|  While
the benefits of an active lifestyle are well-known and documented, employees
often just cannot find enough time to fit physical activity into their
daily routine. Other times, employees struggle to maintain an exercise
program because they are not motivated or have not set clear goals.
If the overall well-being of employees’ health is not enough to
make any employer promote an active lifestyle in the workplace, employers
should consider the cost benefit of employee wellness to the company’s
bottom line. Research suggests that there is a link between active living
and individual employee well-being. Research also suggests that there
may be increased costs for organizations that have physically inactive
employees. Fatigue, inattention, accidents and low productivity are
more common among inactive employees.
Businesses do not have to implement an entire workplace wellness program
in order to encourage staff to be active. There are several simple ways
that employers can motivate employees and promote an active lifestyle,
such as organizing a workout team or exercise group, sponsoring a fitness
brown bag lunch or offering membership discounts to a local gym.
Employers who take an interest in the health and well-being of their
staff are making an important investment. Studies show that employees
who maintain an active lifestyle benefit from the following:
- Lower levels of stress
- Increased well-being, self-image and self-esteem
- Improved physical
fitness
- Increased stamina
- Potential weight reduction
Furthermore, employers reap the benefits from employees with active
lifestyles through:
-
Enhanced recruitment and retention of healthy employees
- Improved
health care costs
- Decreased rates of illness and injuries
- Reduced employee absenteeism
The Small Business Wellness
Initiative offers an Active Lifestyle wellness program
designed to motivate employees to get active. For more information,
contact us at (817) 332-6329, ext. 258.
To learn more about the benefits
of an active lifestyle, visit Small
Step.gov. See the Goals
section to see how to set -- and meet -- realistic goals and try
out the Activity
Tracker.
Also, visit the CDC's
Physical Activity web site for tips
on becoming more active.
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