In today’s fast-paced work environment, the pace only seems to increase. Businesses are in a constant race to boost productivity, remain competitive, and become successful.
And what’s the key to a successful business? First and foremost, a strong and capable workforce.
Forward-thinking companies now make it their top priority to promote employee health and happiness. While competitive salaries still attract professionals, they are no longer enough to retain top talent. Organizations with low turnover have taken a more holistic approach in their business strategy: they want to create a workplace culture that values a healthy work-life balance and fosters overall well-being. And as far as employee well-being is concerned, regular exercise is paramount.
The benefits of exercise are widely recognized, yet its impact on job performance often flies under the radar. When we think about it, though, the connection is clear. The saying “a healthy body equals a healthy mind” has become popular for a reason: regular physical activity is one of the best ways to maintain long-term health, which, in turn, supports mental clarity, resilience, and overall workplace performance. Let’s see how.
- Better sleep quality
Sometimes, 24 hours just don’t feel like enough. When that happens, the first thing we tend to sacrifice is sleep, one of our most essential needs. We often prioritize work, family, and life’s demands over a good night’s rest, convincing ourselves that we can catch up later or joking that “sleep is for the weak.” But the importance of sleep cannot be overlooked – and incorporating regular exercise into your routine can make a big difference in its quality. Exercise improves sleep in many ways, from helping us fall asleep faster to increasing deep sleep, the most restorative of its stages. People who are consistent with their physical training tend to sleep better and longer, reaping the rewards of a well-rested mind and body. Needless to add that with some quality shuteye, we wake up refreshed and ready to tackle the workday ahead with renewed energy and focus.
- Lower stress and anxiety levels
Happy hormones come from chocolate, warm hugs, and – you guessed it – exercise. Workouts are somewhat of a paradox: they’re tough and sometimes painful, yet incredibly rewarding. After a challenging lifting or cardio session, we might be out of breath but still feel fantastic. This post-workout high is thanks to a boost of endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin released during exercise, which help reduce stress and anxiety. These feel-good effects quickly carry over to work, as well, where we spend less time stressing over our to-do lists and more time diving into the tasks themselves.
- Improved concentration
Diving into tasks at work is one thing, but maintaining focus is another. Luckily, staying active can help boost concentration, too. According to an article from University College London (UCL), intense physical activity sends blood flowing to the brain, sparking neuron activity and promoting cell growth. To put this into practice, consider a quick workout before tackling a task that demands your full attention. When you hunker down to get work done, you’ll enjoy the benefits of increased productivity and performance.
- Confidence and motivation boost
Some people swear by strength training, others love running or playing team sports. Whatever your preference, there’s one thing that ties all types of exercise together: they build confidence. But beyond simply looking fit and healthy, regular exercise teaches us a powerful lesson: we’re capable of doing hard things. And not only that; with each workout, we see that we can keep progressing, lifting a little more weight or running a little farther every week. We can channel this growing confidence in our abilities, along with the discipline it takes to stay consistent, in our careers, too. When we know how to work for our goals, no business dream feels too big.
- Increased overall wellness
Perhaps one of the most meaningful benefits of regular physical activity is disease prevention. More specifically, Mayo Clinic names the following health concerns that exercise helps prevent or manage: stroke, metabolic syndrome, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, many types of cancer, and arthritis. An immune system boost will also mean fewer sick days, proving once again that a healthy workforce serves both the employees and the employers.
How can employers motivate their workforce to become active?
To support their team’s health – and with it, the long-term resilience of their business – employers have various ways to encourage physical activity among employees. A hybrid work model, for example, can free up valuable time: instead of spending 1 to 2 hours commuting every day, employees can use that time to get active. Offering comprehensive corporate fitness benefits is another powerful way to energize teams and boost morale. Options can include walking groups, fitness challenges, yoga classes, and healthy eating workshops – just about anything to inspire movement.
Fitness-related amenities are also becoming standard in most coworking spaces. At WeWork, many amenities are designed to support a fit and healthy lifestyle. Members who bike to work can securely store their bikes at on-site stations, while gym enthusiasts at select locations have access to fitness centers and showers, making it easy to start their day with an invigorating workout followed by a refreshing shower.
A win-win situation
As we’ve seen, organizations who invest in their teams’ health have only to gain from it. A workforce that embraces a proactive approach to health and fitness is more energized, focused, and confident. Plus, employees are less likely to leave a company that genuinely cares about their well-being.
