{"id":1887,"date":"2024-03-13T10:58:14","date_gmt":"2024-03-13T10:58:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thewestpeak.com\/?p=1887"},"modified":"2024-03-06T15:07:54","modified_gmt":"2024-03-06T15:07:54","slug":"benefits-of-exercise-positive-impact-workplace","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thewestpeak.com\/en-us\/benefits-of-exercise-positive-impact-workplace\/","title":{"rendered":"Do the benefits of exercise have a positive impact on the workplace?"},"content":{"rendered":"

The simple answer is yes, the benefits of exercise can have a positive impact on your team. Should business leaders make exercise mandatory in the workplace?<\/h2><\/h2><\/div>

Every Friday, staff at Swedish fashion and sportswear company Bj\u00f6rn Borg leave their desks and head for a sweaty hour together at the local gym. The benefits of exercise on the workplace helps with mental health, problem solving and leadership skills.<\/a><\/p>\n

There\u2019s nothing unusual about that. Except that this is compulsory for every employee at the Stockholm HQ. The philosophy at the company, founded by the Swedish tennis star, is that working out together helps to develop a winning team.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a policy found at other companies in Sweden. But should forcing staff to exercise during work time be something that UK firms should consider copying?<\/p>\n

Investing in the health of your staff seems like a no-brainer, but is compulsory exercise a step too far?<\/p>\n

Fit for office<\/h3>\n

There are lots of benefits for your employees if they exercise: they\u2019ll feel healthier, more alert and energetic. It can help to ease stress, build resilience and forge better social connections.<\/p>\n

They may also enjoy a healthier bank balance, as some private health insurance companies offer discounts on premiums and other perks for more active lifestyles.<\/p>\n

But why pay staff to exercise?<\/h3>\n

There\u2019s plenty of evidence that getting active during work time offers unique benefits to the employer.<\/p>\n

One study found that employees visiting a company gym were more productive in their jobs and went home more satisfied on days when they exercised during their work time.<\/p>\n

Why it pays for employers<\/h3>\n

If staff exercise during the workday, they get a sense of achievement as well as an injection of happy hormones that can last all day.<\/p>\n

Another study found that people experienced an immediate improvement in cognition following 15 minutes of moderate exercise \u2013 with the business reaping the benefits if they work out during work, rather than after.<\/p>\n

Healthy and happy employees are more likely to be motivated and creative, and less likely to take sick days. Add in supercharged productivity, social connections, loyalty, staff retention and boosted profits, and surely it\u2019s a win-win?<\/p>\n

How to get your staff across the finish line<\/h3>\n

While some of your employees will yearn for the Swedish approach, there will be others who\u2019d rather sit it out.<\/p>\n

If your company introduces mandatory exercise, some staff may rebel and refuse to get involved. And if they won\u2019t change their minds, you could find yourself in a sticky situation.<\/p>\n

So, what are the alternatives if you\u2019re not ready to make exercise compulsory?<\/p>\n

During my career as a coach and trainer with England Rugby, I helped develop some of the country’s top players and coaches. If one of your goals for 2024 is healthier and happier teams, here are some alternative ways to achieve it.<\/p>\n

Offer discounted or free gym memberships<\/h3>\n

Communicate this perk to all your current staff plus during recruitment and onboarding. Stay flexible about when staff can use the gym. And include a family membership option.<\/p>\n

Or hire a personal trainer to come into the office and run a variety of sessions throughout the day to suit different needs.<\/p>\n

Find your zen<\/h3>\n

Bring yoga and fitness classes into the workplace; if you make exercise fun and easy to join, there are fewer reasons for people to resist.<\/p>\n

Try standing or walking meetings<\/h3>\n

Humans aren\u2019t designed to sit still for eight hours a day. It\u2019s bad for us physically, and movement also aids creativity and thinking. You can also introduce standing desks.<\/p>\n

Fuel their day<\/h3>\n

Make nutritious snacks available. This doesn\u2019t have to cost a fortune and could be anything from fresh fruit, to starting the morning with a healthy breakfast muffins delivery.<\/p>\n

Keep on running<\/h3>\n

Empower your teams to set up their own lunchtime runs or walks. It\u2019s a great opportunity to get to know each other away from work \u2013 and we\u2019re all on an equal footing when we put on our trainers.<\/p>\n

Click here t<\/a>o read the original article by Ben Stocken in HR Magazine<\/p>\n<\/div>

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