Germany’s Lockdown has been extended until the 10th of January 2021. For many, this means: More home office, less social contacts, short-time work and the balancing act between family and career. COVID-19 has changed every aspect of our professional and daily life – but what impact will the pandemic have on our health?
The sports flat rate provider Urban Sports Club teamed up with research institute forsa to survey 1,000 employees from various company sizes.
Here are the results of the representative survey.
Depression and lack of exercise: impact of the pandemic
A total of 57% of employees report that they’ve experienced health problems and side effects in recent months as a result of the corona pandemic.
Over a quarter (27%) report that stress has had a negative impact on their mental health, resulting in depressive moods and feelings of loneliness and isolation.
In addition, 23% of those surveyed report that they’ve been exercising less and don’t feel as physically fit as usual.
Desire for health promotion
Due to these Corona-related health effects, a large majority of employees would like their employer to focus on health and support them by promoting the concept.
This comes before the desire for a flexible workplace, proving health is now a key focus. Almost 90% of those surveyed would like their employer to pay attention to their health, and one in two (52%) would welcome co-payments for sports and fitness offers or memberships.
What can the employer do?
Around two-thirds of employees (64%) believe that they’d be more likely to engage in exercise and wellbeing if their employers supported them in doing so.
Scientists highlight the importance of sport and exercise. Prof. Dr. Niels Nagel, who holds a doctorate in sports science, says: “There is a risk that parts of the population will not fall ill with COVID-19 itself, but will suffer from the consequences of this pandemic. Restricting physical activity can lead to health risks such as diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.”
A sports and relaxation program for individual needs
Companies that offer their teams stability and routine and promote physical fitness and mental strength contribute towards an attractive corporate culture.
With a wide range of services to support mental and physical health, companies can help their employees take responsibility for their well-being. Urban Sports Club membership is a complete benefit program in which employees can decide for themselves which type of sports or exercise program best suits their individual needs. For many, physical exercise is a key way to reduce stress, while others might prefer guided meditation, relaxing yoga classes or wellness.
In their recent study, What’s next Techniker Krankenkasse and Personalmagazin highlight how health offers in the workplace are a crucial way to boost employees during this period.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT OUR CORPORATE FITNESS OFFERS?
As a flexible sports flat rate, Urban Sports Club offers employees a large and varied range of services – from fitness, yoga, swimming and climbing to team sports and wellness offers – members can compile their individual training plan. They can choose from over 50 sports and over 12,000 partner locations in six countries, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Belgium and Portugal, and check in for sports via smartphone app. With the help of Urban Sports Club, companies can empower their employees to lead healthier and more active lifestyles.
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