Breaks can range from quick desk stretches to a proper run
Released: Sun 11/21/2021, 2:13 pm
Last update: Sun 11/21/2021, 2:18 pm
“Fitness breaks” during work hours can help increase employee morale and productivity, a senior official said. Such breaks can range from quick stretches of the desk to a proper run. They reduce the risk of a sedentary lifestyle among employees, “especially since many of them work at their desks for hours”.
In an interview with Khaleej Times about the ongoing Dubai Fitness Challenge, Eman Al Madani, Senior Executive, Corporate Social Responsibility, Center for Responsible Business, Dubai Chamber, highlighted how such breaks can help:
- Employees returning from a fitness break tend to be more alert and focused, while this also improves their motivation and productivity.
- Building a healthy work environment leads to a culture of awareness and healthy habits among employees, which in turn are reflected in their overall health and productivity.
- Research also shows that active lifestyles reduce absenteeism, and adding fitness breaks during work hours helps.
What companies can do to motivate employees
Al Madani said there are many ways companies can encourage their employees to engage in fitness activities.
“Employers can offer training and awareness sessions and award prizes to active participants during and after office hours,” she said.
She said that with the addition of virtual reality fitness sessions, the Dubai Fitness Challenge could see more participation “where employees can exercise anywhere while wearing special glasses that move them to another room”.
Employees’ working hours could be made more flexible “to give them more opportunities to train at the times that suit them”.
A more holistic approach might see the introduction of ways to improve sleep and nutrition; and also mental wellbeing.
As a partner and participant in the challenge, the Dubai Chamber organized several employee events.
“We first ascertain the interests of the employees and then plan the events accordingly. We always make sure that the activities take into account everyone’s interests and abilities, ”she said. “We organized during and after work activities throughout the month.”
Staff events included a hike to Wadi Hilo; a laser tag game in office space; Boxing lessons; Conversations about a healthy lifestyle; and distribution of healthy snacks to every employee.
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Evolution of the fitness challenge since 2017
“The technology used in tracking activity has improved every year, along with the increased use of social media to promote this event. Fitness activities and venues have also increased and diversified each year and this year is something special with Expo 2020. “Said Al Madani.
Al Madani also had a message to those who have not yet risen to the challenge: “Try it – you will be surprised what you can achieve and you will enjoy the feeling of camaraderie and athleticism to the full.”
