A stress-busting lunchtime workout would help employees perform better in the workplace, according to a nationwide survey of businesses by consultants Croner.
The online poll found that 69 percent of HR professionals believe providing exercise facilities at work or helping with gym costs would boost productivity and morale.
Peter Etherington, HR expert at Croner, part of Wolters Kluwer UK, said: “There has never been a greater need for people to do more exercise, but many view working up a sweat as a chore they don’t have time for. Employers can do their bit to help, and we’re seeing an increasing number providing exercise facilities.
“Even companies that don’t have the space or resources to build their own gym can consider offering subsidised gym membership, organising sporting activities, or even providing healthy snack machines and water coolers to encourage an overall healthier working environment.”
But Etherington believes that providing exercise facilities is not enough on its own to boost productivity and morale, and that bosses need to assess whether their workplace culture could actually be demotivating staff.
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He said: “Lunch breaks and leaving on time should not be an occasional luxury. When considering the health and well-being of their staff, employers should also think about encouraging sensible working hours.
“Evidence suggests that employees who put in the hours for the sake of appearances are not actually any more productive than those who leave on time – in fact the opposite is often true,” said Etherington.
