Employees More Productive On Days They Exercise, Finds Study

Research from the University of Bristol titled exercising at work and self-reported work performance has shown that people who exercise on work days are more productive, happier and experience less stress than on non gym days.

I guess that most of you had an inkling that this was the case, but how often have you actually followed this advice? How many times have you skipped the gym because you are too busy with work or social commitments?

But, maybe you can show more commitment to the cause of exercise now that there is hard scientific evidence to suggest that if you have a work-out before going to work or exercise during lunch breaks, you are much better equipped to handle whatever challenges you may face that day.

They also found that the general mood of people improved on exercise days. The research which was published in the International Journal of Workplace Health Management was the first of its kind to prove that exercising during work hours will provide both physical and mental benefits.

Jo Coulson, Research Associate in the University’s Department of Exercise, Nutrition and Health Sciences said that ‘Critically, workers performed significantly better on exercise days and across all three areas we measured, known as mental-interpersonal, output and time demands.’

The actual findings derived from 200 participants in the study were:

  • Seventy two per cent reported improvements in time management on exercise days compared to non-exercise days.
  • Seventy nince per cent said mental and interpersonal performance was better on days they exercised.
  • Seventy four per cent said they managed their workload better.

What does this mean for employers and staff?

This should send a strong message to both employers and employees.

That is, employers should be actively encouraging employees to take their breaks – and make it easy for them to get exercise before, during or after work. This could include locating your office at a place with an on-site gym or at least near one, or providing showers and changing facilities so employees can go for a run at lunch time, or even run to work.

Help to build an active culture and DIY mindset by referring your staff to informative and motivational exercise-related online resources like BarBend who specialize in fitness-related content that includes strength training, cross-fit, bodybuilding, and more exercises that can help you reduce stress, and boost productivity

You could even set up a low cost gym in the office with perhaps a foldable rowing machine, like this: Body Sculpture BR3010 Rower & Gym or an exercise bicycle such as this Body Sculpture BC1700 Exercise Bike in a a designated room or area of the office.

GYMMATE – Turns any chair into an exercise bike – Premium Quality Magnetic Mini Exerciser – Silky smooth, quiet impact free resistance excellent for home, office or therapeutic use and a great alternative to cumbersome upright bikes. – Work out both legs and arms as well as the cardiovascular system. Colour Black

You can now even get exercises bikes that you can simply sit on an office chair and use while you are at your desk, just like this Gym Mate exercise bike which you can see in the picture to the right.

Also, think about setting up sports teams, such as a weekly football or badminton game which employees can attend.

If employers do this, they should see an corresponding increase in productivity from their staff.

Staff should take full advantages of any gym or sports facilities or sports events provided by the employer as this will increase your performance, productivity and career prospects.

Of course try and get some exercise before work or during lunch breaks if you can, using the Gym Mate office bike mentioned above. If these particular exercise bikes arent’t right for you, then have a look at the general range of office ready exercise bikes at Amazon by clicking here.

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