Governor signs order for establishment of fitness programs

SANTA FE — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Thursday signed an executive order providing for the establishment of fitness and wellness programs for its 17,000-plus state employees, according to a release from her office.

The order directs the State Personnel Office to develop fitness and wellness guidance for state employees, including a policy template for agencies and departments to implement. Per the order, each agency and department will implement a fitness and wellness policy that facilitates work-life balance.

“A healthy person is a productive person,” Gov. Lujan Grisham said. “I want our employees to know they are valued, and I want prospective employees to know the state of New Mexico, as an employer, is conscientious of and responsive to their needs as human beings. Providing for exercise time and encouraging healthy habits is an important move in building and sustaining our workforce.”

The state personnel office’s policy guidance allows for employees to take advantage of additional programming relating to health, fitness and wellness including employee awareness campaigns, health risk appraisals, blood pressure and cholesterol screenings, illness and injury prevention training programs, exercise programs, and education related to smoking, alcohol and drug abuse, among other potential programs.