A great deal of research has been undertaken on the benefits of being physically active, with evidence suggesting it aids concentration, assists in managing depression, and is a positive mood enhancer.
While work should primarily focus on ensuring workers feel valued, are productive and driven by a purpose, there are many organisational benefits to promoting fitness at work - workers will feel better and it can lead to a collaborative culture.
Promoting fitness doesn’t necessarily mean joining a gym but implementing a few simple measures:
- Australians generally work longer hours than most western countries, most of which is done sitting down. Workers can opt undertake a ‘walking meeting’ or even a stand up meeting.
- If you need to speak with someone in your building, avoid the temptation to email them; get up and speak with them directly.
- Workers can be encouraged to find a colleague who shares their level of physical activity and they can agree to motivate each other to be active.
- Assist in promoting different forms of travel to work such as having a bike rack.
- Walk down stairs rather that take the lift.
So yes, being physically active is good for the organisation too. The greatest challenge is to start!