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Get ready to prioritize your health and fitness this May 1st as we celebrate Global Employee Health and Fitness Month! This annual observance was created in 1989 by the National Association for Health and Fitness to promote physical activity and healthy habits in the workplace. It's a great opportunity for employers to encourage their employees to focus on their well-being, both physically and mentally. From fitness challenges to healthy eating initiatives, there are many ways to get involved and make positive changes towards a healthier lifestyle. Let's make this month all about self-care and feeling our best!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1989</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Initiation of the Month</div><div class='timeline-text'>The National Association for Health and Fitness created Global Employee Health and Fitness Month to foster healthier habits among the workforce.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1991</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Health and Fitness Fairs</div><div class='timeline-text'>Workplaces started organizing health and fitness fairs for their employees to raise awareness about the importance of regular physical exercise and a balanced diet.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Emergence of Corporate Wellness Programs</div><div class='timeline-text'>Companies began to implement corporate wellness programs, offering gym memberships, health screenings, and dietary counseling to employees.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2006</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Rise in Wellness Technology</div><div class='timeline-text'>With the advent of fitness technology like smartwatches and fitness apps, employee engagement in health and fitness programs increased significantly.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2011</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Growth of Mental Health Awareness</div><div class='timeline-text'>Beyond the physical aspect, businesses started focusing on mental health awareness, offering workshops and support for stress management and work-life balance.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2021</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Emphasis on Remote Employee Health</div><div class='timeline-text'>Due to the pandemic, employers became more mindful of the health and fitness needs of remote workers, promoting virtual fitness classes and online wellness resources.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a company-wide fitness challenge</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Encourage employees to participate in a fitness challenge, such as a step-counting competition or a group exercise class. Offer prizes for the winners to incentivize participation.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a healthy potluck lunch</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Invite employees to bring in their favorite healthy dish to share with the office. This is a great way to promote healthy eating habits and try new recipes.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Provide standing desks or fitness equipment</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Invest in standing desks or offer employees access to fitness equipment, such as a treadmill desk or exercise bikes, to promote movement and activity during the workday.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Schedule group walks or runs</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Organize a group walk or run during lunch breaks or after work. This is a great way to get employees moving and bonding with their coworkers.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Offer healthy snacks in the office</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Stock the office kitchen with healthy snacks, such as fruits, nuts, and granola bars, to encourage employees to make healthier choices throughout the day.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Promotes a healthy and active lifestyle</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Global Employee Health and Fitness Month serves as a reminder to prioritize our physical well-being and encourages us to incorporate healthy habits into our daily lives. By participating, we are reminded of the importance of exercising and taking care of our bodies.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Fosters a sense of camaraderie and teamwork</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Participating in Global Employee Health and Fitness Month with coworkers can create a sense of unity and support. Whether it's joining fitness challenges together or motivating each other towards healthier choices, this month can bring employees closer together.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Has positive effects on workplace productivity and morale</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>When employees are physically healthy, they may see improvements in their overall mood, energy levels, and focus - all of which can have a positive impact on their work performance. Additionally, participating in activities outside of work can improve employee satisfaction and contribute to a positive work culture.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Regular Exercise Can Enhance Cognitive Function</h3><p class='facts-content'>Research studies have shown that consistent physical exercise, even just walking, can increase memory function and cognitive abilities. This means that active employees could potentially perform better at tasks that require concentration and decision-making.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Fitness Initiatives Can Decrease Employee Absenteeism</h3><p class='facts-content'>Companies that invest in employee health and fitness programs often see a decrease in absenteeism. This is because employees who are physically fit are generally healthier and less prone to illnesses which require time off work.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Employee Wellness Programs Can Lead to Higher Job Satisfaction</h3><p class='facts-content'>Employees who enjoy the wellness benefits, such as gym memberships, fitness challenges, or nutritious catering services, tend to report higher job satisfaction and morale. Positive work environments then further reinforce employee productivity and retention.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Physical Activity Can Help Reduce Work-Related Stress</h3><p class='facts-content'>Engaging in regular physical activity is an effective way to reduce work-related stress, which can lead to improved mental health, happier moods, and a more positive office atmosphere. Exercise encourages the release of endorphins, known as "feel good hormones," improving mood and reducing sensations of pain.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Fitness Challenges Can Foster Team Building</h3><p class='facts-content'>Using fitness challenges as part of team-building activities can strengthen inter-office relationships and teamwork skills. Working together towards a common goal can fuel camaraderie and healthy competition among employees.</p></div></div>
Global Employee Health and Fitness Month is celebrated on May 1 every year. In 2024, the first day of the month falls on a Wednesday.
2023
May 1
Monday
2024
May 1
Wednesday
2025
May 1
Thursday
2026
May 1
Friday
2027
May 1
Saturday
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