Ryan FowlerTowergate Employee Benefits has urged employers to take an active role in supporting staff health over Christmas, as figures show weekly exercise levels typically fall sharply in December, with around a third of people doing no exercise at all during the festive period.
The warning comes amid concerns about the knock-on effects of reduced physical activity on employee wellbeing, absenteeism and productivity, particularly at a time of year associated with disrupted routines, increased indulgence and higher stress levels.
Debra Clark, head of wellbeing at Towergate Employee Benefits, said: “Most of us like to take time to relax a little at Christmas and we certainly don’t want to be party poopers. But it is a case of keeping an eye on the bigger picture and maintaining some balance, whether that be work/life balance or a mince pie in one hand but an apple in the other!”
Towergate said employers can help by making staff aware of incentives built into existing health and wellbeing benefits. Many schemes reward healthy behaviours such as daily step counts, with points redeemable against rewards including retail discounts or cinema vouchers, which can provide added motivation during the festive period.
The firm also highlighted the role of wellbeing apps and fitness trackers, which are often included as part of employee benefits packages. With routines disrupted by time off and irregular working patterns, these tools can prompt employees to stay active and flag periods of unhealthy inactivity.
Encouraging staff to “know their numbers” is another area where employers can provide practical support. Towergate said access to health assessments covering measures such as blood pressure, body mass index, cholesterol and glucose levels can help employees manage their health proactively and identify potential issues early.
Mental wellbeing is also a key consideration at Christmas, with Towergate noting that the festive period can be stressful for many people. Employers are encouraged to promote access to mental health support already embedded within benefits programmes, including emergency assistance, counselling and coaching services.
Clark added: “Employers can play a pivotal role in helping their employees to remain fit and healthy over the festive period, but to do so they need the right tools at hand. Effective workplace health and wellbeing support can boost employee health, and therefore business health, over Christmas and the New Year.”
