Fitter employees, stronger companies: Why wellness programs matter

For a long time, there have been many debates worldwide on work-life Balance, employee wellbeing, and work culture. Many organisations have come forward with new policies. For instance, Japan recently introduced a four-day workweek system. Many multinational corporations have also started adopting more employee-friendly policies such as flexible working hours, mental health support, etc.

Hence, there is one more issue we should talk about- lifestyle diseases.

In today’s fast-paced world, where the lines between work and personal life blur, modern professionals face an alarming rise in lifestyle diseases. According to the World Health Organisation, conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and obesity are increasing, particularly among younger generations. Much of this can be attributed to sedentary work patterns, long hours in front of screens, and the general absence of physical activity. The pressure to perform in the workplace often leaves little to no time for hobbies or activities that promote a healthy mind and body.

A recent study has observed that sitting for long hours at a stretch can cause irreversible damage to our bodies, making it imperative to take frequent breaks.

Researchers in Western’s School of Kinesiology have noted that those who often find themselves seated for up to 80% of their workday make themselves vulnerable to potential health risks such as Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, certain types of cancer, high blood pressure, and increased mortality rates.

So, if you have a desk job with long hours, you are vulnerable to diabetes, cancer, and many other diseases. The question is, what can companies do to help their employees maintain an active lifestyle? And more importantly, why should they care?

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The modern work conundrum

The current corporate environment, with its demanding schedules and tight deadlines, creates a perfect recipe for burnout. Employees often spend hours at their desks, immersed in work, with little regard for their physical well-being. The lack of physical activity doesn’t just harm employees personally but also affects their professional performance, leading to absenteeism, reduced productivity, and increased healthcare costs.

A study by the American Heart Association found that adults who are inactive face up to a 35% higher risk of developing heart disease and a 20-30% higher risk of death compared to their more active counterparts. These numbers should be alarming for businesses, as unhealthy employees can negatively impact the bottom line.

Role of companies in encouraging active lifestyle

It’s no longer enough for companies to merely focus on financial targets and corporate goals. Organisations need to recognize that employee health and well-being are directly linked to their success.

One way companies can encourage physical activity is by offering access to sporting facilities, particularly for SMEs that may not have the space or budget to build such amenities on-site.

For instance, Reliance, at its Jamnagar refinery campus, has introduced paddle tennis and golf facilities to promote active engagement among its workforce. Similarly, Tata Mikado in Gurugram has incorporated football and tennis turfs to keep its employees fit and motivated.

Conscient Sports in Gurugram offers football and cricket turfs, allowing employees to unwind and stay fit. Moreover, Jindal Industries in Hisar provides a paddle tennis court, while The Timken Company in Jamshedpur has built a hockey ground.

These initiatives are creating accessible sporting spaces for employees, aligning with the larger goal of fostering active and healthy lifestyles.

Why companies should invest in employee wellness

Promoting an active lifestyle is not just a “nice-to-have” perk; it’s a strategic business move that can deliver measurable results. Here’s why companies should prioritise it:

Increased productivity: Studies have shown that employees who engage in regular physical activity are more focused and productive. Exercise helps to reduce stress levels, improves mental clarity, and boosts energy levels, allowing employees to perform better throughout the day.

Reduced absenteeism: Active employees are less likely to suffer from chronic diseases, resulting in fewer sick days. Regular exercise strengthens the immune system and keeps lifestyle diseases at bay, ensuring employees can contribute more consistently.

Higher employee engagement and retention: Wellness programs and initiatives that promote physical activity contribute to higher employee engagement. Employees feel more connected to organisations that care for their wellbeing, leading to higher retention rates.

A Gallup study found that highly engaged employees are 21% more productive than their less-engaged peers, underscoring the importance of wellbeing in the workplace.

Lower healthcare costs: Healthier employees lead to lower healthcare expenses for both employees and employers. By investing in employee wellness today, companies can save on future medical costs, making it a sound financial decision in the long term.

Enhanced company culture: Encouraging physical activity, especially through team sports or group challenges, fosters a sense of community and camaraderie within the workplace. It builds stronger relationships between employees and can improve overall company culture, making the workplace more enjoyable and fulfilling.

Patriot spoke to Nasir Ali, CEO of Gallant Sports, about the measures taken by the company to encourage employees to stay active and how these initiatives benefit their business.

Ali explained that Gallant Sports recognises the importance of promoting active lifestyles, not just for athletes but for individuals from all walks of life. To achieve this, the company introduced Gallant Play, which features state-of-the-art play arenas. These spaces are designed to be safe, modern, and accessible, providing employees with opportunities to participate in sports and physical activities.

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Ali emphasised that their goal is to make fitness enjoyable and accessible for everyone. He noted that such initiatives improve physical wellbeing while fostering connections among participants, creating a sense of community.

Ali highlighted the benefits of incorporating play arenas into corporate wellness programs. He explained that these facilities provide companies with an effective way to encourage employees to remain active, fit, and motivated. According to Ali, this approach benefits both employees, who enjoy physical and mental well-being, and employers, who gain a healthier, more engaged workforce.

Discussing his vision, Ali reiterated Gallant Sports’ commitment to promoting health and well-being through their play arenas and wellness initiatives. He emphasised the need to prioritise health in business strategies, stating that when employees thrive, companies benefit as well.

Ali further explained how Gallant Play addresses challenges faced by small and medium enterprises (SMEs). By offering accessible modern sports facilities, Gallant Play enables SMEs to promote active lifestyles without requiring expensive or space-intensive infrastructure. These partnerships make it easier for employees to stay active and foster a healthier workforce.

The rise of lifestyle diseases in the modern workforce is a clear sign that companies must act now. Encouraging an active lifestyle among employees isn’t just about improving health; it’s about enhancing productivity, reducing costs, and building a thriving company culture. By investing in employee wellness, companies can create a sustainable, successful future for both their business and their workforce.