About the Start! Fit-Friendly Companies Recognition Program
Why should a company implement a worksite physical activity program?
What benefits do companies receive for committing to the program?
How can my company receive recognition?
What benefits will my company receive with recognition?
How can I get Started?
How can my company renew?
Which companies are currently recognized?
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Start! Fit-Friendly Companies Program
The American Heart Association is recognizing employers who champion the health of their employees and work to create a culture of physical activity in the workplace. This recognition rewards companies for their progressive leadership and highlight their concern for their staff. It will also encourage other companies to demonstrate similar concern. Companies may earn recognition by implementing physical activity practices such as:
- Providing walking routes
- Promoting walking programs, online newsletters and tracking tools to motivate employees
- Allowing staff to wear athletic shoes in the workplace on designated "sneaker days"
Companies can also receive tools such as our free Start! Walking Program and tips from the American Heart Association to create a healthier workplace environment.
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Why should a company implement a worksite physical activity program?
Adult Americans spend most of their waking hours at work, and many are in sedentary careers. They are increasingly susceptible to health risks associated with inactive lifestyles. Studies suggest that by implementing a worksite physical activity program and promoting a culture of activity, companies can:
- Increase productivity
- Reduce absenteeism
- Lower turnover
- Reduce healthcare costs
Besides benefiting companies, a healthier workplace helps employees live healthier, longer lives.
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What benefits do companies receive for committing to the American Heart Association program?
Companies’ immediate benefits include:
- Employee access to program resources, including the free Start! Walking Program and the MyStart! Online tracking tool
- Materials to help promote company wellness programs to employees
- Newsletter templates for internal distribution to employees
- Consultation on CPR/AED (automated external defibrillator) programs
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How can my company receive Start! Fit-Friendly Company recognition?
Follow these easy steps:
- Your CEO signs a pledge to have his or her company participate. Download your pledge form.
- Upon achieving specified goals, you submit your application for recognition. Download your application. An American Heart Association Expert Panel reviews your application and awards recognition to your company.
Application deadline: Jan. 15, 2008.
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How can my company renew or go from Gold to Platinum level?
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Attach your original application and submit it with the Renewal form.
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An American Heart Association Expert Panel reviews your forms and awards your company recognition.
Deadline for new and renewal applications is Jan. 15, 2008.
If you have questions, you can contact your local American Heart Association office or use our contact us form for assistance.
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What benefits will my company receive with recognition?
Recognized companies will receive:
- Recognition on the American Heart Association’s program Web site
- Recognition by the American Heart Association at local events and in communication materials supporting the recognition program
- The right to use the program’s annual recognition seal for internal communications to employees (e.g., intranet company newsletters, break-room posters) and external communications related specifically to recruitment (e.g., employment section of the company Web site, recruiting tools for job fairs). The seal may not be used for external marketing of the company's brand or products.
- Official recognition letter sent by the American Heart Association
- Recognition plaque to display at the worksite
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How can I get started?
The first step is to download the application. The application contains all the requirements and information you’ll need to get started. If you still have questions, you can contact your local office or use our contact us form for assistance.
Contact us today to learn more about how your company can be a Start! Fit-Friendly company.
