Boosting Employee Wellbeing and Productivity: How Employers Can Champion Running on Global Running Day

Global Running Day is an annual event that celebrates the sport of running and encourages individuals of all ages and abilities to take part in some form of running activity. It is celebrated on the first Wednesday of June each year. Participants can pledge to run through the Global Running Day website and are encouraged to share their stories and experiences on social media. The event was initially called National Running Day and started in the United States before it was renamed Global Running Day and became a worldwide celebration.

In celebration of Global Running Day, employers can take several steps to encourage and support running among their employees. By doing this, employers can help their employees to improve their physical and mental health, which can lead to increased productivity and decreased absenteeism.

Here are some additional benefits of running for employees:

  • Reduced stress levels. Running can help to reduce stress levels by releasing endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects.
  • Improved sleep quality. Running can help to improve sleep quality by promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels.
  • Increased energy levels. Running can help to increase energy levels by improving cardiovascular health and boosting metabolism.
  • Weight loss or maintenance. Running can help with weight loss or maintenance by burning calories and increasing muscle mass.
  • Reduced risk of chronic diseases. Running can help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer.

Overall, running is a great way for employers to encourage and support employee wellbeing and productivity. It is a healthy activity that can have many benefits for both physical and mental health.

There are many ways that employers can encourage and support running including:

  1. Organize Running Events: Plan running events such as company-wide races, fun runs, or relay races. Encourage employees to participate and offer incentives like medals, trophies, or certificates to recognize their achievements. This promotes team building, camaraderie, and a healthy competitive spirit.

  2. Create Running Clubs: Establish an official running club within the organization. Encourage employees to join and organize regular group runs during lunch breaks or after work hours. Provide a designated space for changing and storing running gear to make it more convenient for employees to participate.

  3. Offer Flexible Schedules: Allow employees to have flexible working hours to accommodate their running routines. This flexibility can help them fit running into their daily schedules without compromising work responsibilities. It demonstrates that the company values and supports their overall wellbeing.

  4. Provide Shower and Locker Facilities: If feasible, consider providing shower and locker facilities at the workplace or nearby fitness centers. This allows employees to freshen up after running and feel comfortable returning to work without concerns about hygiene.

  5. Subsidize Running Gear or Memberships: Offer subsidies or discounts on running gear, fitness trackers, gym memberships, or participation fees for running events. This incentivizes employees to engage in running-related activities and lowers potential financial barriers.

  6. Wellness Challenges and Rewards: Implement wellness challenges that incorporate running as a key component. For instance, set goals like running a certain distance or completing a specific number of steps within a given time frame. Offer rewards such as gift cards, additional time off, or fitness-related prizes to employees who achieve these goals.

  7. Educational Resources: Provide educational resources on running techniques, injury prevention, and overall fitness. Invite guest speakers or fitness experts to conduct workshops or seminars related to running and its benefits. This knowledge empowers employees to make informed decisions about their running routines and improves their overall experience.

  8. Supportive Environment: Foster a supportive environment by promoting a healthy work-life balance. Encourage managers to lead by example and incorporate running into their own routines. Emphasize the importance of breaks and encourage employees to take short walks or stretch during the workday to stay active.

  9. Track Progress and Celebrate Milestones: Encourage employees to track their running progress through apps, fitness trackers, or manual logs. Celebrate milestones such as reaching personal bests, completing certain distances, or participating in notable races. Recognize these achievements publicly, either through company newsletters, bulletin boards, or social media platforms.

  10. Employee Assistance Programs: Offer employee assistance programs that provide resources for physical and mental well-being, including access to professional trainers, nutritionists, or counselors. Such programs can support employees in developing healthy running habits and managing any related challenges.