Hybrid work is popular, with 83% of global employees preferring this flexible setup for its better work-life balance. However, only 26% of employers have clear strategies for managing hybrid workplaces. The hybrid working model offers flexibility but also presents challenges, especially in maintaining physical well-being. As HR professionals, it’s important to know how to support your workforce’s physical health to boost productivity, morale, and job satisfaction.
Employers recognised that a healthy and active workforce leads to higher productivity, better morale, fewer absences, and less stress. Before the pandemic, companies promoted health with activities like morning yoga, lunchtime running clubs, and after-work cycling groups. These activities were staples in corporate wellness programs, helping employees stay active and engaged.
With many businesses now committed to a hybrid or remote-first future, there’s a pressing need to reimagine their wellness initiatives. How can we ensure that employees remain healthy and active when they are working from different locations, far from the traditional office environment?
In this blog, we will explore practical HR strategies to promote physical well-being in a hybrid workplace, providing actionable tips to ensure your employees stay healthy, active, and engaged, no matter where they work. Let’s dive in and discover how to keep our hybrid teams thriving.
Addressing the Challenges of Physical Well-being in Hybrid Work Environments
While hybrid working can improve work-life balance, it also brings physical health challenges due to reduced mobility. A study of 2,000 remote and hybrid workers highlights some concerning trends:
- 60% of employees have cut their mobility by over 50% since starting remote work.
- 24% of employees never leave their home on a typical remote workday.
- Experts recommend 8,000 steps per day, but nearly half of remote workers take fewer than 1,000.
- 78% are worried about the long-term health effects of less exercise during the workday.
Addressing these health risks requires a new approach. An organisation’s health and well-being plan must include both those splitting their time between home and the office, and fully remote workers.
Amber Hofste, Vitality Expert at Urban Sports Club (a flexible corporate fitness solution in the Netherlands) explains:
“In the past, employees could join group activities, use on-site gyms, and benefit from face-to-face interactions. Today, these programs and benefits must be adapted to fit a hybrid work model.”
Practical HR Tips for Supporting Physical Well-being in Hybrid Workplaces
As HR professionals, fostering physical well-being in a hybrid workplace is essential. Employees who are healthy and active are more productive, have higher morale, and experience less stress. Here are some practical HR tips to promote physical well-being among your hybrid workforce.
1. Encourage Regular Physical Activity
Physical activity is crucial for maintaining good health, especially in a hybrid work environment where mobility might be limited. Here are a few strategies to keep your employees moving:
Online Fitness Classes: Offer a variety of virtual fitness classes, such as yoga, pilates, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT). These classes can be scheduled throughout the day, providing employees with the flexibility to join sessions that fit their schedules.
Sports Memberships: Provide access to flexible sports memberships such as Urban Sports Club for employees. This allows them to participate in a variety of sports and wellness activities at different locations, such as their hometown or the location of the office. This level of flexibility ensures that employees can find activities that fit their personal preferences and schedules, making it easier for them to stay active regularly.
Fitness Challenges: Organise company-wide fitness challenges like step-count contests or virtual races. You can track and share these activities, creating a fun and competitive environment that motivates employees to stay active.
Movement Breaks: Encourage employees to take regular breaks for stretching, walking, or simple exercises. Implementing short, scheduled breaks can help reduce the physical strain of prolonged sitting and improve overall well-being.
Aäron, a lifestyle expert at OpenUp, emphasises the importance of integrating movement into daily routines. “Movement is essential not just for physical health but for mental clarity and stress relief,” he says. “Regular physical activity, even in small doses, can significantly enhance overall well-being and emotional resilience.”
2. Promote Healthy Eating Habits
Nutrition plays a crucial role in physical well-being. Encouraging healthy eating habits can help employees maintain energy levels and focus. Here are some ways to promote healthy eating:
Nutritious Snacks: Provide healthy snack options in the office, such as fresh fruits, nuts, and whole grains. For remote employees, consider sending healthy snack boxes or offering stipends for purchasing healthy groceries.
Virtual Cooking Classes: Host virtual cooking classes that teach employees how to prepare nutritious meals. These classes can be interactive and tailored to different dietary preferences, making healthy eating accessible and enjoyable.
Wellness Programs: Implement wellness programs that include nutritional guidance, meal planning tips, and healthy recipes. Regular newsletters or an online portal with these resources can keep employees informed and motivated.
Aäron advocates for a positive approach to health, focusing on possibilities rather than restrictions. “A healthy diet is about finding what works best for you and making it enjoyable,” he says. “It’s about more than just food—it’s about fostering an integrated sense of well-being. Also, enjoyable things are easier to adopt into your daily routines.”
3. Support Mental Well-being
Physical well-being is closely linked to mental health. Stress and mental fatigue can harm physical health, so it’s important to support mental well-being as part of a complete approach. To manage and reduce absenteeism in remote and office employees, consider these strategies:
Mental Health Resources: Provide access to mental health resources such as counselling services with psychologists, mental health workshops, and mindfulness meditation sessions. These resources can help employees manage stress and maintain mental clarity. Additionally, mental health resources for remote employees can help them overcome isolation and other challenges they face.
Open Communication: Foster a supportive work environment where employees feel comfortable discussing their mental health concerns. Regular check-ins and an open-door policy can encourage employees to seek help when needed.
Stress Management Programs: Implement programs that teach stress management techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, time management skills, and relaxation practices. You can offer these resources through online courses or workshops.
4. Provide Ergonomic Workstations
An ergonomic workspace is essential for preventing physical strain and discomfort, whether employees are working from home or the office. Consider these strategies:
Ergonomic Assessments: Offer virtual or in-person ergonomic assessments to help employees set up their workspaces correctly. Proper desk height, chair support, and monitor placement can significantly impact comfort and prevent muscle issues.
Equipment Subsidies: Provide financial support for purchasing ergonomic chairs, adjustable desks, and other necessary equipment. Investing in ergonomic tools shows a commitment to employee health and can reduce long-term healthcare costs.
Educational Resources: Share tips and resources on maintaining good posture, setting up an ergonomic workspace, and exercises to alleviate strain. Webinars or workshops led by health professionals can educate employees on best practices.
5. Implement Flexible Work Schedules
Flexibility in work schedules can significantly impact physical and mental well-being. Letting employees manage their work hours can help them balance work, personal plans, and physical activities, reducing stress and improving health. Here are some strategies to implement flexible work schedules:
Flexible Hours: Allow each team member to choose their start and end times within a given range. This flexibility can help employees work during their most productive hours and accommodate personal commitments.
Remote Work Options: Continue offering remote work options, enabling employees to work from the environment that suits them best. This can reduce commute-related stress and give employees more control over their work-life balance.
Breaks and Downtime: Encourage regular breaks and ensure that employees are not overworking. Scheduled downtime can help prevent burnout and keep employees refreshed and focused.
Conclusion
Hybrid working is here to stay, and its success hinges on how well companies can adapt to this new model. By prioritising both physical and mental well-being in the hybrid workplace, businesses can create a thriving work environment that benefits everyone.
Urban Sports Club recognises the power of movement in enhancing employee well-being. Their platform offers various sports and wellness activities, helping employees in hybrid workplaces stay active, healthy, and engaged. From yoga and boxing to park workouts and indoor cycling, Urban Sports Club provides flexible options for diverse work schedules and locations.
OpenUp complements this by providing accessible and professional support for mental well-being (by certified psychologists and lifestyle experts), ensuring that employees have the resources they need to manage stress, improve focus, and achieve a better work-life balance.
Getting hybrid work right is not just about where or when work happens, but how it supports employee well-being and productivity. Embrace these strategies and watch your hybrid workplace flourish. To measure the positive impact of supporting employees, whether working remotely or in the office, you can do regular surveys and track key metrics.
A well-executed hybrid workplace strategy for employee well-being not only boosts employee satisfaction and productivity but also enhances your company culture, reduces absenteeism, and fosters long-term success. Prioritising health and well-being in your hybrid workplace is an investment in your organisation’s future.
