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  1. Fitness
  2. Activity incentive programs

Activity incentive programs

Features>Fitness>65. Activity incentive programs

65. Activity incentive programs

Intent: 

To promote active lifestyles through the provision of physical activity incentive programs.

The health benefits of physical activity are numerous, from reduced risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes, to better mental health and increased quality of life. In addition, relatively small amounts of activity can lead to significant benefits: just 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity physical activity per week can reduce overall mortality risk by nearly 20%. Research shows that even small incentives can significantly influence individual decisions and behaviors towards physical activity. However, the effectiveness of varying types of incentives (e.g., monetary, non-monetary), their distribution schedule, their magnitude, and their relationship to specific types of activity engagement remain largely unknown. In addition, implementation of physical activity incentives for different populations and geographic regions adds an additional layer of complexity in prescribing and implementing effective incentive programs. Therefore, projects play a fundamental role in defining and creating incentive programs that are meaningful to their project population and aim to help develop and maintain regular exercise and physical activity behaviors.

Part 1: Activity Incentive Programs

At least two of the following are implemented for all full-time employees:

a.88 Tax-exempt payroll deductions relating to active transportation (e.g., a subsidy to purchase a personal bicycle) or mass transit (includes public transportation) use. Direct subsidies of an equivalent amount are also acceptable.
b.82 Meaningful reimbursements or incentive payments (including non-monetary) offered for every 6-month period that an employee meets a 50-visit minimum to a gym or physical activity program.
c. A meaningful subsidy offered at least yearly towards participation or membership costs for fitness activities such as races, group fitness classes, sports teams, fitness centers, training centers, gyms, or studios. Direct subsidies of an equivalent amount are also acceptable.
d. A meaningful subsidy offered at least yearly towards the cost of an annual bicycle share membership.
e. No cost or discounted physical activity opportunities or memberships, in which it can be demonstrated that 30% of occupants have utilized on a regular basis (at least weekly) over the last six months.
Part 2: Sedentary Behavior Reduction

An incentive program in elementary and middle schools is developed with parental support for participation in challenges targeting time spent on at least one of the following:

a.161 TV-viewing.
b.161 Recreational computer or smartphone use.
c.161 Video gaming.
d.161 Other recreational screen-based, sedentary behaviors.
Muscular
Skeletal

Applicability Matrix

Core & Shell New & Existing Buildings New & Existing Interiors
Part 1: Activity Incentive Programs - P P
Commercial Kitchen Education Multifamily Residential Restaurant Retail
Part 1: Activity Incentive Programs - P - P P
Part 2: Sedentary Behavior Reduction - P - - -

Verification Methods Matrix

Letters of Assurance Annotated Documents On-Site Checks
Part 1: Activity Incentive Programs Policy Document
Part 2: Sedentary Behavior Reduction Policy Document

82

Oxford Health Plans. Gym Reimbursement. https://www.oxhp.com/secure/materials/Gym_Reimbursement.pdf . Published 2011. Accessed October 17, 2014.
65.1.b

Certain Oxford health plans allow for reimbursement of a portion of the gym membership fee for each 6-month period wherein the employee meets a 50-visit minimum.
88

U.S. Internal Revenue Service. Internal Revenue Code of 1986 §132(f). Washington, D.C.: Internal Revenue Service; 1986.
65.1.a

IRC Section 132(f) on qualified transportation fringe allows employers to offer employees the opportunity to set aside a portion of their salary to pay for certain transportation expenses.
161

Community Preventive Services Task Force. Obesity Prevention and Control: Behavioral Interventions that Aim to Reduce Recreational Sedentary Screen Time Among Children. http://www.thecommunityguide.org/obesity/behavioral.html. Updated December 4, 2014. Accessed March 29, 2015.
65.2.c

The Task Force recommends interventions that reduce recreational screen time for children 13 years and younger, noting that family-based social support with electronic monitoring targeting time spent on activies such as videogame use was highly effective.
65.2.a

The Task Force recommends interventions that reduce recreational screen time for children 13 years and younger. Recreational screen time can include the use of computers or cell phones for watching TV content, not related to school or work.
65.2.b

The Task Force recommends interventions that reduce recreational screen time for children 13 years and younger. Recreational screen time can include the use of computers or cell phones for watching TV content, not related to school or work.
65.2.d

The Task Force recommends interventions that reduce recreational screen time for children 13 years and younger. Recreational, sedentary screen time includes screen time that is neither school-related nor work-related.
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