Want a happier more productive team of staff? Then promote physical exercise in and out of the workplace. Currently, work-related mental health issues, such as depression and stress, cost the UK economy up to £7 billion each year and is the second most common reason for work related absenteeism.
Why is Physical Activity Important?
However, basic exercise could reduce this figure as when you partake in exercise, your body releases chemicals called endorphins which trigger positive feelings and improves your overall happiness.
Furthermore, exercise reduces the risk of a number of weight and inactivity related illnesses and conditions such as coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes and osteoporosis.
So, with lower risks of illness and happier staff, the number of sickness days staff take could drastically decrease, ensuring minimal disruption to your business and optimal efficiency. Other benefits may include:
- Staff recover more quickly and return to work sooner.
- Lower staff turnover.
- Increased productivity.
- A positive brand image.
How Can You Encourage Exercise?
NHS guidelines recommend that adults undertake at least two and a half hours of moderate activity a week which raises the heart rate and makes you sweat. Despite these guidelines, a 2015 study by the British Heart Foundation found that half of British adults never do any exercise, and over five million people spend more than eight hours a day sitting down.
This lack of physical exercise is partly to blame for the 130 million days lost due to sickness absences in the UK each year, so encouraging your staff to partake in physical activity is more important than ever.
How can you do this? Well, many people blame their lack of exercise on a shortage of time due to work commitments. Implementing an exercise regime in the workplace which is both convenient and encouraged may motivate people to get active. Some ideas are listed below.
Implement Cycle Facilities
Offering secure cycle racks, changing and shower facilities ma encourage staff to cycle or run to work rather than commute by car, train or bus.
Introduce Flexible Working Hours
Introducing flexible working hours will help employees accommodate exercise more easily, making them more likely to take up a lunch time exercise class at a nearby gym or take a break time walk in the sun.
Join a Corporate Membership Scheme
If your staff constantly complain about the cost of gym membership, a corporate membership scheme may be a solution.
Book a Corporate Away Day
Team communication training days are a great way of utilising physical activity in the great outdoors to not only encourage a new healthy regime, but to boost motivation and frequent conversations between staff.
Try Our Fun and Active Team Building Activities
We’re an award-winning corporate development company who are proud to have won National Team Building Company of the Year. Find out more about our team communications training based in the beautiful Welsh Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) here or get in touch.
Read more:
Improve the Health and Wellbeing of Your Staff in 2017
10 Adventurous Team Building Activities and How They Can Help You