Why Employee Physical Health Matters?
We spend around a third of our adult lives at work, roughly 90,000 hours over a lifetime. So, it’s no surprise that our workplaces play a huge role in shaping our physical health. Yet, physical wellbeing at work is often overlooked or reduced to a once-a-year health check or discounted gym membership.
But the reality is, physical wellness at work is so much more than that. It can impact everything from daily energy levels and mental clarity to team morale, resilience, and long-term business success.
Let’s explore why physical health is vital, what the research says, and how organisations can build a culture that promotes lasting physical wellbeing.
Physical Health: More Than Just the Absence of Illness
Traditionally, health in the workplace has focused on injury prevention and occupational safety. While crucial, that’s just the starting point. The modern perspective sees physical health as part of thriving, not just surviving.
Physical wellbeing means employees are fit, energetic, resilient, and mentally alert. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), health is “a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” That definition alone encourages a shift in thinking.
Suggested read: Benefits of Wellness Coaching for Employees
The Business Case for Physical Wellbeing
1. Increased Efficiency and Output
A study by Brigham Young University found that healthy employees are 25% more likely to have higher job performance and are less likely to experience productivity loss.
Regular physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, improving focus, decision-making, and creativity. Even short bursts, like a 10-minute walk, can significantly sharpen cognitive performance.
2. Lower Absenteeism and Turnover
Physically healthy employees take fewer sick days. According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), physically active people have 27% fewer sick days than their inactive counterparts.
Moreover, healthier employees are more engaged, meaning less turnover, reduced recruitment costs, and greater continuity.
3. Mental Health Link
Physical and psychological health are tightly connected. Exercise boosts the production of endorphins and serotonin, which help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. The Lancet Psychiatry journal notes that people who exercise regularly experience 43.2% fewer days of poor mental health each month compared to those who don’t.
What Happens When Physical Health Is Ignored?
Sedentary work has a ripple effect. Poor posture, lack of movement, and insufficient sleep can lead to:
- Low mood and motivation
- Higher stress and burnout
- Increased risk of chronic conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and musculoskeletal disorders
- More frequent workplace errors and slower recovery from illness
And these don’t just affect the individual, they cost businesses too. In fact, global productivity losses from poor health cost companies an estimated $1.5 trillion annually, according to a report from the World Economic Forum.
Practical Ways Employers Can Promote Physical Wellbeing
Here are six evidence-informed strategies that employers can implement to meaningfully support employee physical health:
Create a Culture That Normalises Movement
The British Journal of Sports Medicine recommends breaking up sitting every 30 minutes with at least 1-2 minutes of standing or light activity to counteract the risks of prolonged sedentary behaviour.
Encourage regular movement throughout the day, especially for desk-based roles. Consider:
- Walk-and-talk meetings to get teams moving and thinking creatively.
- Stretch breaks during long meetings or training sessions.
- Company-wide “movement reminders” via Slack, Teams or wellness apps.
Design for Activity, Not Just Ergonomics
The physical environment influences behaviour. For example, improving workplace ergonomics helps employees to have better posture in the workplace and reduces the risk of injuries. Small design choices can invite more movement, such as:
- Height-adjustable desks that allow standing or sitting.
- On-site or virtual fitness zones for guided stretching, corporate fitness programs, yoga, or strength sessions.
- Encouraging active commuting by providing secure bike racks, changing rooms, or wellness incentives through cycle-to-work schemes.
Offer Flexible Scheduling to Support Movement
One of the biggest barriers to exercise is time. Flexible work hours give employees the autonomy to move when it best suits them, whether it’s a gym session before work or a walk mid-morning.
Ideas include:
- Core hours policies, so employees can structure movement around focus times.
- Protected wellness time (e.g., no-meeting blocks, Friday fitness hours).
- Activity “zones” in calendars to encourage scheduling physical movement like any other meeting.
Integrate Physical Health into Company Wellbeing Programs
Make physical wellbeing a pillar of your broader wellness strategy by offering:
- Fitness stipends or gym membership discounts.
- On-demand fitness platforms or wellness app subscriptions.
- Step or movement challenges using wearables or mobile apps.
- Employee wellbeing workshops on topics like posture, mobility, or sleep hygiene.
Link Physical Wellbeing to Performance Conversations
Often, health is seen as separate from performance. But they are deeply connected. Bring physical wellbeing into:
- One-on-one check-ins – asking “How are you feeling physically this week?” can open up useful conversations.
- Performance reviews – consider recognising efforts in self-care that have contributed to focus, energy or team morale.
- Workload planning – ensure people have capacity for rest and recovery, not just delivery.
Final Thought
A workplace that values physical health helps employees feel energised, balanced and cared for. In turn, this leads to better teamwork, stronger performance, and a healthier bottom line. The key isn’t doing more, it’s making health part of how work gets done.
Physical and mental wellbeing are deeply connected and essential to workplace success. At CHOYS, our mission is to make wellbeing part of the everyday work experience, not just an afterthought.
Whether it’s a lunchtime walk, a late-night counselling session, or a step challenge that sparks team spirit, CHOYS helps employees feel better, work better, and live better.
FAQS
1. Why does physical health matter for employees?
Physical health is key to an engaged, productive workforce. Healthy employees are more energetic, focused, and less prone to illness. Employees who feel good physically perform better and experience higher job satisfaction.
2. Why is it important to be healthy at work?
Being healthy at work improves focus, boosts productivity, and reduces absenteeism. Healthy employees are happier, more engaged, and less prone to burnout.
3. What are the benefits of working on physical health?
Focusing on physical health boosts mood, increases energy, and enhances cognitive function. It also lowers the risk of chronic diseases and improves teamwork.
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