Achieving high impacts with low cost fitness benefits

Gym memberships and fitness perks are high on the priority list for most employees, but it’s important to remember that fitness benefits need to be flexible, accessible, and varied to be truly effective. Here’s how you can make the most of affordable fitness benefits to achieve high impact.

Employee Fitness: A Smart Investment, Not an Expense

Incorporating fitness into your employee benefits scheme is more than just an added perk; it’s an investment that saves you money in the form of healthier, more productive employees.

• 41% of employees report improved productivity when they’re more active.
• Regular exercise can boost said productivity levels by as much as 30%.
• Physical activity can help employees manage stress 46% more effectively.
• Exercising regularly reduces the risk of depression by 30%.

The ROI of Fitness Benefits

With the average employee losing 6.1 days per year to formal absenteeism and a staggering 43.6 days to presenteeism, it’s easy to see how encouraging physical activity can significantly impact your business’s bottom line.

A 30% productivity boost could translate into 13 extra productive days per year, saving your company around £1,256 per employee annually.

How Physical Fitness Transforms Workplace Performance

Fitness isn’t just about getting stronger or fitter—it has a direct impact on workplace outcomes. Here’s how regular physical activity benefits employees and the business:

• Improved cognitive function: Exercise enhances brain health, improving memory, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.
• Increased energy levels: Regular workouts boost energy and improve sleep, helping employees stay focused and alert throughout the day.
• Better stress management: Fitness helps employees manage stress more effectively while increasing self-confidence.
• Enhanced team building: Group workouts foster stronger team connections, boosting workplace culture and communication.
• Reduced absenteeism and presenteeism: Fitter employees are less likely to miss work or underperform due to illness or stress.

5 Key Reasons to Promote Fitness in the Workplace

1. Boosted productivity: As earlier mentioned, active employees can be 30% more productive, gaining an extra 2.4 hours of work in an 8-hour day.
2. Reduced stress: Employees who exercise manage stress 46% better, helping them navigate high-pressure situations.
3. Improved mental health: Regular physical activity lowers the risk of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues by 30%.
4. Enhanced physical health: Exercise reduces the risk of serious health issues like heart disease, stroke, and obesity.
5. Stronger company culture: Offering fitness benefits shows employees that their well-being—both in and outside of work—matters.

Understanding Why Some Employees Avoid Exercise

Despite the well-known benefits, some employees might still be hesitant to exercise or join a gym. Here are some common barriers and how to address them:

1. Time constraints: Offer flexible fitness benefits, like access to multiple gyms and fitness centres across the country.
2. Gym-timidation: Include beginner-friendly classes, personal training sessions, or other support to help ease new users in.
3. Cost concerns: Provide discounted memberships to make fitness accessible without the high price tag.
4. Lack of motivation: Implement friendly fitness challenges or gamify activities to keep things engaging.
5. Knowledge gaps: Offer educational workshops or resources to help employees feel more confident about getting started.
6. Anxiety: Some employees might feel they’re too old or out of shape—be sure to offer inclusive, non-intimidating fitness options.

Tailoring Fitness Benefits to Your Diverse Workforce

Fitness is not one-size-fits-all, and your fitness benefits shouldn’t be either. As you roll out your program, consider tailoring your communications to different segments of your workforce.

For example, office-based staff might benefit from exercises to counter a sedentary lifestyle and reduce posture-related injuries. Meanwhile, manual workers might focus on strengthening to avoid work-related injuries and reduce muscle pain.

Executives, who often have busy schedules, might be more interested in short, high-impact workouts to kick start their day. Remote workers could appreciate access to virtual classes or company-wide fitness challenges to stay connected.

Getting Employees Engaged with Fitness Benefits

While the health benefits of exercise are widely recognized, they won’t matter unless employees are actually engaging with your fitness offerings. Here are four key considerations when choosing a fitness benefit that will resonate with your team:

• Location: Convenience is key—make sure your options align with how, when, and where employees want to work out.
• Cost: Price can be a big barrier. Offer affordable options that even your most reluctant employees will find appealing.
• Variety: People appreciate choice. Offer a range of fitness activities to suit different preferences and fitness levels.
• Flexibility: Provide access to a network of gyms, classes, and facilities that accommodate various schedules and locations.

With 48% of employees wanting fitness benefits and 63% factoring in benefits when job hunting, offering a robust fitness program not only supports current employees but also makes your company more attractive to new talent.

Has your employer reviewed their fitness benefits recently? Get discounted access to our network of fitness venues as an employee benefit- refer your HR team.