Boost Your Business: The Power of Exercise and a Culture of Well-being
In today’s digital world, stress and burnout are common, but promoting exercise and a culture of well-being can reduce these challenges and boost productivity.
As an employer, fostering a healthy and engaged workforce is key to driving productivity and reducing burnout.
A great place to start is by creating a workplace culture that prioritizes well-being.
Well-being initiatives should be holistic and embedded into the company culture, recognizing employees as multidimensional individuals. Gallup’s five elements of well-being—career, social, financial, physical, and community—are backed by scientific research and reveal how various aspects of life come together to influence happiness and success.
Exercise plays a crucial role in the physical well-being element and should be prioritized by employers.
Here’s why exercise should be a top priority for your team—and how it can benefit your business:
- Improved Productivity and Focus
Regular exercise can boost employee focus and productivity. Studies show that even brief physical activity before a task can enhance brain function, improve processing speed, and boost self-reported memory. - Reduced Stress, Burnout & Absenteeism
Exercise helps manage stress by releasing endorphins, the body’s natural stress relievers. Employees who exercise regularly develop better coping mechanisms, reducing burnout and absenteeism. - Better Team Morale and Engagement
Fitness activities foster community and teamwork. Research shows that individuals who exercise together build trust and display more pro-social behaviors. Offering opportunities for group workouts, wellness challenges, or gym memberships can strengthen relationships and boost morale.
How to Promote Exercise
- Offer Workplace Wellness Programs
Provide incentives like gym memberships or access to fitness classes through programs like Active & Fit to make exercise more accessible.
- Encourage Breaks
Encourage employees to take short movement breaks throughout the day, even if it’s just a 10-minute walk to recharge.
Supporting your employee’s well-being isn’t just about physical health—it’s a win for your company’s bottom line too. Healthier employees lead to a more successful business overall.
For more insights on supporting employee well-being, contact our UHA Work Well℠ team. Our team is available to consult with any employer, regardless of health insurance provider, to support your evolving needs and wellness goals.
