Recent news

image description

Hire Purchase VS Leasing: Understanding the Key Differences and Tax Treatment

See More
image description

Improve Performance and Reduce Turnover

See More
image description

Tax Law Updates

See More
last updated 6/19/2024 8:06:36 AM

Fit for the Job?

Should we be asking about health and exercise habits in job interviews

when we talk about a company’s organizational culture, it stems from the people within the organization. Thus recruiting people with a health-conscious mindset could be a great way to foster a healthier workplace culture. Therefore, doesn’t it make sense to go into interview sessions with this in mind to find like-minded people?   

Long hours each week at our desks at the office inevitably plays a significant role in shaping our daily routines and habits. The idea of taking care of our physical health has always been subconsciously embedded in the back of our minds as everyone knows that it should be a priority.  

“After exercise you're 41% more motivated to complete your work”

But when it comes to exercise, even just a few minutes each day can significantly improve our cognitive function, overall mood, and energy levels. It can also be a way to help with stress and give people a more positive outlook on work which will in turn lead to a better work culture for the company in the long term. 

A study by Bristol University showed that on days when employees work out, there were increases of 21% in concentration, 22% in finishing work on time, and 41% in motivation to complete their work.

From a company perspective surely anything that can increase staff engagement and productivity while also decreasing staff turnover is a good bar to aim for. But inevitably it will start with finding the right candidates.   

If we take on the view from an interviewee candidate’s perspective, the topic of exercise may be stepping into more personal territory which is the breeding ground for misinterpretation and could evidently make them uncomfortable.  

Which is why as the interviewer, it’s important that we ask questions that are more along the following lines:

  • Can you tell us about how you prioritize your health and wellness in daily life?
  • Do you have regular physical activity routines or practices that help you obtain a healthy work-life balance?
  • In your experience, how has regular exercise impacted your productivity and effectiveness at work? 

You should also consider alternative ways of assessing candidates' fitness and wellness habits, by asking indirect questions like What hobbies and interests do you have? or simply mentioning the different facilities close to the work place and any corporate deals the company may be able to offer them.

It's important to approach this topic with sensitivity and with the mindfulness of ethics that protect their privacy and rights. Not all candidates are comfortable with getting asked questions that are on the personal side and employers must make sure that the questions are not in any way discriminatory. 

If the interviewer is able to formulate the right kinds of questions, they will be able to gather information about the candidate's priorities, ability to organize their work-life balance, and motivation to stick to consistent health and fitness goals. 

This website uses cookies

We use cookies to personalise content and to provide you with an improved user experience. The types of cookies we use includes

  • Strictly Necessary Cookies
  • Functionality Cookies
  • Analytical Cookies
Please visit our cookie policy for further details. By continuing to browse this site you consent to the use of cookies.