How Does Exercise Improve Work Productivity?

When creating worker benefit packages, human resource professionals can benefit entire organizations by scouting local fitness clubs for discounted memberships for employees. Due to increased physical and emotional health, employees who exercise provide optimal productivity in the workplace, spend less time in doctor's offices and more time at work.

Fewer Sick Days

• The symptoms of debilitating disease are staved off by maintaining an exercise routine. For instance, exercise stabilizes blood pressure. Hypertensive employees who work out may be less inclined to leave work early or take more days off due to headaches and dizziness. Exercise increases joint flexibility. Arthritic workers who incorporate exercise into their daily regimens are less likely to suffer joint pain while performing routine tasks. Less pain equates to increased productivity. Finally, exercise helps to stabilize blood sugar levels. Workers who don't get spikes in their levels may be less likely to experience midday fatigue and sluggishness.

Better Customer Service

• Customer service professionals are often taught that a smile can be heard over the phone. However, the stresses of everyday life compounded with workplace responsibilities can often leave workers wishing to be anywhere but work. This negativity often equates to decreased productivity especially in environments where the needs of a client base must be met. Exercise raises endorphins or hormones that make people feel happier and more relaxed. Workers who exercise may exhibit a better mood over the course of a workday.

Boosts of Energy

• Jobs that require a lot of multi-tasking and/or physical labor benefit from workers with the energy to complete tasks at a steady pace over the course of a shift. Exercise boosts energy by improving the flow of blood throughout the body. Increased blood flow sends more oxygen and nutrients to the heart and lungs. Workers with high-energy jobs may feel that after a day of hard work, they couldn't possibly do one thing more. However, low-impact, fun activities like swimming, volleyball or walking make a positive difference.

Improved Attentiveness

• While manual labor requires workers to have enough energy to complete tasks, employers of desk workers may find their employees completely dosing off. Sleepy employees could either be not getting enough rest at night or feeling hung over from medicines that force sleep. Exercise can change this because it promotes a better quality of sleep at night. A state of wakefulness increases attentiveness while performing tasks. The American Council on Exercise reports that adding even 10 minutes of walking to a daily routine can improve sleep patterns.