Businesses are constantly seeking ways to improve employee well-being and performance. One strategy that has gained significant traction is workplace fitness. From fitness challenges to ergonomic initiatives, businesses across industries are recognising the importance of keeping their workforce active and healthy.
But why does this matter, and how does it specifically impact employees in high-pressure, desk-based roles like those in the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry?
Let’s take a closer look!
The Benefits of Workplace Fitness
- Improved Physical Health
Long hours of sitting and repetitive tasks can lead to various health issues, including back pain and poor posture. Regular movement and structured fitness programs help reduce these risks and promote better overall health.
- Reduced Stress and Burnout
Call centre agents and other BPO professionals often deal with high workloads and strict performance metrics. Exercise has been proven to release endorphins, reducing stress, anxiety, and burnout while boosting overall mood and resilience. 🙂
- Enhanced Productivity and Focus
Studies show that employees who engage in regular physical activity are more focused, creative, and productive. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, improving cognitive function and problem-solving skills!
- Stronger Team Bonding and Engagement
Group fitness challenges and activities encourage teamwork and create a positive workplace culture. Whether it’s a step challenge or a yoga session, these initiatives help foster camaraderie – building connections not just among colleagues but also between agents and managers – while promoting a supportive and engaged work environment.
- Lower Absenteeism and Higher Retention
Healthier employees take fewer sick days, and companies that prioritise well-being tend to have higher employee retention rates. Investing in workplace fitness can lead to long-term cost savings and a more stable workforce!
Fitness & Well-Being for Call Centre Agents
Call centre agents face unique challenges due to the nature of their work. Here’s how fitness can specifically benefit them:
- Prolonged Sitting: Stretching and short movement breaks improve circulation and posture.
- High Stress Levels: Exercise reduces stress, enhances mood, and improves mental resilience.
- Fatigue & Focus: Regular activity boosts energy levels, reducing sluggishness and mental fatigue.
A study conducted by HERO in the United States found that employees who exercised regularly* were 15% more likely to have higher job performance and had 27% lower absenteeism than those who didn’t. This underscores the importance of workplace fitness in high-pressure industries like BPO. 1
*For 30 or more minutes on three or more days a week.
Within the BPO sector, particularly in call centers, the sedentary nature of work poses unique challenges. Studies have shown that call center employees tend to be among the most sedentary and least physically active at work, which can lead to various health issues. 2
Implementing targeted fitness and wellness programs in our industry is crucial to address these challenges, promote better health outcomes and potentially improve job performance and satisfaction!
Workplace Fitness in Australia and New Zealand
In Australia and New Zealand, the corporate wellness service market has been experiencing steady growth, reflecting a rising recognition among businesses of the importance of employee health and well-being.
A significant portion of Australian organisations have embraced wellness initiatives – approximately 64% have implemented such programs, acknowledging their role in enhancing employee satisfaction and productivity.
Additionally, around 92% of professionals in Australia and New Zealand believe it is somewhat or very important for them to work for an organisation that implements a workplace wellness program. 3
How 4Mile is Leading the Way in Workplace Fitness
At 4Mile, we prioritise our employees’ health and well-being by integrating fitness into our workplace culture. We believe that fostering a healthy, engaged workforce starts with creating opportunities for our team to stay active and motivated.
We regularly host fitness challenges, both for our leadership team and across the company, to encourage movement, build camaraderie, and promote health.
For example:
- Get Fit: We recently ran Get Fit Feb, a fitness challenge across Australia and New Zealand. Participants earn points for achieving 7,000 steps/day or completing 30-minute workout sessions and share their progress photos to engage in a friendly competition on WhatsApp.
- 4Mile Retreat: We also organise team bonding activities such as team-building retreats, which includes sports challenges, pasta making competitions and other fun activities.
These initiatives, led by Robert, Peter and Ash help foster team bonding, create a fun atmosphere, and encourage healthy habits. Feedback from our team highlights the positive impact of these programs. Jamie Lawless, 4Mile’s General NFP Manager, shared that participating in the Get Fit September competition was a “motivating and enjoyable way to connect with colleagues”.
In 2025, we’re planning even more wellness-focused activities, including a yoga session at our Australian office and a coastal walk to encourage outdoor activity and team connection. We believe these efforts not only support health but also improve job satisfaction and performance, building a stronger, more engaged team. 🙂
By prioritising employee well-being, businesses can cultivate a healthier, happier, and more productive workforce. If you’ve been considering organising such activities, we highly encourage you to give it a try – the benefits are well worth it!