Myzone proud to sponsor Workforce State of Mind Survey

We know that our mental health is just as important as our physical health and that the two are inextricably linked. That’s why we are delighted to sponsor the 2022 Workforce State of Mind Survey, which explores the mental health of people working in the UK’s fitness and active leisure sector.

As a global wearable tech business, we are acutely aware of the role that physical activity plays in improving mental health and we work with our partners - health clubs, gyms, corporates and the healthcare sector - to promote this to communities across the world. But it’s also important that we look after the mental health of all those fitness professionals working on the frontline to deliver activity and exercise.

What is the Workforce State of Mind Survey all about?

Launched last year, the inaugural Workforce State of Mind Survey found that more than half (53%) of the physical activity professionals surveyed had experienced a mental health issue in the last 12 months. Only 19% of employees said someone regularly checks in on their mental health at work, while 42% said they wouldn’t be honest with an employer if they felt they needed time off work because of a mental health issue.

It’s clear that more work needs to be done to improve mental health among professionals working in the fitness industry. This year’s survey will focus on identifying trends and assessing areas for action, helping to build a picture of where employers are achieving and where more work is needed in the area of workforce mental health.

What's the current state of the nation's mental health?

Thanks to the global pandemic, there is a much greater appreciation of the importance of health and fitness, and that includes mental health. But the pandemic continues to pose challenges and create uncertainty, which can wreak havoc on people’s mental wellbeing. According to the Office for National Statistics, around one in five (21%) adults experienced some form of depression in early 2021; that’s more than double than before the pandemic (10%).

It’s in all of our interests to look after the mental wellbeing of our workforce. Mental health related absence is the most common cause of long-term sickness absence in UK workplaces. Work-related stress, depression or anxiety accounted for 44% of work-related ill health and 54% of working days lost, in 2018/19 (HSE, 2019). Poor mental health can lead to a lack of motivation, low self-esteem, loss of productivity, feelings of isolation as well as a host of other negative effects on physical health.

How can Myzone help with corporate wellness?

We are working with a range of corporate partners to address mental and physical wellbeing in the workforce. By embedding Myzone into corporate wellness programmes, we are helping companies to reduce absences, boost morale and productivity, improve social connections and increase staff retention.

The 2022 Workforce State of Mind Survey will help all employers in the fitness and physical activity sector promote better mental health in the workplace so our professionals are in the best shape, both mentally and physically, to support the health of the wider public.