2020 Employer Physical Activity Profile
The CDC ScoreCard is a tool to help employers assess whether their health promotion programs are based on the best evidence for improving employees’ health and wellness.
What Evidence-Based Practices Does the ScoreCard Assess?
![scorecard-assess The Scorecard assesses Programs, Policies, Environmental Supports, and Benefits.](/workplacehealthpromotion/data-surveillance/images/scorecard-assess.jpg?_=46718)
According to the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition, each week adults need at least 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) of moderate-intensity physical activity or 75 minutes (1 hour and 15 minutes) of vigorous physical activity, or an equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity activity for substantial health benefits.1
How Are Employers Doing in Promoting Physical Activity?
62% of employers have a comprehensive workplace physical activity programs including policies and environmental support strategies.
82% of employers have an environmental support strategy (e.g., on-site fitness facility or walking trail) as part of their worksite physical activity program.
15% of employers work with YMCAs to provide health-related information, programs, and resources to employees.
Average employer has 60%, or 6 of 10 Physical Activity ScoreCard strategies in place.
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; 2018.
Physical Activity ScoreCard Strategies |
Strategy a |
% of Worksites b With Strategy in Place (2020 Score) |
---|---|---|
Educational Materials | Provide educational materials that address the benefits of physical activity | 83% |
Educational Programming | Provide and promote interactive educational programming on physical activity, such as a series of educational seminars, workshops, or classes on physical activity |
76% |
Environmental Supports | Provide or promote other environmental supports for recreation or physical activity |
75% |
Physical Activity Programs | Provide and promote organized physical activity programs for employees other than the use of an exercise facility | 71% |
Free or Subsidized Counseling | Provide and promote free or subsidized lifestyle coaching, counseling, or self-management programs that equip employees with skills and motivation to set and meet their personal physical activity goals |
67% |
Subsidized Exercise Facilities | Subsidize or discount the cost of on-site or off-site exercise facilities | 64% |
Activity Trackers | Promote the use of activity trackers to support physical activity | 56% |
Exercise Facility | Provide an exercise facility on-site | 43% |
Stair Use | Encourage stair use by posting signs and making stairwells more inviting to use | 40% |
Active Transportation | Encourage active transportation to and from work | 37% |
a Evidence-based practices (i.e., programs, policies, environmental supports, and benefits) in the CDC Worksite Health ScoreCard have a weighted score from 1 to 3 points. The score is derived from the strategy’s impact on population health outcomes and the strength of the supporting scientific evidence.
b Percentages are based on 480 ScoreCard submissions in 2020.