Employers: keep your employees active

By: Sofia Palumbo, Product Owner, at Amalgama.
This content was created exclusively for Coach360’s blog, one of our Partners. 

Investing in Wellness, as employers and employees

Keeping employees active isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a must for building thriving, productive teams.
Movement and wellness habits have proven benefits, from enhancing focus and reducing stress to fostering a more loyal and motivated workforce. 

For employees, staying active is not only about physical health but also about boosting mental clarity, energy levels, and overall satisfaction. By encouraging a culture of wellness, companies and employees alike can create a virtuous cycle of productivity, engagement, and innovation.

Applying theory to real life:
At Deloitte, the introduction of a comprehensive wellbeing initiative addressing both physical and mental health led to a 33% increase in productivity and a 94% engagement rate among employees, transforming the company’s high turnover and low morale. Similarly, Salesforce’s “Ohana Culture,” which emphasizes mental health resources, flexible work, and paid volunteer time, resulted in a 28% rise in employee satisfaction. (1)

There are many ways to foster wellbeing, both as employees and employers. It’s important to recognize that wellness looks different for everyone and spans multiple dimensions—from physical activity to mental health, sleep, and more.

A Brain-Body Connection

Physical Wellness
The new modern workplaces started paying close attention to the role physical activity plays in enhancing cognitive function, energy levels, and overall performance. Research was conducted on understanding the connection between productivity and physical and mental health, evidencing how regular movement and meditation can lead to higher efficiency and job satisfaction. 

Why? – When we exercise, our body releases endorphins—chemicals that reduce stress and increase feelings of happiness. Physical activity also boosts blood flow to the brain, improving cognitive function, focus, and memory. 

Data:
– A study published in Harvard Business Review found that employees who exercised regularly reported higher levels of productivity and satisfaction compared to their less-active peers.
– Regular movement also combats fatigue, a common barrier to productivity. According to the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, short bursts of physical activity during work hours can reduce burnout and improve energy levels, even for employees in high-pressure roles.

A Holistic Approach to Productivity 

Adding the mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of health
But physical activity isn’t enough. Today wellness is approached more comprehensively, understanding that physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health are interconnected. In recent years, the workplace has also evolved to prioritize holistic wellness as more studies prove that employees experiencing positive emotions, such as happiness and optimism, are more likely to engage in creative problem-solving, and can better regulate stress and stay focused during challenging tasks. (2) 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health issues are among the leading causes of absenteeism (missing work) and presenteeism (working while unwell). More precisely, the World Economic Forum estimates that poor mental health costs the global economy $1 trillion annually in lost productivity, as employers suffering from mental health challenges such as depression and/or anxiety tend to display poorer executive functions, including memory, decision-making, and attention to detail. (3)

Work, but on your sleep

Resting, the key to any kind of wellness
Physical activity, particularly aerobic exercise, helps regulate sleep patterns. Sleep quantity and quality is essential to perform at work. A good night sleep guarantees  essential cognitive functions, emotional regulation, and physical health—all of which contribute directly to higher productivity.

During sleep, especially deep sleep and REM (rapid eye movement) stages, the brain processes and consolidates memories, helping you retain information and make better decisions the following day. On the contrary, lack of sleep, or inadequate sleep, impairs attention span, leading to difficulties in staying on task and making mistakes more likely.

Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to long-term cognitive decline, diminished productivity, and burnout.

Easy Tip: Naps are recommended, especially for sleep deprived people, as studies indicate that taking short naps (10-20 minutes) can improve alertness, memory, and performance without leaving you feeling groggy.

Final Thoughts

For employees, incorporating physical activity and wellness habits into daily routines should be more than just a personal health choice—it should be considered a cornerstone of workplace productivity, as it has proven to enhance focus, reduce stress, and create a more fulfilling work experience. 

For employers, creating a culture and environment that enables employees to make this choice is essential—employees can’t do it alone. Supporting wellness leads to happier, more loyal, and productive teams.

Sources: 

1. https://psico-smart.com/en/blogs/blog-employee-wellbeing-programs-impact-on-motivation-and-performance-164551
2. Journal of Positive Psychology
3. World Health Organization (WHO)

Bibliography: 

• https://www.marketwatch.com/story/why-gen-z-is-willing-to-trade-lower-pay-for-a-better-work-life-balance-33df8829?utm_source=chatgpt.com
• Mednick, S. C., Nakayama, K., & Stickgold, R. (2008). Sleep-dependent learning: A nap is as good as a night. Nature Neuroscience, 11(9), 1132-1133.
• Horne, J. A. (2012). Sleepfaring: A Journey Through the Science of Sleep. Oxford University Press.
• https://www.apa.org/monitor/2019/01/break?utm_source=chatgpt.com