Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Promote Fitness and Teamwork by Creating a Co-Ed Company Sports Team



It’s important to build relationships with coworkers and relationship development can be done in many ways. Company sports teams can offer many advantages to both the employees and to the company, including healthier employees, while building teamwork across departments. These teams can be for a team sport like softball or bowling, or for individual competitions, like triathlons or 5-K races. You can also create non-competitive teams like walking clubs or general running teams. As you train and learn your sport together, you will create new personal bonds. These bonds will spill over into the work environment and help employees to work as a team at work, as well.

Having healthy employees positively impacts a company's bottom line. Companies that have employees that smoke, that are overweight or that are out of condition have higher rates of absenteeism and turnover than companies than those who have healthier employees. An estimated $270 billion is spent annually on treating tobacco use and related diseases, adult-onset diabetes and obesity, conditions that are preventable, according to WELCOA, or the Wellness Council of America.

How do you get started? First, poll your coworkers about their interest. Talk to everyone so you understand the overall interest in forming a team and in what capacity. You’ll have to bring up the idea with management, emphasizing that a company sponsored team is a good way to build relationships and morale. You will be able to let them know others are also interested and maybe, even get some funding.

Then get out there! Play ball! Run fast! It’s Spring, so get outside and take advantage of the weather.

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