May is Global Employee Health and Fitness Month, an opportunity to explore what benefits your workplace may offer to help you get, and stay, fit and well. Organizations often encourage their employees to take care of themselves by providing access to a number of resources, including:
- On-site fitness centers – Many larger employers, as well as some smaller groups, have convenient, on-site facilities at the workplace with workout equipment, fitness classes and more so employees can fit in a workout before or after work or during lunch.
- Walking trails – Similar to the on-site fitness centers, having paths around the building offers the opportunity for fresh air, exposure to nature, and exercise during the workday, helping to both refocus your mind and stay active. These paths also provide a great opportunity for “walking meetings” with colleagues.
- Gym discounts – If your employer doesn’t have a fitness center on-site, they may offer a subsidized membership or discount to join a local gym. While it may not be in the building, you may still be close enough to visit before, during or after work.
- Wellness program – Your employer may also offer access to a wellness program, which often includes features like workshops to learn more about different health and wellness topics; online trackers to monitor your progress; the ability to work with a wellness coach to create and stick with a fitness and nutrition plan; and even competitions to motivate you and your colleagues while creating friendly rivalries within the workplace. These programs provide support and resources to help you reach your goals.
- Fitness devices – Whether as part of a wellness program or as a standalone offering, some organizations may offer employees complimentary or discounted fitness devices like wristbands, watches, pedometers and more to make it easier to track your progress as you work toward your goals.
- Sports teams – If you like to get out on the field, you can take advantage of company-sponsored teams playing anything from softball to kickball to volleyball. These activities provide a chance to get to know your colleagues outside of the office while fitting in exercise as well.
Many organizations offer a variety of these and other benefits to help you reach your wellness goals. Review your benefits paperwork or contact your HR department to confirm exactly what resources may be available to you.
For Health Advocate Members
If you’re a Health Advocate member with access to our Wellness Program, check out your member website to explore the features and tools available. You can also contact a coach for extra support!
