More and more businesses are starting to introduce daily exercise periods into their workday schedules in order to encourage their employees to be more physically active. What are some benefits of doing this? Should companies be able to force their staff to participate? Why? Why not?

In today’s business environment, a healthy worker is a productive worker. As such, many companies encourage their staffs to be physically fit and take breaks from sitting at their desks. Companies and their employees can garner many advantages by being less sedentary, though, ultimately, this needs to be a voluntary decision. Among the advantages of exercise breaks during working hours is the chance to get the muscles active and the heart pumping. Countless studies have shown that doing this increases the flow of blood to the brain, thereby making a person sharper and more attentive to his tasks. Needless to say, a worker thus engaged will produce better quality work with fewer mistakes. Moreover, managers can incorporate team-building exercises into the workout as well, hence killing two birds with one stone: having a team that is physically fit and one that knows, trusts, and appreciates its members. In all, the benefits of exercise, under proper supervision, can be unlimited. Nevertheless, employees should be encouraged to participate by choice rather than by intimidation. Mandating staff exercises may alienate some people and leave them feeling disrespected. Conversely, workers who see their peers feeling and performing better than themselves will most likely want to draw on this energy and join the routine of their own choosing, consequently also becoming more engaged. Managers must also realize that some people are already fit and do not need breaks as they visit a gym in their spare time. Thus treating employees as responsible adults will further add to their appreciation of the company. In conclusion, helping employees stay active during work can be a great way to get the most out of them and to build a strong team. Yet, it is important to respect and treat these workers as grown-ups.