Why Companies Should Buy Employees A Gym Membership

Why Companies Should Buy Employees A Gym Membership

Why Companies Should Buy Employees A Gym Membership

The number of individuals who attend gyms has soared over the last few years. For a lot of people, hitting the gym is almost as important a part of their daily routine as going to work itself. It is therefore not surprising that an increasing number of companies are introducing corporate gym memberships.

A corporate gym membership allows employees to have either a fully funded or discounted membership to a gym, leisure centre or health club and it can be offered as a core, voluntary or flexible benefit on behalf of the company. While this may seem like an unusual benefit to offer, it is becoming commonplace as research by Employee Benefits found that 13 percent of employers offer corporate gym membership to all staff as a core benefit and 14 percent as a flexible benefit.

We discuss the benefits of buying your staff a gym membership below.

Lower number of sick days

Employers can't risk their staff taking several days of sick leave, as it can eventually cost businesses millions every year due to reduced productivity and missed opportunities.

Exercise helps your immune system fight off infections and reduces your risk of chronic illnesses such as heart disease, cancer and osteoporosis. When you exercise, your body pushes antibodies through your system at a faster rate. These antibodies may detect illnesses earlier than they normally would, which could prevent the onset of major illnesses by allowing your body to start fighting them off earlier than usual.

Research conducted by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) found that two-thirds of employers reported that stress-related illnesses had increased over the last year. Due to bigger workloads, longer hours and tighter deadlines, many employees leave the office feeling stressed and anxious. The problem arises when employees take these feelings home with them and allow stress to manifest into long-term problems such an insomnia, anxiety and depression.

Instead of bottling it up, employees can eliminate work tension in the gym. Exercise is a natural stress buster, as your body produces endorphins through aerobic activity, which release calming feelings in the brain. Exercise can also reduce your risk of anxiety and depression as much as 30 percent and improve your sleep quality and mood.

Creates a more positive work environment

A 2013/14 Health and Safety Executive report discovered that one of the major causes of stress and anxiety in the workplace was interpersonal relationships with colleagues.

During a busy working day, staff rarely have time to stop and socialise with each other, which can make it difficult for employees to form good relationships. Exercising with one another could be a great way for staff to bond, especially if they are participating in a group class, as they will be in a neutral zone working towards the shared goal of getting fit.

A study by the University of Bristol also found that after exercise, colleagues became more tolerant of one another and more forgiving. This means that they will respond to negative situations, such as helping others with their workload, in a much calmer and more proactive manner.

Why Companies Should Buy Employees A Gym Membership

The rise of budget gyms has made offering corporate gym memberships more feasible, as some clubs offer discounts and even alter contracts to be more flexible if a large number of employees sign up. So if you're an employee looking to make a positive difference in your work, discuss this with your HR manager. What's good for your health is good for the company's wealth.

*Images Courtesy: Shutterstock

For More: Top 10 Effective Fitness Habits for the Office

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