6 Reasons how sports can greatly improve productivity in a business
The connection between physical activity and productivity has been known to humans since the dawn of civilization. Research shows that sport and recreation have a large positive effect on raising morale, motivation, productivity, and better mood and atmosphere in the working environment. According to an interview with 2000 men and women (aged 18 to 70), the results showed:
- Sports success (eg. if their team wins in a competition) has a positive impact on access and behaviour at work (63% of men, 52% of women).
- Sport’s success improves mood and has a positive impact on productivity at work (47% of women and 40% of men).
- Only 3% of respondents saw the sport’s success as distraction and disruption to work and work environment.
Motivation is key
According to one survey in the Wall Street Journal, satisfied employees are twice as productive, feeling the need to stay longer at work even five times more often if the task is not completed.
One of the most popular team building activities is sport. Positive effects such as better health and improved moods lead to increased productivity and positive atmosphere in the workplace. Sport and recreational physical activity have proven to improve the company’s business by large scales.
However, many people claim that they don’t have time to exercise. Employers could help them by hosting a sport-based team building activities so staff goes out of the office, enjoy a fun day outdoors and develop better friendship with their colleagues. The mental and spiritual benefits of exercise are just as important as the physical. The clarity and energy of people training remain high, regardless of their workload — a final conclusion of the research published in the International Journal of Workplace Health Management.
A lot of companies have realised that the key role of physical exercise in the health of their workforce and thus in the profitability of the company. Here are the 6 reasons how encouraging sports can help increase productivity in a company:
- Build strong bonds
Some companies have incorporated exercises into their daily program. Others promote “break time activities” for their employee groups. This contributes a lot to the empowerment of the team from group exercise and stress relief. Many corporate goals can be fulfilled when employees take part in group activities. These activities vary and can take different forms within or outside of the company.
By improving the relationship between employees, it will facilitate better communication in the workplace. Jobs will then be carried out faster.
2. Develop sense of contribution and belonging
By doing team sports, every player gets to explore their skills and show in the best way to contribute to the team. The effort of the individual and the proper functioning of a group lead to inspiring success. The sense of belonging and contribution one picks up from a team sport is highly transferable to a workplace amongst colleagues.
3. Enhance creativity
A lot of people have reported to having a “great idea” during exercise. It is equally important to take advantage of this creativity boost by recording these ideas and developing them. I have had quite a lot of these eureka moments and those quick thoughts have now become established programs in our community.
4. Feel good from endorphin release
Exercise releases endorphins which can give a lot of energy to the body. One feels better, has more stamina and can cope with his/her everyday tasks. By doing sports before work, staff arrives to the office refreshed and ready for new challenges.
5. Reduce stress
Exercise significantly reduces stress levels. If you travel frequently for work, it is recommended to continue an active routine and you can start by choosing a hotel with a gym or try to go for a run in the early morning (As I do!) . Clearing your mind before a big work day will help you present yourself with high self-esteem and smart thinking.
6. Discover something you love or good at
Each of us can start a small revolution in order to increase productivity. The great Greek philosopher Aristotle said: Excellence is an art won by training and habituation. We do not act rightly because we have virtue or excellence, but we rather have those because we have acted rightly. We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.
If you find satisfaction outside work, you will most likely feel happier at work too.
Conclusion
Exercise significantly improves our overall health condition. When you are healthy, you are more productive in the office. For most of us, our jobs require sitting in front of the computer all day, resulting in problems with our lower back and spine. By doing the the right amount of sports, we will feel good about ourselves, feel good with the others and therefore, increase productivity at work.
