2018 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. 

https://www.cdc.gov/workplacehealthpromotion/initiatives/

healthscorecard/index.html

How Are Employers Doing in Promoting Physical Activity?

47%of employers

have a comprehensive 

workplace physical activity 

programa

 including policies and 

environmental support strategies

63%of employers have an 

environmental support strategy 

(e.g., on-site fitness facility or 

walking trail) as part of their 

worksite physical activity program

45%of employers work with YMCAs 

to provide health-related information, 

programs, and resources to employees

Average employer has 4 of 9

(44%)Physical Activity 

ScoreCard strategies in place

Average employer 

physical activity score 

was 8% lower in 

2018 than 2017

CS310879-A

According to the 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 vigorousintensity activity for substantial 

health benefits.1

CDC WORKSITE

HEALTH SCORECARD

What Evidence-Based Practices Does the ScoreCard Assess?

PROGRAMS

Opportunities to 

begin, change, 

or maintain 

health behaviors

BENEFITS

Overall 

compensation, 

including health 

insurance

POLICIES

Formal or informal 

statements to 

protect or 

promote health

ENVIRONMENTAL 

SUPPORTS

Physical factors 

at work that 

help protect and 

enhance health

1

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. 

a

Comprehensive programs refer to a coordinated set of strategies, which include programs, policies, 

benefits, environmental supports, and links to the surrounding community that are designed to meet 

the health and safety needs of all employees. The CDC ScoreCard physical activity module does not 

include any questions related to benefits. 
PHYSICAL 

ACTIVITY 

SCORECARD 

STRATEGIES

STRATEGYb

% OF WORKSITESC

WITH STRATEGY

IN PLACE

(2018 SCORE)

69%

58%

57%

52%

47%

45%

29%

25%

20%

b

Evidence-based practices (i.e., programs, policies, environmental supports, benefits) with the highest weighted scores (2 or 3 points) in the CDC Worksite Health ScoreCard, including the strategy’s 

impact on population health outcomes and the strength of the scientific evidence supporting this impact.

c

Percentages based on 873 ScoreCard submissions in 2018.

Provide brochures, videos, posters, 

pamphlets, newsletters, or other written or 

online information that address the benefits 

of physical activity

Provide other environmental supports for 

recreation or physical activity

Subsidize or discount the cost of on-site or 

off-site exercise facilities

Provide free or subsidized self-management 

programs for physical activity

Provide organized individual or group 

physical activity programs for employees 

(other than the use of an exercise facility)

Provide a series of educational seminars, 

workshops, or classes on physical activity

Provide an exercise facility on-site

Provide or subsidize physical fitness 

assessments, follow-up counseling, and 

physical activity recommendations either onsite or through a community exercise facility

Post signs at elevators, stairwell entrances or 

exits, and other key locations that encourage 

employees to use the stairs