AHI's Employment Law Resource Center

Reprinted from the December 13, 2007 issue of HR Soapbox, a sounding board where AHI editors give you a lively and interesting read on HR topics causing consternation in the ranks, as well as the opportunity to put in your two cents.
To sign-up for this FREE e-mail newsletter CLICK HERE.

Exercise Your Way To Outstanding Performance

The Workplace Index Survey on the Nature of Work in 2007, conducted by Steelcase, a global office environments manufacturer, asserts that it is beneficial, or thought to be, to exercise during the workday. Specifically, 78% of the 700 respondents say that exercising during the workday has or would have a positive impact on their overall productivity. I couldn't disagree more; the idea of exercising during the workday is anything but appealing, let alone productivity inducing.

Personally, the idea of changing into gym clothes, working out, getting all sweaty, showering, and then returning to my desk seems exceedingly draining and disruptive to me. Admittedly, I haven't tried it, so I could be wrong.

But, honestly, I don't think I'll ever try it. That's because I find exercising before or after work to have just as positive an impact on my work performance. I started exercising on a consistent basis almost two years ago; it was a resolution for 2006. Whether it's 20 minutes of cardio before work or 30 minutes of Pilates after work, I find that I have more stamina during the workday.

When life gets too hectic to exercise for a day or two or three, and it certainly does, I feel it. While I'm still productive, I don't feel as on point as I usually am. You'd think sleeping in instead of waking up early to exercise would make me more energetic, but it doesn't.

The New Year is only a few weeks away, so why not test out the theory that exercising — whether before, during, or after work — positively impacts work performance for yourself? Give it a few weeks. What have you got to lose besides that sluggish feeling that sets in at 3 p.m.?

The key to my success: start slow. I kicked off 2006 by doing a one-mile, 20-minute walking DVD with one-pound hand weights. Two years later, I'm into all sorts of aerobic workouts and using five-pound weights.

Good luck, stay legal, and get out of bed or off the couch!

Melissa V. Pomerantz
Editor

	Site Search