Investing in Employee Wellbeing
Investing in employee health and wellbeing provides significant benefits for both employees and employers. A healthy, active workforce is key to building a thriving, productive workplace. By embedding movement and wellbeing practices into daily routines, businesses can create an environment where employees feel valued, engaged, and motivated.
Benefits of an Active Workforce
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Increased Energy and Focus
Regular physical activity enhances mental sharpness, boosts energy levels, and improves concentration, helping employees perform at their best. -
Reduced Stress and Anxiety
Exercise is a proven stress reliever, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety, which can lead to greater emotional resilience. -
Fewer Sick Days
Active employees tend to have stronger immune systems and are less prone to illnesses, reducing absenteeism and ensuring a more consistent workforce. -
Improved Workplace Relationships
Shared fitness activities, such as group exercise or team sports, can improve communication and strengthen team bonds. -
Higher Morale and Job Satisfaction
A focus on wellbeing makes employees feel valued, increasing engagement and motivation while creating a more positive workplace culture. -
Enhanced Productivity and Creativity
A healthy workforce is a productive workforce. Physical activity stimulates brain function, leading to improved problem-solving, innovation, and overall performance.
Remember to...
Lead by example
Show your team how it's done! Commit to time across the week, where you plan to be physically active.
Give Permission
Prioritising wellbeing isn’t a luxury – it’s essential. This week especially, make time to move more and encourage your colleagues to do the same. If needed, block out your diary to make it happen.
Have fun
Moving doesn’t have to be monotonous or feel like a chore—find what you enjoy and make it yours! Whether it’s solo time or social, have fun with it!
Celebrate
Celebrate the small wins and each other! Recognise colleagues who get involved and share their achievements.
Start by promoting Freedom Leisure's wellbeing policies, employee assistance programme (EAP), and staff membership to ensure staff know where to access help. (Check the AWW teams folder for more information)
Then consider signposting colleagues to external resources such as NHS mental health services, helplines, and local wellbeing initiatives for additional support. Encourage participation in wellbeing activities like mindfulness sessions, physical activity challenges, and peer support groups to foster a positive workplace culture. Regularly sharing information through team meetings, newsletters, or informal conversations helps maintain awareness and ensures staff feel supported in their wellbeing journey.
Browse and download the resources below to encourage staff wellbeing through awareness, signposting, and activities:
Physical activity in the workplace
Click on the titles below:
- Cheif Medical Officers guidance on Adults and Older Adults.
- Moving Medicines 'It’s safer for people with long-term conditions to be physically active'
- Sport England's Active Employee tool kit.
- This Girl Can
- Promoting Physical Activity at Work | Public Health Agency
- Workplace Movement
Things you could do, to encourage being active:
(Silver and Gold)
Drop ins
Request that Healthy Communities and Fitness colleagues allocate 10-minute slots during their shifts for other colleagues to book, offering advice and information on how to stay active.
Invite colleagues to access existing sessions
Encourage colleagues to take advantage of their staff membership by trying out activities at your sites. For those without a membership, offer a free pass during Active Workforce Week to give them the opportunity to try it out. You could even provide colleagues with a friends and family pass for that week.
Set Challenges
Throughout the week, organise fun and engaging challenges to introduce a competitive element. Who can accumulate the most steps? Who can beat your time? These challenges not only encourage participation but also add an exciting, motivating factor to stay active and boost camaraderie among colleagues.
Create colleague activities/events
Why not create tailored activities specifically for Freedom Leisure colleagues to enjoy? Consider options like lunchtime yoga sessions or a friendly football match between sites.
Mental Wellbeing
Click on the titles below:
- Work related stress | Every Mind Matters
- Mental Health Tool Kit for employers - Buisness in the community
- How to be mentally healthy at work | Mind
- The Stress Bucket
Things you could do, to encourage mindfulness:
(Silver and Gold)
Get to know your team
How about organising a "Meet the Manager" or coffee morning exclusively for colleagues? It’s a great opportunity to connect, get to know each other better, and build stronger rapport across departments.
Encourage Fresh Air
One of the 5 Ways to Wellbeing is taking notice—spending time in nature and getting some fresh air. Why not encourage colleagues to take short breaks or go for a walk during their break to embrace this?
Engage with local services
Collaborate with local services to provide information and signposting for your colleagues. Even better, invite them to visit your site to engage directly with your teams.
Encourage awareness training
To be mindful of both our colleagues and customers, take advantage of the IHASCO awareness courses, as well as other local opportunities like becoming a dementia friend.