In 2014 the Harvard Business Review published an article titled: Regular Exercise is Part of Your Job.

Early in the article, the author states the following cognitive benefits for having a regular activity routine:

Improved concentration
Sharper memory
Faster learning
Prolonged mental stamina
Enhanced creativity
Lower stress

At Brindlee, we believe exercise: regular, intentional activity is an important component of a healthy ‘whole’ life. (Whole = mental, physical, spiritual.) To back up the belief, we have a fitness benefit, and every employee can participate. We call it Activity Counts. An employee is asked to track their activity each week. If their monthly activity totals 240 minutes (60 minutes per week), then the benefit is added to their payroll. We do not prescribe activity but leave it up to the employee. Some of our team play volleyball every workday for 15 minutes; others participate in running clubs, still, others accumulate their activity minutes at a local gym.

Our criteria for the benefit closely falls in line with the recommendations of the Department of Health and Human Services

Aerobic activity. Get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity a week, or a combination of moderate and vigorous activity. The guidelines suggest that you spread out this exercise during the course of a week. Greater amounts of exercise will provide an even greater health benefit. But even small amounts of physical activity are helpful. Being active for short periods of time throughout the day can add up to provide a health benefit.
Strength training. Do strength training exercises for all major muscle groups at least two times a week. Aim to do a single set of each exercise, using a weight or resistance level heavy enough to tire your muscles after about 12 to 15 repetitions.

We believe when an employee is healthy, mentally, spiritually, and physically they are the best person they can be. When that happens, we, as the employer, see the results in how they perform on the job.

Our Activity Counts benefit is just one way we support our employees being the best they can be.