Why You Need to be Fit at Work

Increasing your fitness is essential for your general health and also your productivity in the workplace. Unfortunately, having an office job, sitting in the car on your commute, and relaxing in front of the TV in the evening can lead to a sedentary lifestyle. Sitting too much during the day can severely impact on your fitness levels and lead to various health problems.

Of course, staying fit or getting in shape at work can be a challenge. Busy schedules, long hours, and a lack of enthusiasm can all seem to push getting and staying fit to the bottom of your ‘to-do’ list. However, knowing the reasons why being in top shape is good for your job can really motivate you to get fit.

In this article, you will learn about the positive impact being fit has on workplace productivity. If you are an employer, you will learn why workplace health and fitness programs can be a valuable investment in your business.

The connection between fitness and health

The links between being in shape and good health are well documented. The European Society of Cardiology reported that being fit and healthy can lower your risk of many chronic diseases. Increased cardiorespiratory fitness is also connected with less chance of dying from heart disease.

Being fit has also been linked to better mental health, increased endurance, and longevity.

Reasons to be Fit at Work

How can being in shape benefit your work and make better employees? Let’s look at 5 reasons why fitness is essential for your job or your employees’ job.

1. A fit workforce means fewer days off

Employees who stay fit and healthy generally take fewer days off due to health-related conditions. A 2017 study published in the journal PLoS One found that low levels of physical activity resulted in unplanned illness-related absenteeism. The study recommended that employers introduce fitness programs to increase physical activity to improve attendance at work.

2. Less stress at work due to increased fitness levels

Increased physical activity is one of the best ways to deal with stress in the workplace. Lowering stress levels has a positive impact on mental health and will also increase employee productivity. Knowing how to deal with stress will also have a positive impact on health. It is known that an increase in stress can affect the immune system and stressed workers are more susceptible to infections.

3. Being in shape increases job satisfaction

One of the many reasons to encourage being fit is that it increases job satisfaction. Because being fit and healthy has a positive impact on productivity, employees, generally, feel better about their job. Most workplaces that have health-promotion strategies also benefit from workers who feel valued and appreciated.

4. Fit workers perform better at work

Regular strenuous physical activity has such a powerful effect on the mind that healthy and fit employees work more effectively. Many studies have shown that physical exercising has significant psychological benefits in boosting cognitive function. Regular exercise helps to enhance mood, improve memory, increase attention span, and protect brain cells from DNA damage. There is also evidence to suggest that healthy employees are more creative and solve complex problems faster.

5. Good fitness levels boost self-confidence

One of the positive side effects of getting and staying healthy and fit is that it does wonders for your self-confidence. There are many reasons why being fit is good for feeling confident. For example, employees who work out regularly are generally in better shape and feel good about their bodies. Also, regular exercise releases powerful endorphins in your brain that are connected with happiness.

If you have an office job, knowing the many benefits of being fit can motivate you to find time in your busy schedule to work out regularly. Not only will you have to take fewer days off work, but your productivity will also increase.

If you are a business owner, incentives to increase employee fitness can help retain your best workers, save you money, and drive your company forward.