Response to Google video

That was an interesting video about Google's proactive approach to encouraging their employees to get and stay fit. I like the fact that employees can go whenever they want to the gym. I've noticed it's becoming a trend for employers to provide infrastructure to creating such a supportive environment.

My last employer did this to a limited degree in providing locker and shower facilites. They also provided a "Wellness Account" of $500 per year that could be used to pay for the cost of a gym membership of personal trainer. By means of this approach, organizations are not forcing employees to participate in diet or fitness related activites. Rather, they are structuring their benefits programs and work environments to be more conducive to making healthy lifestyle choices.

Ayt my office building, there was no gym in the building or anyplace nearby. However, we had the advantage of the Legislative Grounds with its numerous paths with a park-like setting, and other connections to the city's bike path and walking trails. We all walked on our breaks. But the disadvantage was that we did not have flex hours to extend our breaks to allow adequate time to exercise.

One thing that could be done if there are no nearby gym facilites is to use a spare room for exercise equiptment. Having access to the these tools in the workplace will help employees fit time to exercise into their daily routine, and provide an outlet for stress relief. It's certainly better to head to the treadmill to let off steam rather than having a junk food fix.

I hope that my next employer has some of these ideas in the work environment! Who knows maybe Google needs some HR people to read the thousands of applications they receive every day. :)