What if you could boost employee productivity, reduce stress, and create a healthier, more engaged workforce—all through fitness? Corporate fitness programs are designed to do just that. Like employee wellness programs, these programs typically offer tailored wellness solutions to improve overall employee well-being, encourage employees to stay active, improve their physical health, and reduce the negative effects of sedentary work life. From virtual fitness challenges to on-site group workouts, companies can offer a variety of activities to promote well-being and build a stronger team.
Did you know? According to the American Psychological Association:
- 53% percent of adults say they feel better about themselves after exercising.
- 35% percent say it improves their mood.
- 30% percent say they feel less stressed.
As you can see, corporate fitness programs can transform your employees' physical and mental health, which has a ripple effect on the whole organization. Let's explore some ideas that can lead to happier, healthier, and more productive teams.
Here are 10 ideas you can add to your corporate exercise and health and wellness programs:
1. Morning stretch sessions ☀️
Starting the day with a morning stretch session is a great way to energize your employees. All it takes is a quick 10-15 minute session focused on light stretching and mobility to help employees loosen up before diving into their tasks.
Conduct these sessions by putting a Zoom or Google Meet on the calendar, allowing folks to join in whenever they'd like. This shared activity can be a positive start to the day that also helps remote employees feel more connected to their colleagues.
2. Walking meetings 🚶♀️
Even in a hybrid or remote setting walking meetings can still be highly effective. If the meeting agenda doesn't require employees to be in front of their screens or take copious notes, turn it into a walk and talk! These meetings can be conducted over a phone call or with headsets for a video chat with cameras off.
Did you know walking while talking stimulates creativity? It also gives employees a chance to get some fresh air and break up the monotony of sitting in front of a screen all day.
3. Deskercise routines 🪑
Incorporating "deskercise"—simple exercises that can be done from the desk—is a practical way to stay active throughout the day and fight the health risks brought on by a sedentary lifestyle. From chair squats to seated leg raises, these movements are easy to integrate into the workday without needing any equipment or outside fitness center management.
Encourage this activity by sending out weekly deskercise moves via email or Slack as a fun way to engage remote employees and promote regular movement during long hours at the computer.
How to get started 👉 Book a Deskercise Class with Confetti!
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4. Yoga breaks 🧘♀️
Yoga offers an excellent opportunity to relax and recharge, making it a great lunchtime activity for employees who need a nervous system reset in the middle of the day. A virtual yoga class allows employees to join from wherever they are, and it provides a mental break that can enhance focus for the rest of the day. Remote employees will appreciate the chance to connect with colleagues in a calming, shared experience, while hybrid teams can choose to join from their home or office space.
How to get started 👉 Treat your team to the holistic wellness benefits of a Yoga Class!
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5. Fitness and wellness challenges 🙌
Fitness challenges are perfect for remote and hybrid teams because they encourage friendly competition while keeping everyone active. Whether it’s a step-count challenge, a hydration challenge, a plank contest, or a weekly mileage goal, these challenges can be tracked through fitness apps and shared across digital platforms.
To go the extra mile and strengthen cross-team relationships, try mixing teams across various departments. Announce the leaderboard throughout the challenge and incentivize with prizes to encourage everyone to stay motivated with a common goal.
6. Group exercise classes 👟
Group exercise classes like Zumba, Tai Chi, or HIIT can easily be adapted for remote and hybrid teams. Virtual classes offer a fun and interactive way for employees to bond over shared fitness goals, even from different locations.
To accommodate your distributed teams, be sure to offer classes at various times to allow maximum participation in different time zones, and make recordings available for those who can't attend live.
How to get started 👉 The team that trains together stays together. Try a Strength Training Class to build stronger bonds in your team!
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7. Standing desks and active workstations 🧑💻
Standing desks or active workstations, like desk cycles and walking pads, can benefit employees working from home or in hybrid settings. Anyone who works in front of a computer finds themselves sitting for long periods, which leads to physical discomfort and symptoms like tech neck, poor circulation, low energy, and more.
Providing guidance or stipends for ergonomic setups, including standing desks or exercise equipment, helps employees integrate movement into their workday, improving their health and productivity.
8. Outdoor team activities ⛳
For hybrid teams that can meet in person occasionally, outdoor activities like hiking, relay races, or sports can be a great way to reconnect face-to-face while staying active. These activities provide an opportunity for team members who typically work remotely to bond with their in-office colleagues in a more relaxed, informal setting. Not to mention they offer a welcome break from screen time and prioritize everyone getting some fresh air and physical exercise together.
How to get started 👉 Check out Confetti's list of the best outdoor team building activities!
9. Wellness workshops ✏️
Help employees adopt healthier lifestyles through wellness workshops. These could be focused on topics like:
- Healthy eating
- Conversations around mental health in the workplace
- Stress management techniques... and more
Bringing in experts to discuss these practices helps employees build sustainable wellness habits for the long term. Plus, they're great activities for your office's next Lunch and Learn!
How to get started 👉 From guided meditation classes to mental health and stress management workshops, there are plenty of experiences to choose from in Confetti's Health and Wellness collection!
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10. Active breaks ⏲️
Build a culture that encourages active breaks! Employees working from home often struggle to step away from their desks, leading to increased burnout and fatigue.
Encourage your team to take short, active breaks throughout the day, whether it’s a stretch, a quick walk with their dog, or a short burst of exercise. Tools like the Pomodoro timer can help employees incorporate movement breaks into their daily routines, keeping them refreshed, engaged, and focused on the task at hand.
Add some Confetti to your corporate fitness and wellness initiatives 💪
Implementing corporate exercise programs is a smart strategy for fostering a healthier workplace. By integrating these ideas into your company's culture, you'll improve employee health and well-being, boost team morale, enhance productivity, and create a more positive work environment.
Try these ideas, gauge employee interest, and adapt your wellness program to meet their needs. Remember, a healthy workplace is a happy workplace.
Ready to get started? Book a Fitness Class with Confetti today!
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