Band 6+: Employers are offering their employees subsidised membership of gyms and sport clubs believing this will make their stuff healthier and thus more effective at work. Other see no benefit in doing so. Discuss both sides and give your opnion.

Nowadays, in many companies, the employers aretrying to offer various amenities and services, such as gym memberships, to their employees for the sake of better performance and productivity. Based on this behavior, multiple suggestions have risen up among the public. Personally, I believe that this is a positive approach to maintaining work-life balance and promoting a healthier working environment.

Providing these facilities can alleviate the workers’ performance and increase creativity. When people have to work for an extended period of time without enjoying any other activity, they will become more likely to suffer severe burnout and become aimless. Thus, with the access to extra services apart from work, they can take break to enjoy, which will improve creativity and reduce stress levels. Google, for instance, has provided facilities such as gaming room and snack bar for their employees, so that they can enjoy them whenever they feel agitated and tired. By doing so, the employees will be aware of the employer’s interest in their wellness and might hopefully put more effort into their work.

On the other hand, these actions can distract the workers and lower their concentrations despite certain advantages. Although additional provisions for the comfort in working area can contribute to the productivity, it can also bring unwilling distractions and mitigate the performance. Instead, offering salary increments, promotions, and long holidays can be more effective to promote the workers’ wellbeing and help alleviate personal hardships. For example, in Myanmar, people are experiencing finanical struggle due to the economic instability and insufficient income. Providing additional services despite the fundamental necessities for the workers can only be a waste for a company. Therfore, the employers should consider individualised offerings based on each employee’s personal circumstances to help alleviate their burdens.

In my opnion, while offering extra services is an effective way to promote the wellness of the employees, it is also imperative for the employers to consider about a particular support to ensure that all their basic needs are met. Showing appreciation for the performance, giving incentives for more effort, and providing individualised contribution can definitely promote a sense of reciprocity and create an inspiring working environment.