Every May, Global Employee Health and Fitness Month serves as a reminder that the workplace is more than just a place where we earn a paycheque – it’s where we spend a significant portion of our lives. We are no longer in a position to think of employee wellness as a once-a-year seminar or an HR box-ticking exercise. In an era of increasing stress, anxiety, depression, burnout and sedentary lifestyles, prioritising physical activity in the workplace isn’t just beneficial – it’s essential.

While most people associate exercise with toned muscles and cardiovascular health, the impact of physical activity on mental well-being is just as profound, if not more so in today’s world. Regular movement stimulates the release of endorphins and serotonin, those “feel-good” chemicals that can improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety. Exercise and sport may give you much-needed momentary relief from concerns and negative thoughts, thereby assisting with stress relief and alleviating depression. The anti-inflammatory effects of exercise are also reported to positively affect mood disorders, depression, anxiety and poor mental health. In fact, research shows that exercise can be as effective as medication for depression, anxiety and psychological distress in some cases.

When employees are physically active, they’re not just healthier, they’re happier, more focused and more productive. Physical activity helps to clear mental fog, reduce stress and promote better sleep, all of which will contribute to stronger performance and better decision-making.

Beyond individual health, there’s strong incentive for businesses to get employees moving. Physically active employees are less likely to take sick days, experience burnout or develop chronic diseases. They’re also more engaged in their work; enjoy increased morale, job satisfaction and commitment; and show improvements in efficiency, performance and productivity. In short, active employees create healthier, more resilient organisations.

Yet in too many workplaces, long hours at a desk are still the norm. This sedentary culture is not only outdated, it’s damaging. Sitting for extended periods has been dubbed “the new smoking”, due to its links to weight gain, the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease, and premature mortality. Global Employee Health and Fitness Month is the perfect opportunity for employers to challenge this culture and implement changes that make movement a natural part of the workday.

Encouraging physical activity at work doesn’t require building a gym on every floor. It’s about embedding movement into the culture of the workplace. Walking meetings, standing desks, company step challenges, stretch breaks or subsidised fitness classes are all simple initiatives that can have a big impact. Even promoting the idea that it’s okay to take a midday walk can help shift the mindset around work and wellness. More importantly, these actions send a clear message: the mental and physical health of employees is a priority, not an afterthought.

If we want to build sustainable workplaces that support employees holistically, then wellness needs to move from the periphery to the core of workplace strategy. Global Employee Health and Fitness Month shouldn’t just be a campaign – it should be a catalyst. It should serve as an opportunity to reset, realign and recommit to supporting people in every sense: physically, mentally and emotionally.

By prioritising physical activity as a cornerstone of employee well-being, organisations aren’t just investing in fitness, they’re investing in healthier, more resilient employees, stronger organisational performance, and a more vibrant, productive society. And in today’s fast-paced, high-pressure world, that’s the kind of return on investment we can’t afford to ignore.

SEMLI is a research institute that is dedicated to promoting safe physical activity, healthy lifestyles and optimal sports performance. In addition to its research and education focus, SEMLI offers a range of clinical and scientific services to the public, including biokinetics, physiotherapy, sport science, sport and exercise medicine, psychology and nutrition. SEMLI’s clinicians and scientists are available to assist with general health concerns, lifestyle-related conditions, injury management, chronic disease support, sports performance and more.

Tel: 012 420 6133 / 012 484 1749 for appointments to see one of our clinicians

www.semli.co.za

The views expressed in this opinion piece are those of the author and do not represent the official stance or policies of the University of Pretoria.

   Dr Jill Borresen, an exercise scientist and COO of the Sport, Exercise Medicine and Lifestyle Institute (SEMLI) at the University of Pretoria