A recent study by the Edenred-Ipsos barometer on well-being and quality of life at work shows that France is lagging behind its European counterparts. More specifically, the practice of sport in companies in France is a relatively recent trend, unlike in English-speaking and Nordic countries. The latter benefit from a more developed sports and challenge culture, a key factor in motivation and commitment in companies.
Corporate sport, an Eldorado in English-speaking countries?
English-speaking and Northern European countries have a strong sports culture. Indeed, nearly 70% of Swedes practice a sporting activity, 68% of Danes and 66% of Finns.
As early as 1999, a study by Sport England established the link between physical activity and a reduction in absenteeism by 23 to 50 points. Since then, dozens of surveys carried out in Canada, Australia and Denmark have demonstrated the benefits of physical activity on the commitment and motivation of employees and therefore on productivity. This early awareness has encouraged the practice of sport in companies, particularly thanks to the awareness of directors and managers.
Vincent Prolongeau, former CEO of Pepsico France, is very familiar with the Anglo-Saxon corporate culture. According to him, sport in the workplace is "institutionally more established". In English-speaking countries, it is important not to "shine" exclusively through one's academic career or work. Challenge, competitive spirit and solidarity are all values that are promoted in companies in these countries.
"140 of the top 200 American companies have made a gym available to their employees."
France lags behind in corporate sport: why?
In France, nearly 42% of French people said they did not practice a sporting activity in 2014. This is a relatively low figure which is 8 points lower than in 2009. According to the same survey carried out by Eurobarometer, in addition to a strong sedentary lifestyle, only 17% (+4 points) of sportsmen and women practise a sporting activity in the professional context.
The delay in France is mainly explained by a different perception and cultural conception of sport in companies. The Centre Analyse Stratégique already stated in 2012: "The professional sphere is still too rarely considered as a possible place for practising sport for health purposes". In fact, managers must move from a risk prevention strategy to a wellbeing and health at work approach according to Magali Tézenas du Montcel, General Delegate of Sporsora. She also writes that sport in companies is too often neglected, especially when it comes to "better well-being at work".
The French cultural difference in this area is significant. The obstacles persist and do not favour the implementation of this type of initiative. Stéphane Diagana, world champion in the 400m hurdles in 1997, explained that managers have too much of a financial approach: "how much does it cost, how much does it bring in?" in an interview with Nice Matin in 2013.
Sport is too often assimilated as a leisure activity. It is an activity that belongs to the private sphere, a view shared by managers but also by employees. The latter add that a lack of time and/or motivation are also important factors in not practising sport in companies.
"43% of employees give up practising sport in the company because of a lack of time. "
However, according to a study carried out by Décathlon Pro: "84% of the employees questioned would like their company to take charge of the organisation of physical and sporting activities." The vision of sport in companies is changing. For the first time, a French study, carried out by the Medef and the CNOSF, focuses on the benefits of corporate sport on the productivity and well-being of employees.
Since then, the reluctance of management teams has diminished significantly. Many companies are now setting up teambuilding initiatives through sports activities. The multiplication of inter-company sports challenges is proof of this trend.
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Do you think that practising sport in companies promotes well-being and productivity?
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