Maybe.

Some studies of elementary school children a few years ago not only looked at their results on cognitive and complex memory tests after exercise, but also scanned their brains and measured different areas for development. What they found was the growth of important areas of the brain where critical and complex thinking occurs, with a concurrent improvement on tests. Said the story on the studies in the New York Times,

The two studies did not directly overlap, but the researchers, in their separate reports, noted that the hippocampus and basal ganglia regions interact in the human brain, structurally and functionally. Together they allow some of the most intricate thinking. If exercise is responsible for increasing the size of these regions and strengthening the connection between them, being fit may “enhance neurocognition” in young people, the authors concluded.

We here at Designing Leaders have long advocated the incorporation of good health and physical fitness into the goals for your employees. We have seen, and experienced for ourselves, plenty of anecdotal examples of exercise allowing for a recharging of the batteries and a resurgence of creativity and innovative thinking. At the same time, we can probably all agree that healthier employees mean greater productivity (with fewer days lost to sick leave) and lower health care costs for your organization.

Now, these studies have some limitations. First, they deal with aerobic exercise only, so sending your team to the weight room is not really validated by these findings. Second, the study was conducted on 9-10 year olds, and you probably don’t have many of those in your workforce, so they do not suggest what the impact would be on an adult brain

Some more recent studies in 2014, though, suggested positive mental results from exercise for both young adults and those in middle age. A 2015 study led by Chun Liang Hsu at the University of British Columbia found indications that exercise can help control some of the factors that lead to dementia. It is getting easier to find studies supporting a link between exercise and mental capability, and they don’t just come from the membership manager at your local gym.

Ask yourself this: what would you lose by promoting good fitness among your employees? Yes, you run the risk of “wasted time,” but if your employees ARE more productive after exercise, that should make up for it. There are some good potential benefits, and few potential downsides. So, setting aside some time during the day for exercise, or subsidizing gym memberships, or getting your employees into the next dragon boat festival, just might be worth the relatively small investment.

And we are not just saying this because our Chief Teaching Officer, Doctor Will, is scheduled to compete tomorrow in the North Pole Marathon.