By Joie Goh
These unprecedented times have definitely proven that working from home doesn’t lead to reduced productivity (in fact, quite the opposite). However, prolonged isolation from the #workfam can lead to reduced motivation and accountability. One simple solution? Getting the team together for good ol’ sweat sesh!
It lowers stress
Working out with people you know actually reduces stress by 26% and improves your quality of life. It also improves your mental, physical and emotional health. With better mood and focus, you’d be able to tackle all those pesky deadlines with renewed clarity. You’ll also feel less lethargic even though you’re surrounded by the comforts of home! Besides, the sense of accomplishment from sticking to a fitness regime can also motivate you while you #WFH.
It fosters team spirit – even when the team is apart
According to research by the University of Southern California, group sweats were rated as more enjoyable than solo workouts. And it’s no surprise – synchronized group activities like dancing and laughing together create a similar shared sense of euphoria – even if it’s a virtual one! Just seeing your teammates on your screen and knowing that you’re all sweating it out together at the same time really does elevate your exercise high, and pushes you to work out harder too. Talk about getting #strongertogether!
It’s more meaningful than ever
Say hello to “sweatworking”! Now that hanging out after work at a bar to de-stress over cocktails is not an option, do it with a virtual team bonding workout. Getting to see your teammates in a context outside of stressful video-conferencing meetings and doing something healthy together is such a great way to bond! Especially after working remotely for so long.
It keeps you accountable
Have fitness goals you want to achieve? Do it with your team. One study found 95% of those who started a fitness program with their peers stuck with it, versus 76% of those who did it by themselves. Those getting fit as a group were also a 42% more likely to maintain their weight. You’re less likely to skip that virtual workout when the rest of your team is raring to show up and sweat!
This also translates outside of fitness. Research has shown that team building activities, such as working out together, increases accountability amongst teammates as well. Knowing that the whole team is pushing through that workout together, leads to trust and bonding amongst each other. Having accountability is critical to an effective and successful team!
It actually works
When stacked up against counselling and stress management activities, a workplace exercise programme produced more immediate and long-lasting benefits compared to the other two. Now, more than ever, it’s important to distinguish your work-life balance, since the spaces for work and living have blurred together. Companies that strive to provide that balance by investing in fitness programmes for their workers reported a healthier and happier workforce – and it’s all thanks to the reasons listed above!
Companies like Google, Facebook and the Singapore Exchange have jumped on WeBarre’s Virtual corporate fitness programme – and so can your company! Email in to hello@webarre.com to find out why Virtual corporate classes have been such a hit with companies, and how we can bring these benefits to yours!
