While the health benefits of exercise are widely known, its impact on employee productivity might surprise you. Research shows that even small amounts of physical activity can lead to noticeable improvements in focus, mood, and performance, sometimes within just 24 hours. Here’s a look at how movement supports workplace productivity and how you can help your employees embrace it for both their health and professional success.
The Productivity Power of Exercise
Exercise doesn’t just improve personal well-being; it’s also a powerful tool for influencing how employees think, feel, and perform on the job. Here’s how movement translates to measurable gains at work:
- Builds resilience: Regular exercise strengthens psychological resilience, helping employees bounce back quickly from setbacks and stay productive under pressure
- Supports mental health and focus: Physical activity can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, two major barriers to productivity. Exercise helps employees feel more emotionally balanced and mentally strong, allowing them to stay focused, engaged, and productive on the job.
- Sharpens memory and thinking skills: Studies show regular exercisers have greater brain volume in areas that control thinking and memory. This translates to employees who can recall information better, process it faster, and ultimately perform their jobs more efficiently. (Aerobic exercise, in particular, enhances blood flow to the brain, leading to clearer thinking and faster decision-making.)
- Reduces sick days: Consistent, moderate exercise strengthens the immune system, helping employees stay healthier and reduce sick days that disrupt productivity.
- Increases energy and satisfaction: Even moderate physical activity can reduce emotional fatigue and increase personal fulfillment, leading to higher job satisfaction and productivity.
The “Resource Caravan” Effect: Improving Next-Day Job Performance
Exercise benefits don’t stop after the workout ends; they carry over into the next workday. Researchers have coined the term “resource caravans” to describe the next-day benefits of physical activity that can lead to better work outcomes.
One of the most important “resources” is better sleep quality. Exercise is a proven pathway to better sleep and more restorative rest, helping the brain and body recharge overnight. Other next-day effects include higher energy levels and sharper focus, which can help employees perform at their best.
The Importance of the Fun Factor
It may seem obvious, but enjoyment matters. Research shows that people who perceive exercise as fun and enjoyable are likelier to stick with it. Additionally, novelty and variety play key roles, making exercise more appealing and therefore likely to become a long-term habit.
Top 4 Ways Aaptiv Can Boost Employee Productivity and Fun
That’s where Aaptiv comes in. With variety, personalization, and ease-of-use at its core, Aaptiv makes it easier for employees to start and stick with an exercise routine. Here are four ways Aaptiv helps employees stay active, engaged, and productive:
- Personalized, on-demand workouts for everybody and every schedule. Employees want personalized wellness programs that fit their unique needs and goals. Aaptiv’s AI-powered fitness app delivers custom workouts for every age, interest, fitness level, and location.
- One simple app with 10,000+ fitness opportunities. Aaptiv’s user-friendly design makes it easy—and enjoyable—to find the perfect workout. Employees can explore over 10,000 on-demand classes across 16 wellness categories. High-quality videos demonstrate proper form and offer encouragement, with content suited to everyone, from beginners to seasoned athletes.
- Top-rated audio workouts with music that motivates. With over 57,000 reviews and a 4.7-star App Store rating, Aaptiv’s audio-guided workouts let employees exercise without looking at a screen. Plus, licensed music spanning 19 genres, from country and classic rock to Latin and throwback hip-hop, keeps motivation high.
- Access to one of the largest gym networks in the industry. Free or discounted gym memberships remain the most popular exercise-related wellness perks. Aaptiv gives employees access to over 20,000 gyms nationwide, including local favorites, national chains, and boutique studios, with flexible membership options and no long-term contracts.
Learn more about Aaptiv’s employee fitness and wellness benefit solutions.
