Siemens boosts employee motivation in winter months with discounts for gyms

Date: 02/12/2010

Siemens has followed Asda in a fitness scheme to boost employee motivation.

The company is now offering 16,000 staff in the UK discounted membership to gyms across the country.

The initiative echoes Asda's scheme to offer staff fitness classes before and after work, which was developed after 400 workers at the headquarters in Leeds said they would be interested in a fitness regime that was easily available at work.

Isy Raza, reward consultant at Siemens, explained that many staff rewards and recognitions involve gym memberships.

"Since we are an organisation that operates across the UK, it was advantageous to undertake this proposition," Raza said.

"Also, staff are able to call Gymflex and enquire whether they can approach their local gym, so there is some flexibility in it."

The exercise opportunities will also benefit staff during the winter months.

With little daylight hours and cold weather, many people can suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), but exercise can help to boost morale.

Dr Andrew McCulloch, chief executive of the Mental Health Foundation, said that evidence has shown that 30 minutes of exercise three times a week is effective against depression.

Posted by David Farrior 

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