The writing’s on the wall; companies that encompass physical activity and health into their workplace have one distinct advantage; more productive, healthier and happier employees that stay longer and create greater value within the organisation.
“Progressive organisations looking at a competitive edge to their triple bottom line are wise to proactively invest in their greatest assets; their people in creating greater business success.” – Anna Block, BlockFIT Managing Director.
Companies that have the foresight in providing their employees with a social framework in the form of a program that address aspects such as health, exercise and wellness not only improve employee’s general wellbeing and job satisfaction, but benefit from an impressive return on investment (ROI) to their bottom line.
There are many benefits of physical activity in the workplace:
- Healthier, more productive and present employees
- Lower turnover / higher employee retention rates
- Less sick days
- Lower stress levels
- Higher organisation morale and camaraderie
- Increased energy and willingness to pioneer and succeed and lead
- Higher Staff Retention and ROI
- Higher staff self-esteem
- Increased energy and vitality in the workplace
- Optimistic approach and positive attitude to work, team and tasks
- Enhanced team-building approach
Here are my top 5 reasons why including physical activity and health in your workplace should matter to you.
1. Fewer Absences
People who are physically healthy miss fewer days of work. Studies have found when people exercise consistently, they miss 18 percent fewer work days, whilst people who exercise with high intensity, miss 32 percent fewer work days! Yes, go High intensity Interval Training!
Not only this, but people that are heathy are more mentally present and productive at work. Which leads me into….
2. Greater Productivity.
All research is indicative of one aspect: productivity is the biggest factor where workplace health and physical activity programs reap the greatest dividends.
Numerous studies confirm the health conditions that cause the greatest loss in productivity are depression, anxiety, migraines, respiratory illnesses, arthritis, diabetes as well as back and neck issues. Healthy workers are three times more productive and perform better than others, with the ripple effect of a happy, healthy employee being significant. The physical state, mental disposition and positive attitude of a productive worker affects everyone in the team and office.
More significant than absenteeism is ‘presenteeism’ – when employees come to work but are underperforming because they are sick, stressed or burnt out. The costs of subsidising physical activity programs or initiatives pale in comparison to the costs to organisations from lost productivity due to health related issues.
3. Staff Retention
The cost of recruiting, training, mentoring and investing in a new employee are significant. The benefits of retaining someone who has had years of experience is invaluable. By including physical activity as a job perk, an employee is more likely to stay and be satisfied within their role.
With numerous benefits of physical activity within a work environment, companies would be short changing themselves not including some sort of program encompassing these elements as part of their business offering.
4. Return on Investment (ROI)
Organisations that understand the positive wellbeing of their employees correlates to the success of their business reap a bounty of benefits. Increasing studies are finding a positive return on investment (ROI) for employers who include physical activity and wellness into their business model. Workplaces that implement these programs that address physical and mental wellbeing are, on average, gaining between $1 to $13 in improved productivity for every $1 spent. The median return is currently $3.14 for every $1 invested. With that type of low risk ROI, why wouldn’t you invest in your greatest assets?
5. Higher Employee Morale.
The intrinsic nature of physical activity creates trust and camaraderie between employees, strengthening workplace social ties and good vibes between individuals and teams. Having a social support is an important aspect of sustainable weight loss and ingraining healthy habits for life. Being part of a team sets up a reciprocal platform for others to keep each other accountable with their goals as well as be there for one another by constitutionally encouraging one another and sharing in incremental successes.
Integrating a physical activity component into employees’ days is a fantastic opportunity to strengthen an organisation’s culture and build upon an employee’s morale, positive disposition, trust and commitment in each other and outlook on their role within the company.
If you are interested in gaining a competitive edge in your business by integrating a corporate physical activity and wellness program please contact Anna by emailing anna@blockfit.com.au to discuss a range of options.