Sport is a pleasure, a passion, a need for some. For others, it is simply a chore, despite its importance to health. Indeed, it makes it possible to extend life expectancy by 3 years and delays the age of onset of dependence by 6 years. 48% of French people practice a sport at least once a week, and among them 13% do so at their workplace. Playing sports is beneficial for employees, but also for the company. What does it bring? The answer in our article!

What are the positive effects of sport on work?

Decreased absenteeism

Practicing physical activity is good for your health and this is reflected in the rate of absenteeism since it allows it to reduce by 30 to 40%. The French Corporate Sport Federation has shown that sports workers have fewer work accidents and fewer sick leaves than sedentary people. The average duration of incapacity or absences is also shorter. In addition, by playing sports regularly, it is possible to save around € 32 per year in health costs. In addition, DHL has set up warm-up sessions for its employees before morning deliveries. A year later, a 40% drop in accidents at work had already been observed.

Positive impact on the brain

Several studies confirm that sport makes you smarter. First, the Greek philosopher Socrates claimed that poor physical condition could be the cause of memory loss. According to him, he who is weak is incapable of sustained intellectual effort. On the other hand, Neurogenesis, (that is to say the ability of our brain to adapt and create new cells regardless of our age) is promoted by sport. On top of that, sport improves our concentration and our capacity for reflection and assimilation .

Better corporate image

Décathlon pro published a sport and business survey in 2016, in which 83% of employees said they had a dynamic image of companies allowing employees to practice sport. These companies are also considered human (56%) and modern (56%).

Increased productivity

In 2009, a Quebec study showed that an employee playing sports at least once a week is 12% more productive than a sedentary employee. Sport has a positive impact on physical and mental well-being, making employees more efficient, more motivated and therefore more productive. This is only good for the profitability of the business.

Better employee engagement

Employees (whether or not practicing a sport) who are part of a company where physical and sporting activities are organized say that they are proud , even lucky, that the company pays attention to their health. They are therefore more committed.