The top five reasons to start “Corporate Fitness Training” at your work today! The most successful companies today (Google, eBay, Facebook) all see the benefits of providing corporate fitness training to their employees. The training includes both physical training (bootcamp, circuit, boxercise, yoga, pilates) and holistic services (nutritional seminars, health testing, meditation) that cater to all staff needs.

One - Improves office morale. A survey conducted by Medibank Private (2005) found that in relation to Australian workers healthy employees are nearly three times more productive than employees with poor health. Although company productivity and creativity are difficult to measure, improved employee morale and productivity can largely impact the success of a business. Most companies today spend small fortunes on one-off events (office drinks, paint ball, rock climbing) which provide a short-term boost in office morale. The problem with these events is that the gains are lost within weeks of the event and end up being a costly exercise for the company where they don’t see a return on their investment.

Two - Increases employee engagement and activity levels. With more and more data coming out about the importance of regular exercise and increases in sedentary jobs, it makes sense to promote physical activities to all staff. A great example in the market today is bite4life, who provide companies with 8 week online health and fitness challenges, that encourage employees to walk 10 000 steps a day and lose weight through health eating.

Three - Increased productivity and quality of work. A study by Jim McKenna from the University of Bristol showed that after exercising, their work performance was consistently higher, as shown by better time management and improved mental sharpness. This is also highlighted with quality of work, with employees attributing an increase in work quality to an increased in energy levels after exercising.

Four - Reduce workplace injury and associated costs. Healthy employees on average have fewer risk factors for disease and illness to their unhealthy counterparts. This also reduces the risk of injury thus costing their employer less in medical bills and time off work. Corporate fitness training programs are an excellent way to create and maintain a healthy workplace that encounters fewer injuries and medical costs, reducing company profits.

Five - Improves your mental health. Alarming statistics about mental health in Australia today include; on average, every full-time employee with untreated depression costs an organisation $9,665 per year and 50 per cent of Australians will experience a mental health problem at some time in their lives. Black Dog Institute, Australia’s leading body in depression and bipolar disorder promotes regular exercise to reduce the chances of both diseases as well as help mange them. The institute promote ‘Exercise Your Mood’ as part of the Mental Health Week (9-15 October 2012) as they see the crucial link between exercise and improved mental health in the workplace.

The above 5 reasons for starting a corporate fitness training program at your work are the tip of the iceberg. The benefits are endless and can also lead to being seen as a preferred employer by future employees weighing up companies to work for.