Aligning Workplace Fitness for Mental Resilience
How to Optimize Onsite and Virtual Fitness Services with the U.S. Surgeon General's Framework for Mental Health
In an era where the fabric of our daily lives is intricately woven with work commitments, the need for a holistic approach to mental health in the workplace has never been more pressing. The U.S. Surgeon General's Framework for Workplace Mental Health and Well-Being stands as a beacon of guidance, outlining five crucial elements that form the foundation of a mentally resilient workforce. Each element connects with two human needs that are consistent across different industries and job roles. The framework is centered on Worker Voice and Equity. As we delve into this framework, we discover the remarkable synergy between its principles and the transformative impact of both onsite and virtual fitness services.
Image from the US Department of Health & Human Services - Office of the US Surgeon General, Current Priorities of the US Surgeon General – Workplace Well-being. Download a copy at https://www.hhs.gov/surgeongeneral/priorities/workplace-well-being.
1. Protection from Harm: Safety & Security
At the forefront of the Surgeon General's Framework is the principle of protecting employees from harm (physical and mental) while supporting the human needs of safety and security. Onsite fitness professionals act as guardians, providing a haven for employees to engage in activities safely and reduce risks that could cause physical harm in the process. Virtual fitness services extend this protective umbrella, ensuring that employees can access fitness coaches, live classes, or tap into on-demand resources wherever they are, shielding them from the potential harm of stress and sedentary lifestyles. At CFW our service style is that of a nurturing coach, with scrupulous safety protocols. We meet each person where they are in their fitness journey, then help them build skills and confidence to improve physical and mental health. In addition, our site operations and virtual platforms are armed with safeguards for data privacy and protection to ensure personal information is kept safe and secure.
2. Connection and Community: Social Support & Belonging
The second element highlights the significance of fostering connection and community in the workplace, fulfilling the human needs of social support and belonging. Onsite fitness services cultivate a sense of togetherness through group workouts, team challenges, and wellness programs, strengthening the bonds among colleagues. Complementing this, virtual fitness services transcend physical boundaries, offering a virtual space where employees can connect, share experiences, and collectively contribute to a culture of wellness. Community engagement is a main pillar of our CFW service approach. By entangling with our clients’ HR team, benefits partners, and Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) we extend beyond the four walls of an onsite facility to break down barriers of isolation, uniting individuals from different departments and regions through healthy lifestyle. Weaving DEI initiatives through our onsite and virtual fitness events to educate and build awareness among different employee groups adds to the sense of belonging in a meaningful way.
3. Work-Life Harmony: Autonomy & Flexibility
Work-life harmony is a delicate balance that significantly impacts mental well-being. The two critical human needs of this element are autonomy and flexibility. Onsite fitness services contribute by providing a convenient outlet within the workplace, allowing employees to seamlessly integrate wellness into their daily routines. Virtual fitness services elevate this harmony by offering flexibility — whether at home, in the office, or on the go — enabling employees to align their professional and personal lives more effectively. At CFW, we are committed to helping onsite members and virtual participants optimize their work-life balance. Our Team Leaders are driven to come up with new and innovative ways to help employees balance movement, nutrition, recharge, and connection in their day-to-day. That is the CFW Solution and what we strive to integrate culturally from the top-down so that all employees can thrive in their work and in their lives.
4. Mattering at Work: Dignity & Meaning
Feeling valued and significant in the workplace is integral to mental health. The human needs defined with this element are dignity and meaning. Onsite fitness services create a culture that values each employee's well-being, fostering a sense of importance. Virtual fitness services enhance this by offering personalized experiences, allowing individuals to tailor their fitness routines and, in turn, reinforcing the idea that each employee's wellness journey matters. Above all, satisfying this element of the framework comes down to how the employee feels when engaging in these services. Whether it’s in-person or virtual, when someone seeks support in their health and well-being it is very personal and demands conversations with trained professionals who can uphold dignity and respect appropriate for the corporate environment. We keep this top of mind at CFW. Creating a welcoming environment by building relationships through trust and authenticity is a key chapter in our playbook. As a result, these characteristics are innately shared by Team Leaders engaging with members in our managed sites, those coaching and teaching classes on our virtual platforms, and onward through our leadership team and our company owners.
5. Opportunity for Growth: Learning & Accomplishment
The Surgeon General's Framework emphasizes the importance of providing opportunities for growth as a cornerstone of mental resilience. The two human needs here are learning and accomplishment. Onsite fitness services invest in employee development through workshops and expert-led programs. Personalized training programs and fitness assessments are key moments in our service delivery where we connect with members goals, develop strategies to reach those goals, then measure and celebrate achievements together. Creating this type of impact, designing programs, leading webinars, or simply discussing recent research while chatting with members during their workout fuels our CFW Team Leaders motivation. We love sharing what we know about fitness and healthy lifestyle. It’s our passion! Now we can do it in-person and digitally.
The Key Takeaway:
Onsite and virtual fitness services emerge as dynamic allies in this journey, seamlessly aligning with each element of the framework. By integrating these services, organizations can champion a workplace culture that not only prioritizes mental health but also empowers employees to embark on a transformative journey towards holistic well-being. Together, we can pave the way for a brighter, more resilient future in the world of work—one that exemplifies the delicate balance between physical and mental health. Contact us today and let the journey begin!