Innovative Ways to Promote Physical Activity in the Office

  September 11, 2024

SEB Marketing Team

Considering how much time employees spend in an office or sitting at a desk which can lead to potential health risks, physical activity throughout the day is important. Fostering a culture of movement within the workplace fosters overall employee wellbeing, boosts productivity, and creates a more dynamic workplace.

The Benefits of Physical Activity in the Workplace

There are many benefits to integrating physical activity into the workday. Regular movement reduces the risk of chronic diseases and boosts mental health by reducing stress and anxiety. Employees who engage in regular physical activity are more likely to experience increased energy levels, better concentration, and enhanced creativity. Also, active employees tend to have higher job satisfaction, lower absenteeism rates, and greater engagement in their work. Here are some innovative ideas to help your employees stay active, healthy, and engaged.

Install Active Workstations

Active workstations can be a fun and novel way to promote physical activity without disrupting productivity. Consider offering:

• Sit/Stand Desks: Sit/Stand desks offer options. Standing while working can reduce the risks associated with prolonged sitting, improve posture, and increase energy levels.
• Treadmill Desks: These allow employees to walk at a gentle pace while they work, combining productivity with physical activity.
• Balance Ball Chairs: These encourage core strength and good posture, offering an alternative to traditional office chairs.

Encourage Movement in Meetings

Traditional meetings sitting around a conference table do not have to be the only way to interact. By incorporating movement into meetings, you can keep the energy up and the ideas flowing. Consider taking walking discussions outside or around the office which can promote physical activity and creativity. If it’s a short meeting, standing in a hallway can be enough to convey the message. If the meeting needs to be in a conference room, consider incorporating activity breaks that offer short movement exercises to keep everyone focused and energized.

Enhance Office Layout and Design

A well-designed office can naturally encourage movement. The changes can be as slight as turning an unused room into a dedicated space for stretching and mindfulness practices to help reduce stress and physical tension to investing in creating a fitness room. If an on-site gym is not in the budget, simply move office equipment such as printers, trash bins, and other equipment to locations further from desks to encourage getting up and moving around.

Introduce Wellness Challenges

Wellness challenges can promote healthy habits while also creating a sense of fun and camaraderie. These challenges can come in many forms including step challenges, deskercise programs, or even wellness incentives. Create teams among different departments to create a sense of community and a culture of wellness. Also consider giving prizes for walking a certain distance, burning a set number of calories, or participating in a group workout or sport.

Promoting physical activity in the office is an investment in your employee’s health and the overall success of your organization. By incorporating these fun and innovative ideas into your workplace culture, you can create an environment where movement is encouraged, leading to happier, healthier, and more productive employees.