How can you (re)motivate your employees to take up sport?

Have you decided to encourage sports activities in your company? You are right!

Sport in the workplace brings people together, reinforces the sense of belonging to a team and even allows some to reveal unsuspected talents 😅 A very good initiative to improve the quality of life at work, but one that can sometimes be badly (or clumsily) implemented.

According to the study "Employees and sport in the workplace" carried out by the OpinionWay Institute, 59% of employees are not satisfied with the "physical activity and sport" offer made by their employer. We will explain why and give you some advice on how to satisfy most of them, or almost all of them!

First of all, no more outdated seminars or imposed (boss) activities.

We say no more to clichéd team-buildings: school outings during which employees are invited (forced) to spend time together to solve riddles, climb trees, play treasure hunts, etc.

The good-natured atmosphere on the surface can sometimes mask more mixed feelings on the part of the participants. Activities that are seen as fun by the manager can be seen as embarrassing or even as a childish regression by those who take part. We do it in spite of ourselves, because we have to. 

Sport in the workplace is good, but not always to everyone's taste.

In order to ensure that there is something for everyone, it is essential to consider the expectations and needs of ALL your employees: competitors, occasional or returning practitioners, senior citizens, but also reluctant or sceptical people who might be put off by the concept.

Be careful not to exclude. So put off that introduction to English boxing suggested by your sales manager, as it might put your good intentions to shame. Instead, opt for more accessible activities and challenges such as an introduction to yoga, a day without lifts or a month in which all your employees' daily steps are converted into donations for a charitable cause.

Focus on employee expectations

"83% of employees say they are interested in getting involved in a collective sports challenge in their company by encouraging their colleagues or by getting involved in a physical activity. On paper, the lights are green. It remains to be sufficiently inventive and inclusive to validate physical activities that are accessible to all profiles.

• For beginners or budding sportsmen and women, you have an opportunity to introduce them to several activities and to give them a taste for practising (or to give them a taste again). This sports "awakening" can reconcile those who have put their trainers away because of disappointing or unsuitable experiences. Sport in the company is first and foremost a pleasure.
• For those who are more sporty and already practise a regular physical activity in their free time. These regular exercisers can help you develop a culture of sport and well-being at work. Whether it is in the form of clubs, trial sessions, or sharing of experience, enhance any initiative on their part that could motivate their colleagues. Schedule adjustments are also welcome to make the transition from work to sport easier for them.
• For non-athletes or older people, a preventive and well-being approach is required. There are many so-called "soft" practices whose benefits can be felt after a few sessions: relaxation, stretching, hatha yoga, nidra or yin. Sport in the workplace is an excellent way of keeping work-related illnesses at bay. 

Before you start and make your choices, do not hesitate to survey your future contributors. This will ensure that they will be more supportive of your approach.

Operation Seduction! Our tips for encouraging sport in the workplace!

• First of all, don't think of "sport" but "physical activity". This nuance integrates all kinds of practices (sports but also soothing, relaxing or playful) that will suit all audiences.
• Be proactive and contact your management or your CSE to coordinate actions and talk about the "budget" for sports in the company! 
• Define a common objective with your teams for greater motivation and cohesion. For example, you can take part in a solidarity challenge for the benefit of an association chosen by your employees. 
• Appoint ambassadors to communicate, monitor and encourage their colleagues' participation in activities. They will then become real relay coaches, with great influence!
• Play collectively, create an internal chat group to disseminate information about the activity programme that has been set up. You can also ask your most athletic employees to share their latest performances on this channel to congratulate them and boost positive energy around sport.
• Develop a benevolent communication around the benefits of physical and sports activities: fight against sedentary lifestyle, improvement of the immune function, reduction of stress and anxiety...

Do you need help? We can offer you personalised support

Our mission is to contribute to the physical, mental and social well-being of your employees. We design tailor-made sport and health programmes for companies, with a choice of over fifty activities. An inclusive approach, individual and team challenges, daily animation by a dedicated team and quantified results. A new way to animate and unite your teams!

It's up to you, take a look at our offer or contact us and let's talk about sport in the company!

"An ultra-gamified, fun app that makes you want to take on challenges!

"I'm not very sporty at heart. SPART helps me to move more and to get to know other people in the company,

"It's a real pleasure to have these different challenges with all the teams,

"I took up sport again with SPART. I hadn't done anything for two years. I feel better!"...

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Edmond Kean