Cycling to work – happy and healthy employees

In today’s fast-tempo, high-stress world, we are all looking for ways to improve our lives. One excellent answer is also becoming one of the most popular: cycling to work. It is not only environmentally friendly, but also has numerous positive effects on employee health, mood and productivity. Let’s take a look at the advantages of cycling to work.

Health

Cycling is the perfect whole-body exercise. Every pedal stroke strengthens the leg muscles, stamina and the cardio-vascular system. Regular physical exercise is vital for maintaining health and reducing the risk of illnesses and conditions such as cardio-vascular disease, type 2 diabetes and obesity. Employees who decide to cycle to work are also deciding to look after their long-term health.

Happiness on two wheels

Nothing raises the mood like fresh air and the sun on your face. Cycling in natural surroundings is an excellent way of reducing stress and improving mental health. Regular physical exercise releases endorphins, the so-called ‘happiness hormones’, which improve your mood and relieve feelings of anxiety and depression. Cycle with a smile on your face!

Less sick leave

Employees who undertake physical activity on a regular basis have less risk of disease and injury, which therefore means that they take less sick leave. Cycling reduces the risk of developing cardio-vascular disease and other negative effects on health resulting from a sedentary lifestyle. Both company and staff gain from this: fewer absences owing to illness means greater productivity and lower costs.

Improved concentration and productivity

Regular physical activity such as cycling increases the flow of blood to the brain, which improves cognitive functions such as concentration, memory and the ability to solve problems. Employees who go to work by bike are therefore more focused and productive.

Energetic start to the day

Cycling to work means a fresh start to the day. Morning activity awakens the body, making you more alert and giving you more energy. Employees who come to the office after a bracing bike ride are ready for new challenges.

Environmentally friendly transport

Cycling is one of the most environmentally friendly forms of transport. It reduces greenhouse gas emissions, noise and traffic jams. Every cyclist therefore contributes to a cleaner environment and a sustainable future.

Cycling to work can become a permanent feature of your employees’ lives if you offer them company bikes

Cycling to work becomes even more attractive if an employer provides company bikes that employees can use for company business. These bikes must be safe to use on the road, be equipped with lights and reflectors, be suitable for city riding, and have a quick and simple system for adjusting the height of the saddle. The cycling experience is also enhanced if the bike is equipped with a pannier or basket for storing smaller items such as bags or laptops.

How to get your employees cycling

Company bikes are the first step in encouraging employees to make cycling to work a permanent feature of their lives. A booking, rental and repair notification system must first be set up. There also needs to be a way of storing bikes in a secure but accessible way. If the bikes are stored under a roof covering of some kind, they are more secure, need fewer repairs and last longer. Regular bike maintenance is essential. Furnished with a logo and decked out in the official colours, the bikes can also be used to promote your company.

National measures to promote cycling

European countries recognise the benefits of cycling and are introducing a range of incentives to get people to use bikes to get around. The Netherlands, Belgium and France are pioneers of cycling promotion programmes and campaigns. It is common for subsidies to be given for kilometres driven, which is a strong incentive for cyclists.

However, incentives are not the only key to success. In cities such as Copenhagen, flexible infrastructure also encourages people to use bikes. Although cycling culture is still in its infancy in Slovenia, positive moves have been made with the establishment of cycle paths and organised events.

Keywords: cycling to work, advantages of cycling to work, employee health, reducing stress, improving mental health, less sick leave, company bike, bike with a logo