Corporate wellness has been redefined during the COVID-19 pandemic. Corporate fitness programs, in particular, must evolve in 2021 to have a greater impact on employee mental health and resilience.

An expected shift in wellness programming

Corporate well-being programs were already poised in 2019 to shift focus to a more holistic approach to health rather than just behavioral change. In mid-2019, well before the pandemic helped create a worldwide mental health emergency, Aquila accurately predicted that self-care and technology would be essential to crafting fitness and wellness solutions in 2020. While the pandemic hastened an evolution away from a behavioral change focus on the corporate side, virtual and on-demand fitness options became indispensible, but were promoted in a way that only gave a nod to stress relief and not lasting mental health and resilience.

The pivot continues in the new year

As we transition into 2021, it’s more important than ever that employers recognize the impact of physical fitness on perceived mental health and merge the fitness effort with resilience programming. Now is the time to shift to whole-person health by acknowledging that fitness is an inextricable facet of mental health.

Fitness is still the key to whole-person health

Studies show that regular exercise can help regulate hormonal systems that respond to stressors. This “blunting” effect directly impacts a person’s ability to bounce back mentally and physically after a stressful event, the very definition of resilience. Regular physical activity also minimizes the body’s inflammatory response, a key protective factor in both positive COVID-19 outcomes and reduced instances of chronic illness.

3 tips for building better corporate fitness programs

What we know about fitness and health demands a new investment in corporate fitness programs within the scope of supporting employee mental health. Here’s a quick guide to developing trend-proof, sustainable fitness programs no matter what the pandemic brings.

Plan for all delivery methods and their implementation. This goes for one-on-one personal training, small-group fitness, and self-led exercise programs. Be prepared to deliver them virtually, both livestreaming and on-demand, and in person with health and safety measures in place.

Integrate wellness coaching as part of your EAP. Employer Assistance Programs have gained popularity as the need for individual counseling has increased. While mental health counseling should always remain the foundation of an effective EAP, wellness coaching that addresses the physical aspects of mental health will be increasingly important for building a more resilient workforce.

Find ways to engage and build connection. Community-building could be as simple as a self-paced corporate 5K challenge on a fitness app or similar activities that foster a sense of belonging. Virtual fitness classes offered in real-time could allow a few minutes of socializing before and after the workout, or at the very least the trainer calling out participants by name. Keep the message positive to keep participants coming back for more.

If you’re lost in the face of the unknown world 2021 brings, Aquila can help you develop an integrative health approach that engages employees and builds a resilient workforce. For the last 25 years Aquila has been creating, managing, designing and implementing innovative health and wellness solutions for private and public organizations. Learn more about what Aquila can do for your corporate fitness program by contacting us at info@aquilaltd.com.