According to Kristoffer Henriksen and others from the University of Portsmouth, the elements in promoting employee mental and physical health in sports institutions' environment are the following:

1. Environmental Dimensions

The work environment in sports institutions consists of both social and physical layers that shape employee well-being.

• Social environment: team culture, leadership support, peer relationships, and open communication channels foster a sense of belonging and buffer stress.
• Physical environment: well-designed facilities, ergonomic workstations, on-site fitness areas, and accessible healthy food options encourage active lifestyles and injury prevention.

2. Promoting Mental Health

Mental health emerges from dynamic interactions between individuals and their environments rather than from individual factors alone.

• Three levels of influence: Team level – supportive peers and coaches who recognize signs of distress and normalize help-seeking. Organizational level – clear policies on workloads, mental health days, and confidential counselling services. System level – partnerships with external mental-health professionals and preventive screening programs.

Embedding services on-site and providing manager training can reduce stigma and improve early intervention.

3. Promoting Physical Health

A workplace that integrates physical activity into daily routines enhances both health and performance.

• Active design: standing desks, open stairwells, and walking meeting routes that break prolonged sitting.
• Scheduled movement breaks: short group warm-ups, stretching sessions, or quick sports drills during work hours.
• Wellness programs, including organized team sports, fitness challenges, and nutrition workshops, improve cardiovascular health and reduce musculoskeletal strain.

Regular participation in group activities also strengthens social bonds, thereby amplifying the mental health benefits.

4. Implementation Strategies

5. Outcomes and Benefits

• Enhanced resilience and morale, leading to lower turnover and absenteeism.
• Improved cognitive function, creativity, and decision-making under pressure.
• Reduced healthcare costs and workers' compensation claims.
• Stronger organizational performance through a healthier, more engaged workforce.

By designing supportive social cultures, ergonomic spaces, and integrated wellness initiatives, sports institutions can holistically promote both mental and physical health among their employees

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Nadir Bouslah

The work environment plays a crucial role in shaping the mental and physical health of employees in sports institutions. Given the high-pressure nature of the sports industry—where performance, deadlines, and public scrutiny are constant—creating a supportive and healthy work environment is essential not only for well-being but also for sustained productivity and morale.

Physically, sports institutions must ensure that employees—whether athletes, coaches, or administrative staff—have access to ergonomic workspaces, appropriate training or fitness facilities, and safety measures tailored to their specific roles. For athletes and coaches, this also includes injury prevention protocols, rehabilitation support, and access to nutrition and recovery services. For office-based staff, physical health can be promoted through wellness initiatives, movement breaks, and flexible scheduling.

Mentally, a positive work environment is one that fosters open communication, respect, and psychological safety. In sports institutions, where competition and performance can lead to stress and burnout, HR leaders must prioritize mental health resources such as counseling, stress management workshops, and clear policies against discrimination or harassment. Importantly, leadership should model healthy work behaviors and encourage a culture where seeking help is normalized and supported.

In sum, the work environment is not just a backdrop but a driver of employee health. A well-designed, inclusive, and health-conscious environment enables individuals to thrive—both professionally and personally—and contributes to the overall effectiveness and reputation of the sports institution.