Many Americans don’t get enough physical activity, and this problem is especially prevalent among office workers who spend their days sitting in front of a computer screen. This lack of exercise can lead to problems like increased health care costs and lower productivity. Employers can help make a difference by implementing corporate exercise programs.
An Epidemic of Inactivity
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), physical activity is one of the most important things you can do to improve your health. Adults should get at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week, along with two days of muscle-strengthening activity.
Unfortunately, many Americans are falling short of these recommendations. A CDC study found that 46.9 percent of adults get the recommended amount of aerobic physical activity, and only 24.2 percent of adults get the recommended amount of aerobic and muscle-strengthening activity.
The Consequences of a Sedentary Lifestyle
Failing to get enough exercise could have disastrous consequences.
According to MedlinePlus, an inactive lifestyle burns fewer calories and slows down metabolism. It can also cause the loss of muscle and bone strength. Other consequences include a weakened immune system, poor blood circulation, hormonal imbalances and inflammation. People who lead an inactive lifestyle have an elevated risk of obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, stroke, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, certain types of cancer, osteoporosis and falls.
In addition to taking a serious toll on a person’s well-being, these health issues can have a major economic impact. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the annual economic burden of physical inactivity and the cost of treating preventable, non-communicable diseases related to inactivity is approximately $27 billion.
In the United States, many people obtain health insurance coverage through work, which means employers take on some of the costs associated with inactivity. According to the Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker, the average annual health spending for enrollees with an obesity diagnosis was $12,588 in 2021, compared to $4,699 for enrollees without an obesity diagnosis. As an employer, if a significant percentage of your workforce is diagnosed with obesity, it follows that your health care costs will be much higher. This is especially important to take into consideration given that employers and employees alike are struggling with rising health care costs.
The Role of Employers and Corporate Fitness Programs
Let’s say you work from 9 to 6 every day, with a one-hour lunch and a one-hour commute each way. Therefore, your work takes up 11 hours of your day. With personal and family responsibilities taking up the rest of your waking hours, there’s not much time to exercise.
Although some people get regular exercise through physically demanding jobs, others have jobs that contribute to a sedentary lifestyle. This means a person’s job plays a big part in whether they get enough exercise. Add in the fact that employers stand to lose money in lost productivity and higher health care costs linked to inactivity, and the case for corporate fitness programs becomes compelling.
Implementing a corporate fitness program can be a win-win situation. Employees win because they gain a convenient and inexpensive (or free) way to get more exercise, as well as the motivation to get moving, which can lead to better physical and mental health, as well as improved overall well-being. Employers win by supporting a healthier workforce with fewer missed workdays and lower health costs.
Exercise programs may also boost employee engagement and workplace morale, leading to additional benefits for employers who are trying to create a positive company culture that promotes employee retention and recruitment.
Options for Corporate Exercise Programs
Employers interested in incorporating exercise programs into their employee benefits and perks have several options. Finding a program that is right for your organization will depend on a few factors, including the preferences and needs of your workforce and your company’s budget. Whether your employees work in the office, remotely or through a hybrid arrangement will also make a difference.
While corporate exercise programs are certainly not one-size-fits-all, here are a few examples of ways that employers could implement exercise-related benefits for employees.
- Provide gym membership as an employee perk. Some workers may not want to use their own money to pay for a gym membership but would take advantage of it if they received a membership as a free perk. If you’re planning to secure a large number of gym memberships, your company may be able to negotiate discounted rates, potentially making this a cost-effective option. And, if you find a gym close to your office building, your employees may find it convenient to exercise before or after work.
- Give employees fitness subscriptions. Although some people like the social aspect and broader types of equipment available at the gym, others may prefer to work out in the comfort of their own homes. Remote workers, in particular, may prefer to exercise at home. A subscription to a fitness app or online exercise course could be a great option for these employees.
- Provide fitness discounts. Your workers may want an exercise bike, treadmill or home gym, but cost may be a barrier. Since exercise equipment is pricey, employers can offer employee discounts or rebates as a perk.
- Consider creating an on-site gym. If most of your team works in the office, creating an on-site gym is a great way to encourage exercise. In the long run, this may be more affordable than offering ongoing gym membership benefits. However, it’s important to consider potential safety and liability issues, and to adjust your business insurance coverage if needed.
- Work fitness into the regular workday. Little changes to a person’s daily routine can make a big difference. For example, holding walking meetings or encouraging workers to take breaks to stretch and walk could help to counter the effects of a more sedentary job.
Regardless of the strategy you select, it’s important to raise awareness and encourage participation. For example, if you negotiate 30 percent off all exercise equipment through a local business, but none of your employees are aware that this discount is available, neither you nor your employees will see any benefit. Spread the word, provide regular reminders and enlist managers to act as advocates for your exercise-related benefits.
It’s also important to ensure that your corporate exercise or wellness program is compliant with any relevant regulations. For example, any employer payment for or reimbursement of a gym membership fee is likely taxable income to the employees receiving this benefit. Your employee benefits broker or outsourced payroll services provider should be able to offer assistance in this area.
Keep Employees Happy and Healthy
Are you interested in exploring new ways to promote employee health and meet the needs of your workers? Higginbotham can work with you to develop an employee benefits package that takes care of your workers. Get in touch with one of our employee benefits specialists to learn more.
