Promote Exercise for Employees: Benefits of Including Exercise In The Workday

Did you know that most adults fail to complete the advised amount of weekly physical activity? With busy work schedules and numerous commitments, it's no wonder finding time for exercise is a challenge, especially for corporate employees. However, the advantages of regular exercise are too significant to ignore.

Research indicates that exercising during working hours can positively impact work performance. A study conducted by Leeds Metropolitan University revealed that employees who took advantage of gym sessions during their workday demonstrated higher productivity levels, improved time management skills, and increased job satisfaction.

Let's dive into why incorporating physical activity into the workday is crucial and how it can positively impact employees and employers.

1. Sociable Connections: Collaborating outside the formal work environment fosters solid personal and professional relationships. Organisations show that they care about their employees' overall well-being by providing an on-site exercise space. Additionally, working out together creates a sense of camaraderie and accountability, as employees are more likely to stick to their exercise routine when a peer is waiting for them at the office gym.

2. Stress Relief: Stress affects our bodies and minds, focus, decision-making abilities, and overall well-being. Exercise is a powerful stress reliever. It reduces cortisol levels (the body's stress hormone) and releases endorphins (the happy hormone) that promote relaxation and well-being. Allowing employees to exercise during the workday provides a healthy outlet for stress, helping them cope with work-related pressures and maintain mental clarity.

3. Heart Health: Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death and a significant burden on individuals and employers. Regular exercise plays a crucial role in promoting heart health. It helps lower bad cholesterol levels (LDL), raise good cholesterol levels (HDL), strengthen the heart muscle, and lower blood pressure. Encouraging employees to exercise during working hours improves their heart health and can reduce healthcare costs associated with heart-related conditions.

4. Increased Exuberance: Energy levels directly impact productivity and engagement. Exercise improves circulation, strengthens the heart, and boosts energy. Employers combat fatigue and enhance overall energy levels by allowing employees to incorporate exercise into their workday. The result? More productive and focused employees who feel revitalised and ready to tackle their tasks with enthusiasm.

5. Weight Management: Obesity in the workplace has significant implications, including increased healthcare costs and reduced productivity. Exercise is a potent tool for weight management and loss. When incorporated with a healthy balanced diet, regular exercise helps employees shed excess pounds, improve their body composition, and reduce their risk of obesity-related health issues. By supporting exercise during working hours, employers can prioritise the well-being of their employees and foster a healthier work environment.

6. Productivity: Exercise doesn't just benefit the body; it also boosts mental abilities. Studies have shown that physical activity enhances creativity, learning speed, memory, and concentration. Incorporating exercise into the workday can improve cognitive performance and overall work effectiveness. Research suggests that employees who exercise during working hours exhibit better time management skills, increased productivity, and higher job satisfaction.

7. Improved Immune System: Regular exercise boosts the immune system by flushing out harmful bacteria from the lungs and airways, reducing the risk of common illnesses like colds and flu. Employees who engage in physical activity regularly generally enjoy better health, resulting in fewer sick days, reduced medical appointments, and lower absenteeism rates.

With obesity rates rising in the corporate atmosphere, exercise is often called the best medicine for a reason. Employers offering a valuable space is an investment in their employee's long-term health and well-being.

By supporting physical activity, companies can create a healthier and more productive workforce!?