There is a reason for the saying, “A healthy mind in a healthy body.” Physical and mental health are closely connected, and since we spend a significant portion of our day at work, the work environment has a considerable impact on our health. Stress, a high number of work-related responsibilities, deadline pressure, and prolonged sitting can negatively affect our mood, concentration, and overall well-being.
Although physical activity is primarily associated with physical health, its impact extends far beyond it. Regular physical activity can help reduce stress, improve mood, and maintain mental well-being. In this way, physical activity can benefit employees while also contributing to the creation of a healthier and more supportive work environment.
The Problem of a Sedentary Work Lifestyle
The modern work environment often involves sitting for several hours and engaging in very little physical activity throughout the working day. This type of work can negatively affect physical health as well as the mental well-being of employees.
A lack of physical activity during the day can be associated with feelings of fatigue, low energy, tension, and reduced concentration. When physical inactivity is combined with work-related stress and everyday pressures, it is important to find ways to incorporate more movement and active breaks throughout the day.
How Does Physical Activity Affect Mental Health?
You have probably noticed yourself how, after a good walk or workout, you often feel better and more relaxed. This is not surprising, as physical activity can have a positive impact on mental health. Regular physical activity helps reduce feelings of stress and tension and can contribute to an improved mood.
The importance of physical activity is also demonstrated by a meta-analysis conducted by Tian et al., published in 2024. The analysis included 46 studies with more than 3,000 participants, and the results showed that various forms of exercise can significantly reduce symptoms of depression. The positive effects are not limited to just one type of activity—benefits have been observed with aerobic exercise, strength training, combined training, as well as activities such as yoga, tai chi, and qigong.
These findings are also consistent with the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO), which states that regular physical activity can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, while also contributing to improved mood, cognitive health, and better sleep quality. This is particularly important in the workplace, where employees are exposed to various demands and mental strain on a daily basis.
When we consider how much time we spend sitting throughout the day—in the car or on public transportation on our way to work, then at work, and often at home as well—it becomes clear that we often do not get enough physical activity. That is why it is a good idea to find ways to be a little more active during the day. One option is commuting to work by bicycle. Bajs is now also available through MultiSport, and bicycles can be easily located and used via the app. This way, we can turn our commute to work into an opportunity to incorporate more physical activity into our day.
Physical Activity as an Investment in Employees and Business
Taking care of employees also means taking care of the company. When employees feel good, both physically and mentally, this has a positive impact on the business as well. A better mood and lower levels of stress can contribute to greater concentration, higher job satisfaction, better communication with colleagues, and an easier ability to cope with workplace challenges.
In addition, a work environment that supports employees’ health and well-being also contributes to creating a positive organizational culture.
What Can Employers Do to Support Their Employees’ Mental Health?
Employers play an important role in creating a work environment that supports employees’ health and well-being. When employees have opportunities to take care of their physical and mental health, they can more easily find a balance between work responsibilities and time for themselves.
This is where MultiSport comes in, giving employees the opportunity to choose from a variety of activities based on their interests, schedules, and lifestyles. This flexibility allows everyone to find a form of physical activity that suits them and makes it easier to incorporate it into their daily routine.
In this way, employers can provide their employees with additional support in developing healthier habits, without imposing a specific approach or pace.
At the end of the day, a company is ultimately made up of the people who work there.