The Importance of Fitness in the Workplace

Many companies around the world are trying to promote fitness in the workplace. These companies understand that workplace wellness is a very wise investment to make. According to Stats Canada's 2009 Obesity on the Job report, obesity among Canadian workers has skyrocketed from 12.5% in the mid 90's to 15.7% in 2005.  This trend is particularly alarming as it is well known that obesity has been associated with type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, psychosocial difficulties, osteoarthritis, and premature mortality - Health Canada "Health Reports" - Vol. 18 No 2. 

The majority of the adult population spends a large percentage of their waking hours at work, and over 60% of these individuals spend their entire workday seated. Countless studies have revealed that physical inactivity is linked to the following conditions, including:

• depression
• type 2 diabetes
• heart disease
• stroke
• hypertension
• colon and breast cancer
• osteoporosis
• obesity
• arthritis
• premature death

The fact of the matter is that fit and healthier employees are more productive employees. More companies are becoming aware of this and are investing in the overall good of the company by encouraging their employees to adopt a fitter and healthier lifestyle, and are pushing this through health and wellness in the workplace.  In a review of 42 articles that analyzed research and anecdotal evidence of the cost effectiveness of corporate wellness programs,the findings showed that there was:

• 28% reduction in sick leave absenteeism
• 26% reduction in the use of the health care benefit
• 30% reduced worker's comp claims and disability management

Source: Larry Chapman, "Meta-evaluation of Worksite Health Promotion Economic Return Studies", The American Journal of Health Promotion, 2003.

According to the American Journal of Preventative Medicine, companies who make the wise decision of investing in work-related health programs can see a return of $3-6 for every dollar that they invest over a 3-5 year period.  Therefore, it is clearly in the best interest of companies to invest in the health and fitness of their employees.

What options are available?

It is in the best interest for companies to make it easy for their employers to access what they need to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Some companies give their employees a certain amount of money per month or year that they can spend on fitness. This might go towards purchasing a gym membership, paying a personal trainer or nutritional advisor, or perhaps taking fitness classes.  Other companies take it a little further and build a gym inside the building, and some even hire personal trainers to train the employees. The increased accessibility and convenience of the on-site gym makes it much easier for employees to work out. For instance, employees can workout during their lunch-hour, before or after work. This can dramatically cut down on their commute time to and from a gym, which gives them more valuable time to spend with family/friends. Furthermore, it can create a sense of unity at the workplace, and can also increase motivation. Some companies hold "employee challenges" as a way to motivate and also reward their employees. 

I offer corporate fitness programs, including on-site personal training and group personal training, personal training and group personal training at my location, online personal training, and nutritional advising. For more information contact me at 778-889-4295 or go to www.meghancallawayfitness.com

Meghan Callaway

If you would like more guidance and complete individualized meal plans or online personal training check out www.meghancallawayfitness.weebly.com and if you would like to train with me in North Vancouver, BC check out www.meghancallawayfitness.com .