Why Fitness Needs to Be Part of Your Corporate Wellness Program
For some time now, corporate wellness programs have been seen as a nice bonus for employees. They’ve been considered beneficial by the employees taking advantage of the programs, but as little more than an added cost to employers.
However, they shouldn’t be seen this way at all. In fact, corporate wellness programs are arguably more beneficial to the employers than to the employees participating in them. Corporate wellness programs have been proven to increase productivity, reduce healthcare costs, and more. Because of this, corporate wellness programs should be a part of your company’s strategy and future plans, rather than just a nice bonus.
Your corporate wellness program can include anything from discounted or free healthcare, to anti-smoking incentives, to stress-management support, to nutrition workshops. While all of these are great inclusions, and we could go on about their benefits, we’re going to focus on one aspect of corporate wellness that we think every company should consider: physical fitness.
Here are 4 great reasons why physical fitness should be a part of your corporate wellness program.
1. Create a sense of community among your employees.
Your employees will connect with each other best and form strong bonds outside of a work context. The most effective team-building activities are those free of the stress and pressure of the everyday workload. This is because people are more relaxed and able to focus on something other than work.
Whether you implement an onsite fitness center, organize a walking club or sports team, or offer memberships to a local gym, your employees will have the chance to work out together. By working out together, your employees can support each other in their fitness journeys and work toward a common goal. Employees who support each other outside of work will be much more likely to support each other during the workday as well.
2. Increase morale and loyalty among your employees.
Just the act of offering a fitness program to your employees is enough to increase morale and loyalty. Whether or not people participate, they will appreciate that their employer cares enough about their health and well being to offer a fitness program. They’ll be happier about their jobs and more likely to remain loyal to the company.
But it’s so much more than that. People who work out tend to be happier than those who don’t. This is because exercise releases endorphins, a group of hormones in your brain that act as both a pain reliever and a happy pill. Endorphins are your body’s reaction to stress, and when you exercise, you are creating stress. So, the more you exercise, the happier you’ll be.
Another added bonus that can increase morale: exercise can help manage stress. Your employees’ jobs are likely to stress them out at one point or another. When offered a fitness program through work, they’ll be able to effectively manage that stress.
3. Increase productivity within the workplace.
When your employees are working out regularly and spending time focusing on their fitness, they’ll be more alert and have more energy on a daily basis. They may be dealing with less chronic pain, as exercise can be effective at reducing pain, as well. Both of these effects can lead to increased productivity during the day, as your employees will be able to focus better and longer.
4. Lower your company’s healthcare costs.
When you take the initiative to invest in your employees’ health through a fitness program, you will see a return on your investment. People who exercise tend to be happier, healthier, and stronger. These factors mean fewer injuries, fewer sick days, and lower healthcare costs. We consider that a huge win.
Contact us to learn more about corporate wellness and starting a fitness program at your workplace.
