Jersey Mike’s Subs, known for its grilled subs, is the first company in New Jersey to sign the National Coalition for Promoting Physical Activity (NCPPA) CEO Pledge as part of its ongoing commitment to promoting healthful living in the workplace. Company CEO and founder Peter Cancro is the first CEO in Jersey Mike’s home state of New Jersey to make the pledge which states, “For the betterment of my company, our employees, their families, and our country, I pledge to improve employee health and wellness by providing opportunities and resources for physical activity before, during or after the workday, and to enhance my own health and wellness by engaging in regular physical activity.”
The NCPPA CEO Pledge is a national campaign to encourage every CEO in the U.S. to recognize physical activity as an important driver of employee health and business performance. Cancro was invited to sign the pledge by Atlantic Club owner and CEO Pat Laus. The fitness club, with two locations in Monmouth County, New Jersey, brought together physicians, businesses, and fitness/wellness professionals to take a stand for the health of the community.
“Jersey Mike’s has long been a proponent of healthy living, and we are committed to finding creative ways to encourage our team members to become more active whether at the office or at home,” Cancro says. “I encourage my fellow CEOs across the country to join me in signing this pledge and take the lead in inspiring their employees to enjoy the benefits of a more healthy lifestyle which can also build great camaraderie in the workplace.”
Cancro, a fitness enthusiast who works out regularly at home and on the road, built a state-of-the-art gym at the Jersey Mike’s headquarters four years ago to inspire and encourage all his employees. The 2,500-square-foot facility features fitness equipment with cardio, strength, and flexibility modalities.
CEOs who sign the pledge agree to implement at least six of a list of strategies to create a culture of physical activity in the workplace. Some of the more than dozen implemented by Jersey Mike’s include supporting healthy meetings that incorporate physical activity. It’s not unusual at Jersey Mike’s for a push-up challenge to ensue before, during or after a meeting. The brand also encourages competitions, team events, and individual challenges. Some of the most popular points challenges are the Summer Challenge relay and the Labor Day Luncheon Workout Challenge. In October, a Jersey Mike’s team will participate in the Tough Mudder Challenge, a grueling 10–12 mile obstacle course. Employees are also encouraged to take brief activity breaks throughout the workday and providing the option to use active office furniture such as stability balls.
