Boost Employee Health and Productivity: The Power of Workplace Physical Activity Strategies
October 11, 2025
Research shows that employers can effectively promote physical activity among workers by implementing strategies that highlight its benefits for reducing chronic disease risks, mental health, and productivity.
Supporting a physically active lifestyle at work leads to fewer chronic illnesses, better stress management, increased engagement, reduced absenteeism, and higher job satisfaction.
Encouraging movement during the workday is backed by research as a way to improve health and boost productivity.
Workplace wellness champions, whether formal or informal, play a crucial role in motivating employees to stay active, though informal champions may be more trusted but face burnout risks.
A study of around 60,000 Canadians found that workplaces offering a variety of physical activity options are twice as likely to have active employees, with moderate activity increasing by 1.5 times.
Every movement, from walking to physical tasks, helps reduce heart disease risk, though strenuous physical work can sometimes increase health risks due to physical stress.
Employers should address upstream factors like workload, flexibility, supervisor support, and work environment to foster conditions that encourage physical activity.
Providing amenities such as walking spaces, gyms, organized sports, and health programs can significantly increase employee activity levels.
Summary based on 2 sources
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Medical Xpress • Oct 9, 2025
How employers can promote physical activity among workers: Three messages based on research