I found an article that discussed the first study to find that exercising during or before work hours not only has physical benefits but mental benefits as well. They found that people who worked out before work or during their lunch break were more productive, happier, and less stressed at work compared to those who opted not to exercise. The employees moods improved on the days they exercised and were less calm on days in which they did not exercise. Exercising employees also reported improvements in time management, mental and interpersonal performance, and work load management.
Link to article:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1095783/People-exercise-work-days-happier-suffer-stress-productive.html
Link to article:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1095783/People-exercise-work-days-happier-suffer-stress-productive.html
I would agree with this article. I also think that a lot of companies are starting to find out that working out is better for their buisness, so now a lot of them are having gyms and classes incorporated into the buisness, and having trainers come in and discuss health.
My friend is a Kinesiology major and she did an internship with a corporate fitness group and found that this idea is going to be a growing trend with big companies. Health is such a big issue right now anyways with growing obesity amoung children and adults, I think it is a good idea to incorporate health and fitness into different aspects of our lives, and having it become more routine rather than just something that we think about once in awhile.
I find that I do things in my life better when I plan out my day, like when I will work out, do homework, and grocery shop. I tend to schedule those things around my classes and work, so I get more done in a shorter amount of time, and not needing to procrastinate (most of the time).
Since exercise sends out good hormones in our body and we feel more energized and eat healthier, that usually improves our mood, which then helps others and their mood. I never thought there were many downfalls when it comes to being healthy and working out, but people seem to come up with a lot of excuses on why they don't, and sometimes there just isn't enough time in the day, but if there are more resources for people so they are able to go to a gym, that would be better for everybody.
This article reminds me of a class I had, and we talked about Google employees and how they have a workout facility on the site, and employees are encouraged to take breaks throughout the day and exercise. Maybe let some steam off or just to relax or just simply think. It is said that Google does this on purpose, so the employees will come back feeling motivated and ready to work with a clear mind.
I know where my dad works they provide incentives for people who lose weight and workout regularly, and also provides them with coupons and discounts to Anytime Fitness, or the YMCA to help them be motivated to exercise, and then in return will hopefully motivate them to work. My dad says he knows who works out and it definetly shows that they are more motivated to work. He definitely can tell on days when he gets up at 5 am to work out before heading to work he's more motivated and just in an overall better mood to work, rather than on the days he decided to go after work.
I believe more companies should resort to a method of incentives or giving discounts to the local fitness place or like Google, have an onsite fitness center, to help employees become more well rounded, (and not on the scale) and so they can be in a better mood while at work or any other place, because they will be living a healthier lifestyle.
I completely agree with this article. Also- (in reference to Nicole's comment about google)I have heard to that they have a pretty amazing workout facility along with other facets of their work environment that help with the motivation of their employees. I believe at one point in time Google was actually rated the best place to be employees and had the highest employee satisfaction ratings. Below is a link to a youtube video from a news station talking about how Google was ranked as the #1 place to work.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RSrzgav61Y
I also agree that exercise helps improve mood and productivity along with decreasing stress. Previously I have taken Organizational Psychology and I am currently taking Health Psychology. Both classes are interest me and discuss the negative affect of stress on a person. Some ways we learned to deal with stress include autonomy and exercise. When people exercise and have some autonomy at work they are motivated to increase productivity and have a more positive disposition. Exercise is linked to lower blood pressure, reduces response to stress, improved immune system, and increased longevity. People are positively reinforced by exercising. Working out provides a way to release energy and a way to have time for yourself.
In my own life I am extrinsically motivated to work out. I know the rewards and health benefits I receive from working out. I am also motivated to exercise because I feel better. I am able to concentrate on my homework and I am less irritable after working out. I think it would be beneficial for companies to provide work out facilities or provide memberships to gyms. Overall, their employees would have better time management, relationships, and production.