Fitness, Nutrition, and Productivity: A Wellness Solution for Frontline Workers

For people working on their feet all day, particularly jobs which involve lifting, moving, cooking, and cleaning, being “well” is often easily overlooked, despite it having such an impact on daily life and work.

Whether in the agribusiness, construction, hospitality, retail or food and beverage, the demands of the job are physical. These roles require endurance, focus, and resilience and have the added pressure of long hours and irregular shifts, and that can leave very little time or energy to invest in health and wellbeing.

These factors can make the perfect storm, leading to a greater risk of injury on the job and burnout. That’s where Wellhub makes a real difference. Our platform connects employees to fitness options and nutrition tools that actually fit into their lives. We make it easier for people to stay active, fuel their bodies well, and build habits that keep them energised on and off the job.

By supporting physical wellness in a way that’s flexible, accessible, and rewarding, Wellhub helps workers feel better, perform better, and stay healthier on their terms.

The Demands of Physically Intensive Roles

Long shifts. Physically exhausting tasks. Irregular schedules. For many workers in sectors like construction, manufacturing, and hospitality, this is daily life. And while these jobs keep essential industries running, they can also seriously affect personal wellbeing.

Prioritising your physical and mental health needs can be tough on a good day when time is on your side. On busy days or when stress is high, it's the first thing to be overlooked.

When work has you feeling on edge, planning meals, fitting in workouts, or even just getting enough rest can feel out of reach. Over time, this can chip away at motivation, increase stress, and reduce overall job satisfaction.

It’s no surprise that turnover in these sectors remains high. In 2023, construction saw a 54% turnover rate. In manufacturing, it was 37%. And in leisure and hospitality, it climbed to 79%.

These numbers speak for themselves. Physically demanding jobs need more than appreciation—they need real, practical support for the people doing them.

Proven Impact on Employee Health and Productivity

It’s not a secret that staying physically active helps people feel good, but it also has a real, measurable impact at work. A study from Johns Hopkins found that people who fit in at least 75 minutes of vigorous exercise each week end up missing around four fewer workdays every year. 

Plus, regular physical activity sharpens your mind by boosting memory and concentration, both of which matter a lot when you're working long shifts or juggling demanding tasks.

Being active also helps keep healthcare costs down! Our Wellhub members have experienced this first-hand. After using the platform consistently for a year, active Wellhub users saw their healthcare expenses drop by 21%. Even better, compared to employees who aren’t on the platform, Wellhub users have healthcare costs that are 35% lower overall.

All of these stats might sound impressive, but what matters most is how they translate into everyday life: fewer injuries, more energy to tackle daily tasks, happier teams, and lower turnover in industries where keeping great employees really matters.

"I was not in the best frame of mind, and my fitness was all over the place. I had no structure to training or any motivation. Then my company signed up to Wellhub so their employees could find a gym for a fraction of the cost it would be originally. I found my place at one of my local strength and conditioning gyms and can honestly say the improvement in my fitness and mental health have never been better." — James B, Wellhub Member.

Stories like James’s are exactly why it’s essential to provide wellness support tailored specifically to the realities of physically demanding roles. When wellness meets people where they are, everyone benefits.

How Wellhub Supports Physical Wellness in Demanding Jobs

1. Access to Flexible Fitness Options

Wellhub understands that frontline workers rarely have predictable schedules or consistent routines. With flexible access to multiple gyms and fitness studios, Wellhub fits seamlessly into the daily lives of shift workers, travellers, and anyone whose workday can change at a moment’s notice. 

Rachel G, a Wellhub member, shared:

“With Wellhub I have the options to change up my workouts because I have access to multiple gyms with different training styles. It is common for me to get bored with certain workouts so Wellhub helps me stay on my toes and agile when it comes to working out. This also helps me get out of my comfort zone and try new things.” — Rachel G, Wellhub Member

It’s a solution that really resonates. In fact, 63% of Wellhub users in the UK had no fitness membership at all before joining Wellhub. This demonstrates that there is a demand, and companies need to make it accessible for their employees!

2. Variety = Sustainability

Doing the same exercises repeatedly can quickly become tiring, leading to burnout or boredom. Wellhub makes staying active more sustainable by providing a wide range of fitness activities. 

Employees can choose from high-intensity workouts, strength training, yoga classes, swimming, or recovery-focused sessions to help them stay motivated and committed long term.

Joseph G. shared how variety supported his fitness journey:

"Wellhub has really transformed my fitness. The convenience of having such a variety of gyms all in one platform makes it easier to stay committed, allows me to mix up my workouts and try new things I would've otherwise not.  I love how it helps me prioritise my well-being without the stress of trying multiple gyms to find one that works for me. I highly recommend Wellhub to anyone looking to stay active!" — Joseph G, Wellhub Member.

3. Built-in Nutrition Support for Long-Lasting Energy

Eating well isn’t just about staying healthy. It’s crucial for maintaining energy and focus throughout a physically demanding workday. Wellhub integrates powerful nutrition apps like MyFitnessPal and Strava, which make tracking meals, planning balanced diets, and understanding nutritional goals simpler than ever.

Better nutrition directly translates into better job performance, increased concentration, and sustained energy levels. Wellhub member Tim G. highlights how these tools support him:

"Wellhub includes access to amazing app subscriptions like MyFitnessPal and Strava, which help me stay on top of my nutrition and fitness goals."  — Tim G, Wellhub Member

By combining convenient fitness options with practical nutrition support, Wellhub helps employees maintain their energy, build resilience, and stay healthier both on and off the job.

A Holistic Platform for Busy, On-the-Go Workers

Convenience is key when it comes to wellness programs. If it’s not easy, it probably won’t stick. Wellhub was built with exactly this in mind. 

Our platform fits neatly into the busy lives of employees working hybrid schedules, rotating shifts, or moving between job sites. With location-based access, Wellhub helps workers effortlessly integrate fitness and nutrition into their everyday routines.