The benefits of an active workforce are well-documented. Improved employee health leads to increased productivity and lower long term health costs. So how can you get your employees moving?

Encouraging physical activity during the workday and beyond, promote healthy eating habits, and offer incentives for healthy lifestyle choices. With a little effort, you can create a workplace that supports employee health and wellness.

The benefits of an active workforce.

An active workforce is a healthy workforce. Employees who are physically active are more likely to be productive and have lower healthcare costs. Physical activity has been shown to improve mental health, increase energy levels, and reduce stress.

Increased productivity.

Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, which improves cognitive function. Employees who are physically active are more alert and able to concentrate for longer periods of time. They also tend to take fewer sick days and are less likely to experience work-related injuries.

Lower healthcare costs.

Employees who are physically active have lower rates of cardiovascular disease, obesity, type II diabetes, and some forms of cancer. This translates into lower healthcare costs for employers. In fact, one study found that every dollar invested in employee wellness programs saves $3 in healthcare costs.

How to get your employees moving.

There are many ways to encourage physical activity during the workday. One way is to create a company culture that values and promotes fitness. This can be done by holding regular meetings to discuss fitness goals, providing access to fitness facilities or equipment, and offering incentives for employees who meet their fitness goals. Another way to encourage physical activity is to allow flexible work hours so that employees can exercise before or after work. Finally, you can also organise company-wide events such as charity walks or runs, using a platform such as Total Active Hub, your workforce can engage in active events together in teams.

Promote healthy eating habits.

You can promote healthy eating habits in the workplace by providing access to healthy food options, encouraging employees to pack their own meals, and holding regular educational sessions on nutrition and healthy cooking. Finally, you can create a company culture that values and promotes healthy eating habits by setting up an employee wellness program.

Offer incentives for healthy lifestyle choices.

One way to encourage your employees to lead healthier lifestyles is to offer incentives for making healthy choices. Rewards could be in the form of vouchers or sustainability rewards like planting trees. Finally, you could hold regular contests with prizes for employees who make the most progress in meeting their fitness goals.

Conclusion

The benefits of an active workforce are clear. Improved employee health leads to increased productivity and lower healthcare costs. To get your employees moving, encourage physical activity during the workday and promote healthy eating habits. Offer incentives for healthy lifestyle choices to further motivate your team. By making small changes, you can create a big impact on the health and well-being of your employees – and your business.