Worksite Initiative - Worksite Walkability

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)

Coalition for a Livable Future

Washington Coalition for Promotion of Physical Activity

Washington Health Foundation

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