What it is and where it came from
May isn't just the run-up to summer, it's also Global Employee Health and Fitness Month, a month dedicated to reminding employers and health promoters why physical activity matters for workers, even those stuck at a desk all day. It's a chance to educate employees on the benefits of building healthy habits into their daily routines, whether they work in an office or from home.
The observance was launched in 1989 by the National Association for Health and Fitness in the United States. Health and fitness carry long-term benefits and shape quality of life, but as people get older, it's easy to lose sight of that amid work and daily routines. The Association created the month to encourage everyone, especially those who need the extra push, to stay active despite a busy schedule.
Why workplace health matters
Healthy employees are less stressed. Exercise and a balanced diet increase blood flow and reduce stress, and exercise itself produces hormones like serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins that promote pleasure, happiness, and calm. Encouraging movement after a long day at the office helps employees feel fresher the next day.
Employees feel more motivated and energized. It's a simple idea that's often overlooked: exercise and a balanced diet give people the energy they need at work, which makes them more ready to take on projects, and employers spend less time worrying about sick days.
Productivity goes up. A healthy employee is consistently a more productive one. A regular workout routine and healthy diet sharpen mental performance at work.
Ways to get started
Health advocates recommend that companies partner with their health teams to build fun, sustainable ways to weave fitness into the workday. A few ideas: offer yoga or other exercise sessions at work, nothing burns calories and relaxes a team quite like a shared yoga session, and a little encouragement usually gets people joining in. Hiring a yoga instructor, or a physical therapist who offers sessions, works well too. Simpler still: encourage employees to take the stairs or walk to a colleague's desk instead of sending an email.
For remote employees, collaborate with a therapist to design an at-home exercise plan, simple yoga stretches and strength routines work well, and set goals together as a team to track progress. Bringing in a nutritionist to work with employees on their diets, whether through a group session or a custom healthy menu plan, is another way to build a culture of health that benefits everyone, including the company.