Burnout has become an all-too-common issue that arises from chronic workplace stress. A new study from the University of Michigan’s School of Kinesiology reveals that employees who engage in moderate physical activity experience significantly less emotional exhaustion and greater personal satisfaction at work compared to their less active colleagues.
The research, spearheaded by Michele Marenus under the guidance of Professor Weiyun Chen, sought to explore the connection between physical activity and workplace burnout. Conducted at the Physical Activity & Health Laboratory (PAHL), the study involved 520 full-time employees who were surveyed about their exercise habits and levels of burnout.
Burnout, characterized by extreme fatigue, cynicism towards work, and feelings of ineffectiveness, is a major concern for many organizations. The study categorized participants into low-, medium-, and high-activity groups to evaluate their emotional exhaustion, sense of personal accomplishment, and depersonalization. Among participants, 23% reported low activity, 60% moderate activity, and 25% high activity levels.
Key Findings
The results were compelling:
- Emotional Exhaustion: Employees in the moderate-activity group reported significantly lower levels of emotional exhaustion than those in the low-activity group.
- Personal Accomplishment: Those with low physical activity levels felt less accomplished compared to their moderately and highly active peers.
- Depersonalization: There were no significant differences among the groups, indicating that physical activity does not necessarily affect whether employees view customers as less human.
Interestingly, high-intensity exercise did not yield better results than moderate activity. This finding suggests that moderate exercise, such as brisk walking or cycling, is sufficient to reap the mental and emotional benefits without the added risk of injury associated with more strenuous activities.
“We don’t need to engage in crazy amounts of activity to see benefits,” Marenus said. “Feeling the pressure to do so may actually cause a negative impact.”
Effective Ways to Boost Physical Activity at Work
The study’s findings offer practical strategies for employers to enhance employee well-being and combat burnout:
- Create Supportive Work Environments: Employers can facilitate exercise by providing resources such as standing desks, onsite workout facilities, discounted gym memberships, and lunchtime yoga sessions. These adjustments can help employees incorporate physical activity into their daily routines.
- Transform Commutes: Encouraging employees to walk, jog, or cycle to work can turn a passive commute into an active one. Even getting off a few stops earlier can help battle burnout for those who use public transportation.
- Support Remote Employees: Employees who work from home may find it easier to incorporate exercise into their day. Simple activities like a short walk each day can help form healthy exercise habits.
The Broader Impact
The study has significant implications for various workplace dynamics, such as team engagement, turnover, morale, and the phenomenon of “quiet quitting.” This term describes employees who have mentally checked out but remain physically present. While the research didn’t specifically focus on quiet quitting, it highlights how burnout can subtly but significantly impact these aspects of the workplace.
Researchers emphasize that moderate physical activity holds benefits beyond immediate workplace improvements. They point out that such exercise promotes the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that enhances brain health, cognitive function, and overall mental well-being. Consequently. the positive effects of BDNF persist even after exercise, contributing to long-term health benefits.
Creating an environment that encourages moderate exercise is a game changer. Not only does it help reduce burnout and improve employee satisfaction, but it also contributes to a healthier, more productive workforce. By implementing exercise-friendly policies and facilities, employers can ensure that their teams are physically active and mentally and emotionally resilient.
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