Companies do not always take responsibility for their employees’ physical health, but they should. One of the many advantages of fitness for workers is increased productivity. Another goal is to lessen the influence of presenteeism.
What are the advantages of workplace exercise?
Exercise helps with focus and productivity
Employee productivity is increased by improving blood flow to the brain and making it easier to focus. It also promotes creative thinking, assisting employees in finding novel solutions to complex situations.
Brisk strolling, a leisurely jog, dancing, riding a bike, or mowing a lawnmower are all examples of moderate exercise. Exercise improves other aspects of cognitive performance such as multitasking, alertness, and decision-making, by increasing blood flow to the brain.
All of those are necessary characteristics of a productive and focused employee. Furthermore, exercise has been demonstrated to alleviate some of the impacts of the afternoon slump, when productivity and focus can be difficult to maintain.
It assists employees in managing stress
Endorphins, or feel-good neurotransmitters, are released by the body during exercise. In life, stress is unavoidable. Sometimes the stress is work-related, but personal tension can infiltrate an employee’s working hours. Helping people cope with stress benefits the business.
Exercise may assist in the treatment of employee burnout
Burnout is caused by long-term job stress. There are various causes, but the most common is an overwhelming workload. Exhaustion, demotivation, and a decrease in productivity are some of the symptoms. Managers must be trained to delegate duties effectively and to recognize the early signs of burnout, but exercise can also assist.
It can help to improve working relationships
Group exercises are a great method to improve and develop new working relationships. Within an organization, it broadens social groups and fosters supporting social networks. This might be critical in preserving morale during challenging business times. Companies may organize yoga courses in the morning or a lunchtime walk around the neighborhood.
Team competitions are also common. It may be something like a step challenge. They’re also an excellent technique to promote contact across employees and departments. It can also promote and facilitate communication and teamwork within departments and networks.
It reduces the risks of living a sedentary life
Sitting raises the chance of acquiring chronic health disorders such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, muscle and bone weakness, and it weakens the immune system. This latter point, in particular, may have a significant impact on the amount of absences inside an organization during the year.
It makes current staff feel valued and drives in new employees
Employee turnover is lower in companies that care about their employees’ well-being. They are also more inclined to recruit new employees. Younger people do not base their employment selections solely on money. They are looking for firms that share their ideals in terms of work environment and social responsibility.
Improving workplace physical activity
Flexible employment has grown in favor as a result of the pandemic. Working outside of the usual 9-to-5 schedule allows employees to better manage their time. It also assists employers in increasing the productivity of their employees. In today’s environment, time is a valuable commodity. Longer work hours, overtime, transportation, social and childcare obligations can all make it difficult to find time for exercise.
Start your walk and stand up
Begin standing for meetings. Some businesses hold walking meetings. Up and down corridors, or better yet, outside! These are not only a terrific way to increase your daily step count, but they will help prevent meetings from running late. Standing desks could also be provided by businesses.
Create your own environment
Providing changing facilities and showers might inspire staff to exercise while on the job. Adding bicycle racks may also encourage more individuals to pedal to and from work. If your company has the resources, you can create a gym or subsidize gym membership elsewhere.
Add a few of energy-generating indoor bikes to the office for staff who aren’t confident enough to cycle outside. These will also serve as a supplement to a workplace sustainability policy. It’s an excellent method to engage employees in environmental issues while also improving their physical health and well-being.
Classes are being added
Regular exercise sessions or groups can be beneficial. Asking staff what they want to try out is an excellent method to provide a diverse selection of fitness options. It isn’t even necessary to have a class. Set up a lunchtime walking or running club. Stream a workout class on a large enough screen in the building.