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.
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What Evidence-Based Practices Does the ScoreCard Assess?
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.