The rising popularity of fitness in the workplace reflects an increasing awareness of the role physical activity plays in enhancing employee productivity and overall well-being. Recent trends, including 83,000 monthly searches for walking pads and 35,000 searches for standing desks, underscore the growing interest in staying active during work hours.

Jon Booker, a fitness expert at Westfield Health, advocates for creating “active spaces” in workplaces to support physical and mental health. According to Booker, “An active space doesn’t necessarily mean a ‘fitness space’. It’s a flexible area away from the standard workspace that can be utilised to take a break from work or encourage physical fitness. So, all you need is as little as a 3m x 3m space away from employee workspace that can host group classes, incorporate physical activity, and support mental wellbeing.”

Unlike traditional office gyms, active spaces are designed to encourage movement in a variety of ways, catering to different needs. These areas could include designated spaces for stretching, small group workouts, or even just a calming room where employees can recharge away from their desks. As Booker explains, “They give businesses the opportunity to be versatile with ways to encourage more movement. You don’t need to have a state-of-the-art gym installed to promote physical well-being at work.”

A tailored approach to workplace fitness

Active spaces offer flexibility, allowing businesses to support employee well-being in diverse ways. Ideas for utilising these spaces include:

• Core workouts. Equipping the space for cardio and strength training to promote fitness.
• Group exercise. Hosting group classes such as yoga or high-intensity interval training to encourage social interaction.
• Musculoskeletal health. Providing facilities for stretching and posture exercises to prevent and rehabilitate MSK injuries.
• Relaxation. Offering a quiet area to unwind and reset mental focus.
• Creative collaboration. Facilitating a space where colleagues can brainstorm away from traditional desks.
• Outdoor active spaces. Promoting movement in fresh air to boost energy and creativity.

This approach supports a more dynamic and engaged workforce, fostering collaboration and stronger connections among employees.

The case for active spaces

The impact of such initiatives is backed by data. The 2023 Workplace Wellbeing Survey revealed that 38% of workers took at least one day off due to mental health issues, while 58% reported absences due to physical health problems. Incorporating fitness into the workplace not only addresses these challenges but also promotes long-term behavioural changes.

Encouraging even small steps, like stretching at a desk, can lay the foundation for healthier habits. “Gradual changes are the ones that form new lifestyle habits,” says Booker. Such habits contribute to a healthier, more resilient workforce and can reduce absenteeism while improving engagement and productivity.

As businesses face increasing pressure to support employee well-being, active spaces provide an innovative and practical solution. By fostering physical and mental health, companies send a clear message that they value their employees, ensuring long-term benefits for both staff and organisational success.