SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Thursday signed an executive order providing for the establishment of fitness and wellness programs for state employees, a means of incentivizing healthy lifestyle practices and a genuine work-life balance for the more than 17,000 New Mexico government workers.

The governor directed 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.

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.

“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. And to state employees: I’ll see you at the gym!”

“This important initiative is another way the governor is showing all of us: State employees are government’s most important resource, and their well-being matters,” said Director Pam Coleman of the State Personnel Office. “When they are healthier, the state is healthier. The State Personnel Office looks forward to working with agencies to help them implement this program.”