Nine out of every 10 employees who try a new fitness or wellness activity feel inspired to continue it on a consistent basis and try other healthy activities as a result, according to a survey conducted in June by Corporate Wellness 365.

1,078 North American respondents employed in a business outside of their home were analysed for the study which found that 90 per cent of employees returned to new wellness pursuits, with 33 per cent continuing it regularly. These numbers are relatively consistent for employees with or without a corporate wellness programme, suggesting the freedom of choice of wellness activity drives persistency.

The survey results indicate that if businesses want to get workers engaged with and stick to new healthy behaviours, they must provide them with access to a broader range of fitness and wellness activities that go beyond traditional gym membership.

Heralding the importance of corporate wellness programmes to employers, 60 per cent of employees surveyed claimed that the number one obstacle to work productivity is stress and anxiety. The top five stress alleviators reported include nature/outdoor activities (98 per cent effective); meditation/ mindfulness (94 per cent); cardio exercise (93 per cent); massage (92 per cent) and yoga (91 per cent).

“This new research validates what Spafinder Wellness has been committed to for years – helping people find their own path to wellness,” said chief brand officer Mia Kyricos. “With our new Corporate Wellness 365 division, we are excited to bring the power of our network of 20,000 wellness locations – offering fitness, yoga, massage, Pilates and more – to businesses around the globe.”

In March, Claudia Rimerman – who has previously held management roles at AIG, UnitedHealth Group, Humana Inc. and Corporate Health Systems – was appointed as senior vice president for Corporate Wellness 365, the corporate wellness division of wellness media and marketing company Spafinder Wellness.