Rethinking physical fitness benefits amid the continuing COVID crisis

As employers navigate the hybrid work environment, they have to rethink the way they support employees’ overall health and wellness.

Lifestyle benefits have been a tried and true way for employers to invest in their employees’ well-being, but those fun perks can no longer be tied to a physical environment as so much more of the worker’s world has gone digital as a result of the pandemic.

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Digital fitness company Fiit has launched its corporate wellness program, Fiit for Work, which allows businesses to offer employees Fiit subscriptions so they can improve their health and wellness no matter their location.

With the pandemic raging on, not all employees feel comfortable working out in a gym. About 50% of gym members say they won’t return to these facilities, according to research from fitness retailer RunRepeat.

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“The addition of Fiit for Work is the next step we are making to support companies in ensuring their workforce are happy, fully engaged and productive,” Daniel Shellard, CEO of Fiit, said in a release. “The pandemic has unearthed the need for companies to design and integrate adequate well-being programs to support their workforce.”

Through Fiit for Work, employers will provide their employees with access to the company’s library of on-demand workouts. Fiit for Work members who use Amazon Fire TV or Samsung Smart TVs can utilize an interactive feature that connects to their fitness tracker and displays their Fiit points, rep count, heart-rate zone and calories burned on their TV screen.

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Physical wellness can help improve emotional wellness, too and employees who feel supported by their organizations in both of these areas are likely to be more productive and loyal to their employer.

“We’ve seen an increased awareness in companies looking at how they can better support employees as we all adapt to new ways of working,” says Ben Wharfe, chief people officer of Fiit. “Investing in solutions that will benefit individuals, in the long run, goes a long way when it comes to motivating and engaging your employees. It shows a true commitment to improving the lives of your workforce, both at home and in the office.”