The UK is currently a nation in the midst of an obesity pandemic. According to the NHS, as many as a quarter of the adult population are clinically obese; which of course, means higher risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
As a result, many companies and organisations across the country are exploring ways of motivating staff to get more active, in a bid to encourage healthier living.
Cycling Benefits
The NHS recommends doing 150 hours of moderate physical exercise per week and 75 minutes of high-intensity cardio activity. Shockingly, three-quarters of the population do not achieve this. Part of the problem is that people feel intimidated by the amount of time required to achieve this – it works out as three hours and 45 minutes in total!
This is precisely why cycling is such an excellent way of keeping fit. It not only counts towards your weekly recommended exercise, but also gets you into the office, cheaply and quickly.
The Advantages of Getting Your Employees Moving
There are a number of benefits to getting your staff to adopt a healthier lifestyle. These include:
- Less sick days. Studies suggest that exercise can help boost immunity; though exactly how it helps, no one is quite sure. However, it’s thought that physical activity can help reduce bacteria in the lungs, boost white blood cell production in the body and slow the release of stress hormones. All these factors in combination work to create a healthier individual, who is less likely to need a day off sick.
- Improved attitude. It’s well known that exercise releases endorphins; the ‘happy’ hormones in the brain that instantly put us in a more positive mood. Encouraging your employees to actively boost their happiness is likely to translate when it comes to the quality of their work. It may also help in the long-run with staff retention.
- Morale booster. Activities such as cycling can be very sociable; and many companies actively encourage members of staff to cycle to work together. This can be a powerful form of team building, encouraging better relations amongst staff.
Get on Your Bike: Creating a Cycle Shelter
If you expect your staff to get more active, it’s important to make it easy for them to do so. In addition to offering plenty of encouragement in the workplace, consider constructing a cycle shelter outside your office, providing staff with a place to store their bikes safely.
When erecting a cycle shelter, you will need to consider a few things first.
1) Prominence. Remember, having a cycle shelter doesn’t only offer convenience for your staff, it also sends a powerful message to passers-by – establishing the fact that you’re an organisation that takes the health of its employees seriously. Let people know that you value good health and that you’re willing to actively promote it in the workplace.
2) Protection. Some bicycles can be expensive and your staff will want to know that they’re going to be safe and secure. In addition to providing posts for them to lock their bikes to, make sure the cycle shelter isn’t obscured in any way. If it’s in clear view of your building, would-be thieves will be a lot less willing to try to steal the bicycles stored inside.
3) Branding. Remember that your cycle compound can also serve to enhance your brand. It’s likely you’ll be able to select a colour that complements your existing company colours and you could even include your logo somewhere prominent on the structure.
Finding Out More About Cycle Shelters for Your Business
If you’re interested in creating a cycle shelter for your company, talk to Canopies by Acer today. We specialise in all forms of canopies and shelters, including cycle compounds; and we’ll be happy to discuss your requirements in further detail.
To find out more, contact Canopies by Acer here or give us a call on 0151 486 7390.