Definition - What does sports and fitness reimbursement policy mean?
A sports and fitness reimbursement policy is a clause of company sponsorship initiatives focusing on health and wellness programs where a reciprocal partnership exists involving employer compensation for activities and services, in exchange for employee compliance and participation. Employers set reimbursement expense privileges covering a variety of exercise and therapeutic modalities including gym memberships, personal trainer sessions, meditation/yoga classes and smoking cessation programs.
SureHire explains sports and fitness reimbursement policy
Health and wellness programs and services can contribute to productivity, bolster morale, and streamline productivity against business models that fail to prioritize fitness among the workforce. A sports and fitness reimbursement policy provides an incentive to staff members to adopt and follow a healthy lifestyle aligned with the employer’s terms in meeting the costs for eligible expenses. Employees file annual receipts with their employer who allocates the percentage of expense charges toward the reimbursement limit that companies reserve at their discretion.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), moderate-intensity exercise can support the longevity of life against cardiovascular risks where individuals who comparatively lead sedentary lifestyles are susceptible to greater morbidity rates. Employers who take proactive measures to implement health and wellness programs can minimize absenteeism, deter workplace accidents/injuries, in turn offsetting workers’ compensation claims for medical expenditures. Moreover, sports and fitness reimbursement policies serve the dual advantage in promoting a culture of health-oriented values that extend beyond monetary repayment, translating to personal lifestyles where diet and nutrition and consistent exercise enrich the quality of life.
The ratio of physically inactive to physically active people in the workplace sets the pace for employers to apply more health conscious standards against escalating workers’ compensation claims from otherwise preventable occupational accidents and diseases. Employee wellness programs that include sports and fitness reimbursement policies can help employees become attuned to maintaining sound fitness through gym memberships and discounts on merchandise tailored for regular exercise.
