Sport in the workplace : Why look after yourself in 2020

Today, more and more employees are wanting to do sports with their colleagues. Currently almost 80% want to do so regularly. However, only 7% of businesses would encourage their employees to practice sport at work. We can therefore ask ourselves why there is such a big contrast between what is being said and what is being done. We all know the benefits of sport on quality of life and therefore in the workplace, particularly in the management of stress and strengthening team spirit.

On 12 December 2019, a newsletter encouraging businesses to offer sports to their employees was finally released. The subject line of the document states, ‘give employers the right to provide their employees with spaces or equipment in order to encourage the practice of sports within businesses’. As such, a business that offers workers access to sports equipment and physical activities with an instructor will no longer have to pay social charges for these expenses. This signifies these 54% associated charges being dropped.

In other words, this measure would remove the obstacle that prevents employees practicing sport within their company.

What is meant by ‘sport in the workplace’:

‘Sport in the workplace’ can take several different forms. It is also important to understand the bigger picture of this notion. Effectively, ‘sports in the workplace’ refers to the practice of sports within the establishment, but also sports activities organised outside the walls of the business. It can especially be group classes, given by a sports teacher outside the employee’s place of work.

In this respect, the most popular sports are yoga, stretching, and running. Businesses can also provide a suitable gym within their establishment where possible (e.g. an indoor football pitch, a boxing ring). Sometimes, the structure of the business doesn’t allow for a space specifically reserved for sport (i.e. it’s too small, not suitable). But there are several solutions available. And certain businesses have understood this by deciding to share their spaces – equipment, showers, etc. Certain town halls and local governments even allow businesses to use their stadiums and their sports halls. This is tending to take place at lunchtimes in particular.

The benefits of sport in the workplace for the business itself:

For the business, sport in the workplace represents up to a 14% improvement of associates net profitability compared to an inactive, desk-bound employee. It’s proven. An employee who does sport is an employee who maximises their physical ability but equally their intellectual capacity.  Also, by a member of staff exercising regularly (at least 30 minutes a day or 1 hour 3 times a week), the business is making a saving of 7 to 9% on the annual health costs of its employee.

Less sick leave and fewer absences. A more confident, collaborative employee, improvement of team spirit, better time management, more involvement in their tasks. There are so many advantages of doing sport in the workplace.

As for the business’ image, it would only be strengthened. It becomes more attractive because it cares about the well-being of its employees, who will then work more efficiently.

Benefits of sports in the workplace for associates:

Currently, only 10% of employees do sport through their employer. Sometimes, even when the business offers a sports activity to their teams, some employees do not join in. We are finding several reasons for this. These include: unsuitable activities, activities being held too far from the place of work and insufficient equipment.

However, we are convinced that more and more workers will practice a sport at work in the future as it has become essential to consider the numerous benefits that such sport gives. The first benefit is without a doubt the daily management of stress. It allows you to get rid of the toxins built up throughout the day and to get back into the swing of things. Other benefits include: the improvement of sleep and bone condition, the prevention of cardio-vascular problems, the reduced risk of diabetes, depression, high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, strokes, as well as breast and colon cancer. There are so many positives for staff, which can in turn benefit the business.

Not to mention a longer life expectancy by 3 years. Basically, there’s no reason to deprive yourself of doing sport in the workplace. And don’t forget, we all have the time for 1 or 2 hours of sport a week! You can’t put a price on health.

Sport in the workplace: guaranteed results!

The numbers prove it; sport in the workplace wins unanimous support among workers who participate. 94% of employees dedicated to doing sport are satisfied: the activity meets their expectations (58%), it allows them to unwind (19%) and it’s good for their health (14%).

Businesses that offer it to their employees are also fulfilled. More than 8 out of 10 claim that sport improves the health and wellbeing of their workers (90%), enables integration into the company (85%) and strengthens team spirit (85%). Furthermore, it contributes to better stress management (80%) and develops a sense of truly feeling part of the business (80%).

So don’t hold off any longer, offer sports to your employees.

About TeamRH :

TeamRH, a recruitment firm in Paris, is a leading player in the legal and financial sector. We work with a national and international clientele, helping them to strive for a top performance. Our consultants benefit from an extensive knowledge of the market and of legal professions in order to better understand their task. We also offer Career & Life Coaching sessions (stress, demotivation, professional strategies to handle burn out).

TeamRH
5 rue de Hanovre
75002 PARIS
Tel : 01 42 33 26 12
E-mail : jobs[@]teamrh.com