Whether employees are battling sedentary behavior in an office setting or avoiding injuries on a jobsite, maintaining physical well-being improves their quality of life and ultimately, a business’ bottom line. The issue? Competing priorities make it challenging to utilize the time one has prior to, or after work to exercise.

Some organizations have the resources to utilize onsite gym facilities or fitness classes. Others can encourage employees to take on-the-clock time to walk, stretch, or meditate/rest to consistently operate at their full potential.

This article discusses five reasons fitness is important in the workplace and expands on the benefits of onsite and virtual fitness classes here.

5 Benefits of Health & Fitness in the Workplace

In this post:

1. Connection

2. Stress Relief

3. Motivation & Productivity

4. Confidence

5. Immunity

6. Strive Onsite & Virtual Fitness Classes

Connection

Playing on a sports team or participating in group fitness classes bonds people together as they overcome challenges and achieve success individually and as a team. Group physical activity fosters connections, and for employees that means developing healthy communication, accountability, support systems, and even authentic friendships.

These interactions built outside the usual work environment translate into the workplace atmosphere. Employees feel more comfortable functioning as a team, navigating conflict, and celebrating each other’s achievements. Because social connection is such an important aspect of culture-building, many organizations choose live and interactive fitness classes as opposed to on-demand.

Stress Relief

There’s no better place to reduce blood pressure, cholesterol, and cortisol levels (stress hormone) than in the workplace — and exercise does just that. In addition to fitness helping employees handle stress more effectively, it also releases mood-boosting endorphins that ultimately allow the mind to relax and focus. Most people report feeling more energized following exercise, which can help with productivity and in turn, stress relief.

Discover more about stress management programs for employees or learn about the benefits of adding live virtual yoga classes to employee wellness programs.

Motivation & Productivity

Providing fitness opportunities in the workplace allows employees to practice self discipline and to reap the benefits of improved cognitive health. Their effort is evidenced by:

• A more positive outlook/attitude
• Emotional balance
• Increased energy
• Better sleep quality
• Improved concentration & clarity
• Enhanced memory & creativity

While employees experience these benefits first-hand, employers also benefit from workplace fitness and other wellness initiatives they invest in.

Confidence

Employers that invest in workplace fitness invest in employees’ confidence and intrinsic motivation. Exercising is not only instrumental for mental and physical health, it illustrates to employees that they’re capable of sticking to commitments, overcoming challenges, and achieving goals.

In the workplace, this boost of confidence translates to employees that strive for excellence, take time to develop others, and are problem-solvers that don’t easily give up.

Immunity

Providing opportunities to develop fitness in the workplace has become a savvy, if not necessary, business strategy. Exercise reduces the risk of heart disease, diabetes, asthma, chronic pain, and types of cancer, lowering expensive healthcare costs and extended periods of leave.

It also flushes bacteria out of the lungs and airways, strengthening the immune system and creating an atmosphere of healthier employees that miss fewer days of work. This is especially impactful to increased rates of absenteeism in heightened contagion periods, like the flu season.

Strive Onsite & Virtual Fitness in the Workplace

Wellness programs reduce healthcare costs, improve total well-being, and increase productivity, among many other benefits. Strive has fitness options ranging from the design, staffing, and management of onsite corporate fitness centers to onsite and virtual classes of various modalities like HIIT, yoga, or Zumba.

We have 15 years of experience implementing a culture of fitness and wellness in the workplace with a customized approach for each client. Book a discovery call with a Strive wellness expert to explore what’s possible for your organization.