Cons associated with the pandemic, can be listed in one breath. Problems managing distributed teams, lack of integration of employees, increased stress, non-ergonomic workplaces over time home office... all of this, of course, is true. But at the same time, it is thanks to other Lockdown and management in times of permanent crisis, Employers began to pay special attention to the mental and physical condition of employees. And rightly so. Both of these parameters have a huge impact on effective work. And they constitute a peculiar system of connected vessels.

Poor mental condition

In 2021, the pharmaceutical brand STADA conducted a detailed study on the well-being of European workers. Unfortunately, the conclusions turned out to be not very optimistic for Polish employers. As many as 70% of respondents in our country admitted that they had experienced signs of burnout at least once in the past [1]. This gives us the notorious first place among the countries of Europe. The same report shows that only half of us define our mental state as good. This is confirmed by the ZUS data. Mental and behavioural disorders have become one of the main reasons for employee absenteeism — 25.2 million days of sick leave in 2021 [2].

Activity to fix

There is also no reason to be satisfied in the area related to physical condition. As the 2022 MultiSport Index report showed, the majority, because almost 60% of our compatriots, do not comply with the WHO recommendations, in terms of activity [3]. Recall: The World Health Organization emphasizes that people between the ages of 18 and 64 should engage in moderate physical activity for at least 150 minutes a week or vigorous activity for at least 75 minutes. The recommendations of the Polish Society of Cardiology from 2016 are also similar to the above WHO recommendations. They promote physical activity performed with a frequency of 3 to 5 training sessions per week, and preferably daily [4].

Unfortunately, this translates into weight problems. The National Health Fund warns that up to Three out of five Polish adults are overweight and one in four is obese. And this problem, in recent years, has been steadily increasing [5].

Massively we also complain of back pain - as many as 80% report such complaints subjects studied by Barbara Grabowska and Aleksandra Kwaśniewska from the Department of Population Health at the Medical University in Wrocław [6]. At the same time, half of the respondents emphasize that they care about the ergonomics of the workplace. One of the reasons may be activity. Or rather, the lack of it.

Did you know that... Polish employees indicated that recently they experience a lack of energy to act, have less motivation, problems with concentration, isolate themselves from the team and see difficulties in making decisions [7].

What are the causes?

In 2021, the organization Employers of the Republic of Poland together with the Artemis Group conducted an extensive survey among employees and employers. It focuses mainly on mental well-being. And enemy number one was quickly revealed - too much stress. This is the reason for the psychological problems of people employed in Polish companies was indicated by as many as 80.5% of employers. Respondents also blamed time pressure (74%), excessive tasks (66.5%) and too much pressure from supervisors (54%) [7]. What is important, As many as 96% of those surveyed by PRP, realistically notice and feel a decrease in work performance, caused by stress.

Stress and lack of psychological comfort translate into a lack of energy, which in turn into an aversion to physical activity. This results in a vicious cycle. Remember that this is the activity mitigates the effects of stress on health and provides protection against the havoc that stress can wreak on our psyche. The reason? Bisindirect effect of activity on the central nervous system and the release of beta-endorphins. Daily exercise improves mood and increases self-esteem, as well as energizes [8].

Did you know that... Sport promotes concentration and an increase in self-esteem [8]. In addition, it has a real impact on the brain and its cognitive functions [9]. It is therefore an ideal support for effective work — and not only physical, but also mental.

Employers to help

Research leaves no illusions. Employees expect real help and commitment from the employer. The MultiSport Index 2022 report indicates that up to 25% of active adults believe that the improvement of physical activity is influenced by employers, offering benefits such as the MultiSport card [3]. In turn, a survey of the Employer of the Republic of Poland organization indicated that the vast majority of us (90% of respondents) see the need for employers to introduce a program to take care of the mental health of employees [7].

What about the employers themselves? Also they are for. The same survey revealed that 83% of respondents from the employer group believe that it is a good idea to have consultations with specialists, such as therapists, provided by the company. 86.5% of employers surveyed believe that employers should provide employees with valuable tips for dealing with stress [7].

For stress reduction, the following are recommended: [8] running, swimming, crossfit, aerobics, dancing, zumba, Nordic walking, pilates, yoga, gym exercises, team games, combat sports, cycling.

What can the employer do?

First of all, bet on movement. Yes, it is important to take a broad look at the psychological well-being or even the diet of employees, but let's remember that movement acts as a natural anti-stress and stress-building agent. Movement improves mood, supports the fight against overweight and obesity, gives energy and even counteracts the back pain typical of sedentary work. Of course, it is one of the elements of the company's pro-health policy, but if we want the team to work efficiently, it is worth moving it to the top of the list.

It is worth remembering that diversity and synergy always bring the best results. Today, a traditional gym is no longer enough. More and more companies see the need to provide employees with extensive knowledge (for example, coaching) so that they not only use the gym, but know how to do it effectively. Additionally it is worth diversifying the sports offer and, for example, betting on remote yoga classes, or even the entire application with workouts to be carried out at home - for some people it will be a complement to the gym, for others - a nice variation when the gym turns out to be not always on the way. Exercise should always be followed by a healthy diet and this area is also worth looking into, providing employees with, for example, consultations with a nutritionist as part of benefits.

In this way, each employee will approach the movement in a healthy, efficient way. He will not “get bored” with sports, he will choose the option that is most preferable due to interests and time availability. Moreover, the market has already noticed this need - both employers and employees - and platforms such as MultiLife have appeared, providing a range of services - from consultation with specialists to online training.

Did you know that... People who do not undertake the physical activity recommended by the WHO complain not only of physical and mental health problems, but also of difficulties in social functioning [6].

How to improve employee activity?

The majority, as many as 80% of Polish employees, surveyed by the Polish Employers organization, declarethat non-wage benefits have an impact on their motivation to work and commitment [7]. In the case of taking care of activity, the MultiSport card has such an impact - 99% of its users are physically active at least once a month (34 percentage points advantage over the general public) [3]. There are many solutions available on the market today — it is worth using the most proven ones. Remember that the best option is to mix different solutions, which ultimately complement each other perfectly - just like combining a Multisport card with a set of Multilife services. Both benefits can also be purchased in a package!

Employees need knowledge, they report directly the need to use trainings, webinars or workshops on wellbeing. They would also be happy to send their superiors to such trainings. [7] However, time may be a problem here — remember that its lack is one of the most important factors, after stress, worsening the mental health of Poles. A good solution would be to broker online platformsSuch as MultiLife.

More than 84% of respondents to the Employers of Poland survey agreed that employers should provide access to specialists for their employees [7]. Nutritionist, trainer — these are people who can really influence the quality of activity, but also the motivation to move. And again, it is worth facilitating such contact by providing an employee with an online service. An example here is, for example, the opportunity to consult these experts within the framework of MultiLife.

Relaxing yoga, stimulating cardio — Whatever the employee wants, it is worth meeting such expectations. Some companies focus on stationary classes and allocate part of the office to a hall for joint sports activities or a gym. It is also worth looking around for the offer of third-party companies and provide professional online trainings. Such a solution gives e.g. Yes2Move platform available in all MultiLife packages.

Traditionally, the best solutions are the comprehensive ones. Some employers fear the complex, broad package of opportunities, believing that they will not be able to “bear” the needs of employees on their own. Fortunately, as you can see, the market has already responded to their expectations and provides adequate services. Thanks to them, the implementation of proactive solutions will be much easier.

Sources:

1. https://www.stada.com/media/7197/health-report-2022_final.pdf.
2. https://www.zus.pl/documents/10182/39590/Absencja+chorobowa_raport_2021.pdf/8ca8025c-f6dc-b02c-a7e4-5aa99d28af9a?t=1652869131280.
3. https://biuroprasowe.benefitsystems.pl/186355-badanie-multisport-index-2022-aktywnosc-fizyczna-polakow-po-dwoch-latach-pandemii.
4. The effect of physical activity on mental health and cognitive functions, Barbara Gieroba, Medical University of Lublin https://www.monz.pl/pdf-112259-42310?filename=Wplyw%20aktywnosci.pdf.
5. https://www.nfz.gov.pl/aktualnosci/aktualnosci-centrali/otylosc-choroba-wagi-ciezkiej,7355.html.
6. https://www.monz.pl/pdf-142359-71040?filename=Dolegliwosci%20bolowe.pdf
7. https://pracodawcyrp.pl/upload/files/2021/05/raport-zdrowie-psychiczne-w-srodowisku-pracy-25-05-2021.pdf.
8. https://ncez.pzh.gov.pl/aktywnosc-fizyczna/systematyczny-ruch-lekiem-na-stres/.