We are convinced that the companies of tomorrow are those that place people at the heart of their strategy.
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We spoke with Paul-Émile Saab, the CEO of United Heroes, a wellness and sport solution for a reference company, to get its opinion on the link between sport, physical and mental health and employee engagement.
1. We are talking more and more about the phenomenon of the Great Resignation. What can a company do today to keep its employees motivated and engaged?
Since the health crisis, the number of employees who have quit their jobs has never been higher in the United Kingdom and the United States (38 million American employees left their jobs in 2021). We do not yet know if this Great Resignation will spread in France but it is clear that we are not immune to an equivalent scenario. Indeed, employees are more and more bored at work (89% are bored “often” or “sometimes” according to OpinionWay) and are, at the same time, in search of meaning (46% in the same survey feel that “their work is useless”).
To avoid the flight of talent, companies must meet the new expectations of their employees and in particular those of the Generation Z which will represent half of the active population in 2025 (tomorrow!). Among their priorities: an environment conducive to professional development and personal and the opportunity to have a real impact on the growth of their business.
These employees also want to work for an organization that adopts a CSR strategy concrete. 77% of French employees want their company to commit itself to becoming a company with a mission and half of them want to be involved in this process. Their work should have a direct impact on society.
Finally, they have expectations when it comes to their wellness. According to the 2021 employee preference barometer, 53% of employees want their company to take into account their physical and mental health and deploy adequate solutions. An organization that does not take care of its employees is very unlikely to return them engaged and retain them over the long term.
2. The well-being of employees is a key issue, in what ways can sport be part of this approach?
Of course, sport has a direct impact on physical health of employees : reduction in the risks of non-communicable and cardiovascular diseases, better physical fitness, reduction in the risks of overweight, etc.
But all wellness activities, including physical activity, also contribute to maintaining mental health. Practicing regularly helps to reduce stress and anxiety factors. In fact, during the practice of physical activity and well-being, the body will secrete endorphins, responsible for wellness. An essential element in improving employee morale and trust. By promoting the sport and all corporate wellness activities they will be more motivated and fulfilled in their work.
All these positive effects contribute to promoting the well-being of employees in business.
3. How can a company promote its culture through its employees by engaging them in a wellness approach?
By participating inblossoming of employees, companies transform them into ambassadors. They are then considered as levers for the acquisition of future talent and make it possible to maintain the reputation of their employer.
It is also essential to include them in the wellness approach. By talking to them regularly to learn about their concerns and needs, they will feel that they are being listened to and that they will be grateful.
Businesses can also organize days dedicated to wellness to raise awareness and educate their employees. For example, for the QVT week, it may be interesting to consult employees to find out the themes that interest them and suggest that they lead the workshops. There is bound to be an employee who is a fan of yoga or a nutrition specialist who will be happy to intervene. They will feel valued by their company and this feeling is a factor of loyalty and motivation !
Finally, companies can offer their employees the opportunity to register for competitions and sporting events by representing their organization. Not only will they be proud to wear the colors of their company, but it is also a lever to boost its visibility and its notoriety.
4. How does digital technology make it possible to encourage the practice of a sporting activity?
Today, the vast majority of the French population has a smartphone (77% according to INSEE). Thanks to apps, trackers, and other connected tools, they can practice at any time of the day. This allows them to monitor their performance and make progress on a daily basis. Digital technology also offers the possibility of practicing in groups. They can support and challenge each other, even from a distance.
Digital technology is also an effective way to strengthen cohesiveness in business. Whatever their hierarchical level or sector of activity, employees can practice together. Physical activity makes it possible to break silos and to have a positive impact on the work climate.
Above all, new technologies are reinventing the way we consume and practice sport And the wellness. We do not hesitate to gamify the experience to encourage users to engage in physical activity more regularly. This is the case of wellness and sport program United Heroes that animates employees in companies through challenges, awards and individual and team rankings.
5. Is it necessary to combine well-being and CSR? If yes, what are the possible ways of doing this?
It is not essential but to couple well-being and CSR will inevitably multiply the impact of the company's strategy. As said before, employees want their company to take into consideration their physical and mental health and, at the same time, adopt strong social and environmental commitments.
Nevertheless, it is important to maintain a certain consistency and not go off in all directions. You must keep a common thread between all the strategies and actions deployed in order not to lose employees.
Thanks to wellness activities, companies can give their employees the opportunity to feel useful. In short, the two are closely linked. For example, United Heroes offers sports challenges solidarity for the benefit of local and even international associations.
By including employees in this approach, companies make employees actors in CSR strategy. They will find meaning in their physical activity and this will motivate them to surpass themselves and reach their goals. It is an opportunity to motivating to adopt healthy lifestyles and take care of their physical and mental health while maintaining their engagements and their corporate values.
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