Peak condition: why exercise should be part of your business strategy.

A recent study discussed in the Harvard Business Review demonstrates a clear link between exercise and increased productivity at work. The study followed 200 employees from the UK and China over ten days, capturing self-reported and objective physical activity data through wearable devices.

The findings make for interesting reading.

The impact of exercise on well-being and productivity

The study reinforces the World Health Organisation's mission to achieve a 15% reduction in global physical inactivity by 2030. It demonstrates that regular physical exercise starts a series of benefits – called "resource caravans" – that supercharge work performance the following day.

Here's what exercisers gain:

These findings echo research by IWG, which shows that hybrid workers – those who split their time between a company HQ, local workspaces, and home – are often healthier, happier, and more productive. With less time spent on commuting, there's more time for activities like jogging, walking, cycling, or hitting the gym. Plus, with flexible workspaces often closer to home, they might even get to walk or cycle to work, adding further exercise to their daily commute.

What this means for business leaders

Even setting aside the potential productivity boosts and encouraging employees to be more active can be transformative for businesses.

Firstly, it supports the overall health and well-being of the workforce. The World Health Organisation is unequivocal that regular physical activity is crucial in preventing severe conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and some forms of cancer. It's also a potent antidote for stress, anxiety and depression. Plus, physical activity is known to bolster the immune system. The upshot? Fewer sick days and improved business continuity.

But the benefits go beyond just warding off illness. When business leaders show they genuinely care about their employees' well-being, the payoffs can be significant. It can foster a positive work culture, enhance loyalty, and help retain top talent – reducing the costs and disruption associated with high employee turnover.

How to get your team members moving more

Globally, there are 1.4 billion adults who are not sufficiently active. A sedentary workforce is a growing trend in an increasingly service-based economy where much of the workforce is deskbound. But there are measures that employers can start taking right now to get their teams moving more– benefiting themselves and the company.

Create a corporate wellness programme

Implementing a corporate wellness programme can be a powerful way to care for your team's health and well-being. Plus, it can make your business more appealing to high-calibre job candidates. Programmes can encompass a range of offerings—from discounted gym memberships to yoga or tai chi classes, even access to therapists and physio centres.

In fact, IWG research shows that a whopping 70% of office workers have found that a good workplace benefits package has grown in importance over the last two years. It's clear that these offerings are becoming essential for today's workforce.

Encourage healthier commuting

When employees spend an hour or more just sitting during their commute, whether by car, bus or train, it adds to the amount of time they're inactive each day. Employers can help change this by making it easier and more attractive to commute in healthier ways. For example, they could promote cycling, walking or even running to work.

Give employees more flexibility

Flexibility from employers can create more opportunities for exercise. Not everyone can make it to the gym outside of regular office hours. That's why some forward-thinking companies even allow employees to attend exercise classes during their workday. This shows a commitment to employee wellness and acknowledges the value of staying active.

Embrace the hybrid work model

Adopting a hybrid work model is one of the best ways to help employees stay fit and healthy. Mixing days spent at a local coworking space with time spent at company headquarters can drastically cut commuting hours. This saved time can be used for exercise and preparing nutritious meals.

In fact, according to IWG, the average hybrid worker is getting 4.7 hours of exercise a week, compared to 3.4 hours before the pandemic. They're also eating better, with 46% eating more fruit, 44% more vegetables, and 20% more fish. These changes suggest a shift away from processed foods, typically high in salt, sugar, and fat, which can contribute to various health issues. So, not only does a hybrid work model boost productivity, but it also promotes a healthier lifestyle.

Go hybrid with Regus

Regus flex spaces are all about promoting a healthier work life. With locations all over the globe, we make it easy for people to work closer to home. This means less time commuting and more time focusing on health and well-being. Our wellness benefits are just the icing on the cake. They help Regus members stay healthy, happy, and firing on all cylinders – which is good for everyone.

Moving towards a healthier work model is about more than just getting more done. It's about creating a workplace culture that values well-being. This can lead to lower health costs and a more involved, content, and committed team. In a world where work and life are closely intertwined, it's crucial for businesses to support a balance between the two. With Regus, you're not just choosing a flexible way to work but a healthier, happier, and more productive team.

About IWG

IWG is the global leader in hybrid work solutions and workspace brands. We create personal, financial, and strategic value for businesses of every size, from some of the most exciting companies and well-known organisations on the planet to individuals and the next generation of industry leaders. They all harness the power of IWG's hybrid working platform to increase their productivity, efficiency, agility, and market proximity.

IWG’s unrivalled network coverage includes approximately 3,500 locations across more than 120 countries, and 83% of Fortune 500 companies are amongst our growing customer base.

Through our brands, including Regus, Spaces, HQ and Signature, we help millions of people and their businesses to work more productively. We do so by providing the world's leading hybrid work platform with professional, inspiring and collaborative workspaces and digital services, all available via the IWG app. For more information

Visit www.iwgplc.com, and for more information on partnering with IWG, see: ​ https://www.iwgplc.com/develop-a-location