fitness app with employee wellness programs

The Benefits of Including a Fitness App in Your Employee Wellness Program

Businesses aiming to attract top talent and prioritize employee well-being are turning to health and wellness apps as key tools for enhancing overall health. Global installations of these apps are forecasted to rise by 42% in the near future, as per Sensor Tower.

Integrating an all-in-one fitness app can effectively promote employee health and wellness. This type of app allows employees to easily access their company’s wellness initiatives, participate in fitness challenges, and track their progress. Here are 5 advantages of utilizing a fitness app:

1. Promotes healthy habits

A fitness app can be a great tool for employees to not only set goals and track their progress, but also to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Employees can easily create personalized workout plans that cater to their individual needs and preferences. It can also provide a wealth of information on healthy eating tips, and even connect users with a network of like-minded individuals who can offer support and advice.

2. Encourages a work-life balance

Hybrid work schedules can blur the line between work and personal life. To maintain a healthy lifestyle while still being able to work effectively at home or in the office, employees can use a fitness app to carve out time and create routines for physical activity and self-care. It can also provide employees with the flexibility to exercise anywhere, making it easier to fit physical activity into their busy schedules.

3. Increases engagement and motivation

Employees who participate in regular exercise are 13% more productive at work, according to a study by the University of Otago in New Zealand. This is because exercise has been shown to improve cognitive function, reduce stress levels, and increase overall well-being. Additionally, regular exercise can help employees build stronger relationships with their colleagues by providing opportunities for social interaction and team-building activities.

4. Reduces stress & improves mental health

Mental health is especially important for employees given the added stress that can be caused by remote and hybrid work. There are several things employers can do to help their employees maintain good mental health, but one of the most effective ways is to encourage regular physical activity. According to a study by the University of Bristol, workers who exercise are 33% less stressed and 46% better at dealing with stress.

5. Lowers healthcare costs

According to the CDC, inadequate levels of physical activity are associated with $117 billion in annual healthcare costs.  Beyond direct healthcare costs, this has an impact on productivity.  One study estimates that health-related productivity losses cost US employers $530 billion annually, translating into 60 cents for every dollar employers spend on healthcare benefits. These illnesses often cause absenteeism and presenteeism, reducing employees’ efficiency. Companies can reduce their healthcare costs by implementing health and wellness programs in the workplace. Healthier employees are less likely to make insurance claims, which leads to lower health care costs. Many companies have seen significant reductions in their health care costs after instituting such programs.

6. Provides a sense of community

Many fitness and wellness apps have social features that allow employees to connect with their colleagues, join group challenges, and share progress. This promotes a sense of community and support within the workplace, which can have a positive impact on employee morale and motivation.

Aaptiv: an employee fitness and wellness solution

Aaptiv offers a comprehensive employee wellness solution that includes personalized workout plans, access to a fitness network of 19,000 national and local gyms and studios, and over 9,500+ on-demand fitness and mindfulness classes all in one app! With PEAR’s Training Intelligence, Aaptiv’s adaptive coaching helps users stay motivated and engaged with their exercise routine. As users progress through their workouts, it adapts to their performance in real-time, providing feedback and adjustments to ensure they are getting the most out of their workout. This hyper-personalized approach can help employees achieve their fitness goals and improve their overall health and well-being.

Learn More about Aaptiv Employer Options

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