89% of workers believe a fit and active employee is better at their Job

A recent survey conducted by Cisco has revealed that although 90 per cent of employees believe that a healthier workforce will benefit their business, only 15 per cent felt that their company has made changes to improve health and wellbeing in light of forthcoming sports events this summer.

The survey, which investigated health and wellbeing policies in the workplace, also reveals that 89 per cent of employees believe that a healthier, fitter employee is better at their job. Yet, only 13 per cent of companies are planning to run sport inspired activity to promote health and wellbeing this summer.

Further statistics

•  Only 18 per cent of those surveyed said their VP or CEO helps promote health and fitness by taking part in fitness activities and encouraging others to do the same
• When asked about what types of health and wellbeing benefits employers currently offered within the workplace:

• Over a quarter (26%) cited private healthcare policies
• 20 per cent pinpointed a cycle to work policy
• 13 per cent said that their employer offered gym membership to employees
• 47 per cent of those surveyed said that their company offered none of the health and wellbeing benefits listed
• 51 per cent stated that their company provides healthy food options at the cafeteria or vending machine
• 58 per cent stated that health and wellbeing was currently a key ethos within their workplace
• Only 38 per cent of respondents said that their workplace promoted team building through exercise

Supporting quotations

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Phoebe Leet, Head of HR, Cisco UK and Ireland said:

“2012 is a phenomenal year for sport and other large events, and I would urge companies across the UK to build on their existing health and HR policies in the coming months in order to engage employees and change employees’ long term attitudes towards health and wellbeing.

For Cisco, embracing events this summer is an important part of valuing our employees and making Cisco a brilliant place to work way beyond 2012. We have introduced a number of initiatives including sponsored jogs around London, draws to win Olympic tickets and even compiling a ‘nutritional’ handbook to help educate staff about a healthy lifestyle.

In addition, we believe that senior staff should lead from the top and this summer is a great opportunity to make a change. For Sport Relief, Phil Smith, CEO of Cisco UK and Ireland recently competed in the Blenheim Palace triathlon along with thirty other C-level executives, to help promote national health and wellbeing whilst inspiring individuals to raise money. This year is a fantastic opportunity for businesses to encourage and inspire employees to be proactive about their health in the long term which could help build a brilliant future for both their employees and their business.”