About the project
Erasmus+ Sport funded project promoting physical activity in the workplace with the aim of increasing the health and well-being of employees.
Research has shown that employees who get at least 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity per week miss an average of 4.1 fewer days of work per year. Having physically active employees can lead to: reduced sickness and sick days - reduce absenteeism.
Background
Physical inactivity has reached epidemic proportions and is growing at an alarming rate. It poses a major threat to the health, happiness and prosperity of individuals, communities, and nations. Increasing age, depression, physical limitations, poor sense of meaning in life, social support and memory loss were significant variables associated with physical inactivity.
Research has shown that employees who get at least 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity per week miss an average of 4.1 fewer days of work per year. Having physically active employees can lead to: reduced sickness and sick days – reduce absenteeism.
The workplace is an important setting where employees can increase their levels of activity to benefit their health and protect against the most common health problems. Companies and employers that promote physical activity create a healthier workforce, which can mean lower health care costs for both employer and employees. Worksite wellness programs can also:
- increase employee productivity,
- reduce absenteeism,
- increase employee morale,
- help attract and keep high-quality employees.
Moreover, research has shown that the benefits of improving health in the workplace include:
- increased motivation of employees and a better working atmosphere, leading to more flexibility and better communication;
- a reduction in absenteeism and staff turnover;
- increased quality of products and services, more innovation and creativity, and a rise in productivity;
- improved public image of the company, making it more attractive as an employer.
Poor physical and mental health of employees create significant problems in the workplace. Physical activity (PA) has been shown as an effective strategy for preventing and treating numerous physical and mental health issues as well as work performance outcomes. Employer can encourage physical activity through multiple approaches, such as offering management support, access to facilities, and social support programs. Regardless of the size, resources, setting, or type of your workplace, there are many ways to help your employees be more physically active. One of effective ways of successfully promoting physical activity among employees is company sport event, which serves as a team building opportunity as well.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.