What Lies Ahead for the Future of Workplace Fitness?

Things like fitness equipment, video quality, app speeds, and data management are progressing at a breakneck pace. And all this “new” can make it seem like our programming (from a fitness and wellness perspective) needs to move just as quickly.?

Of course, shiny tools, vendors, and technologies seem exciting and enjoyable to implement. However, for some of us, it may be best to stick to the tried and true.

All this NEW might be too far ahead of what your people are ready to participate in.?

What's not progressing is the average human’s attitude toward change. And that is the variable we must consider when striving to tackle any type of wellness program goals or engagement. People will always make moves to improve themselves when they are ready to, not when some program or flyer offers them a gift card.?

So, before we talk about the future of all the shiny objects at our fingertips, let's talk about how we can better influence positive and healthy behavior change in the workplace.

Here are a few best practices to start with:?

Lead by Example: As a busy professional, I am always curious about how other leaders? manage their day-to-day obligations and help their teams do the same. In today’s hybrid workforce, meetings can pop up in the morning, noon, and evening if you don’t protect your time and manage your calendar correctly.?

Positive workforce leaders are blocking off time for lunch, exercise, and buffers between meetings and communicating with their teams to do the same. After all, if we spend more than 50% of our time in meetings, are we accomplishing anything productive?

Meeting People Where They’re at: Gone are the days of weight loss challenges, pushy Bootcamp trainers, and intimidating fitness facilities. To drive any type of engagement in an “extracurricular” within the workplace, the offering needs to directly align with the people you plan to encourage to participate. This will look like more boutique-style onsite fitness facilities inside corporate office space, more supportive coaching and less drill sergeant instruction, and activities for all fitness levels to engage in.?

I know the strategies above may seem like a lot of WORK, but wellness programming is all about it. Making it part of our WORK. Leading by example, showing it's OK to take care of ourselves and have a thriving career, showing leadership that you and the organizations are thankful for the beautiful benefits, and communicating it efficiently to the team. If you’d like some support framing up your strategy to lead by example and take a people-centric approach to wellness programming, reply in the comments by typing the word “Connect”, and we will set up a quick chat.?

Your Partner in Health,?

Drew Saenz?

P. S. Whenever you’re ready, here are a few ways I can help your organization THRIVE in 2022:?

Share my latest 4 Your Health article for busy professionals?

Are you looking for a quick and simple resource to share with your staff to help them improve their health? Here is my latest 4 Your Health Article, focusing on healthy habits vs. the number on the scale to achieve weight loss goals.?

Implement Workday Movement Breaks!?

Are you looking to implement workday physical activity for your people? Learn more about our Movement Break Program here.?

Take our Corporate Wellness Scorecard

Are you curious about where your organization is from a well-being perspective? Take our scorecard to determine your current stage of wellness readiness and the best next steps to improve.?

Type the word “Score Card” in the comments, and I will get you all the details.