European pathways to active and performing workplaces
On Tuesday, December 2nd, in Brussels, the European Federation for Company Sport (EFCS) hosted the final conference of the European projects Move at Work (M@W) and Work, Move & Perf (WMP). Co-funded by the Erasmus+ Sport programme of the European Commission, these two major projects—coordinated respectively by EFCS and the French Federation for Company Sport (FFSE)—brought together researchers, public decision-makers, companies, and sport stakeholders with a shared goal: making physical activity at work a core driver of health, workplace well-being, and organizational performance in Europe.
Well-being and workplace performance: why physical activity matters
After three years of research, experimentation, and European cooperation, one conclusion is clear: physical activity at work is no longer optional. It is a strategic investment that benefits both employees and organizations.
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% lower risk of depression among physically active employees
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higher individual productivity
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reduction in absenteeism
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%
reduction in presenteeism
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annual savings per employee
These findings confirm that physical activity is a key lever for sustainable performance, employee well-being, and competitive advantage.
More active workplaces: a European challenge
The conference opened with a series of keynote interventions, emphasizing the importance of European-level action:
Eva Jacomet
Head of European Affairs, Sport and Citizenship Think Tank, and moderator, highlighted that workplace physical activity is not only a health matter but a societal priority, fostering inclusion, social cohesion, and overall quality of life.
Stefano Pintus
Policy officer at the European Commission, reminded participants that physical activity declines in adulthood due to work and life responsibilities, highlighting the need for structured workplace initiatives and policies.
Musa Lami
Secretary general of EFCS, highlighted the federation’s mission and long-standing work in European networking and corporate sport cooperation since 1962.
Charlotte Frueh-Richardot
Project manager, presented key statistics:
- 42–55% of European adults do not meet physical activity recommendations
- Only 11% practice physical activity at work
- 100% of leaders who implemented workplace PA programs recommend them
Three panels: linking science, practice, and public policy
The first panel presented scientific foundations through
the Copenhagen Consensus and the Work, Move & Perf study:
Dr. Adam B. Evans, University of Copenhagen, highlighted current workplace physical activity programmes and the key role of organizational culture, managerial support, and employee engagement.
Dr. Salvador Angosto Sánchez, University of Murcia, shared quantitative results showing significant differences between active and sedentary employees in absenteeism, presenteeism, and annual costs per employee.
Frank Vandaele, Artevelde University of Applied Sciences, emphasized the benefits of physical activity for mental health, stress and burnout prevention, and the importance of fostering community.
Scientific conclusion:
Workplace physical activity is a proven lever for performance and well-being, with practical tools now available for organizations. It should be understood within a physical literacy framework, including:
- Positive effects on individual physical and mental health
- Strengthening team cohesion
- Improving organizational performance
The second panel featured company sport ambassadors from France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, sharing practical insights:
Silke Veeckman, project manager at Fros Multisport Vlaanderen (Belgium), presented Belgian tools for needs analysis and evaluation, as well as an online platform to share best practices.
Martine Schuijer, director of Stichting Nederland Onderneemt Maatschappelijk! (Netherlands), highlighted linking physical activity with other health and inclusion priorities, and showcased free resources for national and European engagement.
Victoria Isitt, development officer at FFSE, shared her experience supporting companies, emphasizing the need for innovation and adaptation to new work realities, including remote work and multisite organizations.
Key takeaway: Scaling workplace physical activity requires clear tools, committed leadership, and strategies adapted to different organizational contexts.
The final panel looked beyond the projects, toward a structured European community:
Aurélia Fischer & Alister Dalrymple, vice president and secretary general, Swiss Federation for Company Sport / Evaleo, presented updates to Active Workplaces Certification criteria, integrating physical activity into CSR strategies.
Simon De Coster, international projects officer, Sport Vlaanderen, shared preliminary findings from a European report on government-led workplace physical activity initiatives.
Vincent Fohal, sports project officer, Municipality of Ixelles, illustrated the role of public authorities in driving active workplaces, with Ixelles being an Active Workplace-certified municipality since 2021.
Message: Sustainable impact relies on cooperation, shared commitments, and common tools, from local to European levels.
Active break
Just a few minutes of movement can help reconnect and relax: participants enjoyed an active yoga session led by Charlotte Frueh-Richardot.
Next steps: free resources to take action
This final conference marked the conclusion of a key phase and the launch of a legacy for research and cooperation projects. To develop more active workplaces across Europe, a full set of practical and accessible resources is available:
Studies and infographics
On the impact of physical activity on employee productivity and organizational performance:
E-learning platform (MOOC)
with insights, tools, and success factors for effective workplace physical activity programmes:
Open access to Active Workplaces Certification criteria
allowing organizations to assess and benchmark their initiatives:
Move at Work supporters’ pledge
inviting organizations and individuals to promote workplace physical activity based on Copenhagen Consensus principles:
Revoir la conférence en replay
These resources provide practical tools for transforming workplaces into active, healthy, and high-performing environments, enhancing employee health, well-being, and productivity.
Thank you to all speakers, partners, and participants for supporting more active, healthier, and high-performing workplaces in Europe.
The Move At Work (M@W) project, coordinated by the European Federation for Company Sport (EFCS), is co-funded by the Erasmus+ Sport programme. It aims to democratize physical activity in the workplace by providing a European overview of workplace physical activity programmes and offering practical tools and guidance for their implementation.
The EFCS is implementing the project together with eight partner organizations: the European Network for Innovation and Knowledge (Netherlands), Evaleo (Switzerland), the Federation of the European Sporting Goods Industry (Belgium), the Sport and Citizenship think tank (Belgium), Stichting NLOM! (Netherlands), the University of Copenhagen (Denmark), and the World Federation for Company Sport (France).
The Work, Move & Perf (WMP) project, coordinated by the French Federation for Company Sport (FFSE), is also co-funded by the Erasmus+ Sport programme. It is the first European-level scientific study to analyze the effects of physical activity on individual productivity and organizational performance.
The FFSE is implementing the project with eight partner organizations: the University of Copenhagen (Denmark), the University of Murcia (Spain), the European Federation for Company Sport (France), the Association for Sport in Free Time (Bulgaria), the French National Olympic Committee (France), the Sports Association of the Bank of France (France), the Authority for Integrity in Maltese Sport (Malta), and the European Network for Innovation and Knowledge (Netherlands).
European Pathways to Active and Performing Workplaces
Brussels — Tuesday, 2 December 2025, 15:00–18:00
Join us in Brussels for the final conference of the Erasmus+ Sport projects Move@Work (M@W) and Work, Move & Perf (WMP) — a unique opportunity to explore how physical activity can drive healthier, more active and better-performing workplaces across Europe.
This event will bring together European experts, project partners, policymakers and employers to share evidence, tools and good practices on the benefits and implementation of physical activity at work.
Why Attend?
- Discover the latest research findings on physical activity and performance at work
- Discover the project key results
- Learn from innovative European initiatives and practical case studies
- Connect with decision-makers, researchers, and employers shaping the future of active workplaces
- Access tools and recommendations to support physical activity in your organization
Programme
Moderate by: Eva Jacomet, Head of the EU Affairs – Think tank Sport et Citizenship
From 14:30: Welcoming & registration
15:00: Official opening
- Stefano Pintus, Policy Officer – Sport Unit, DG EAC European Commission
- Didier Besseyre, President – European and World Federation for Company Sport (EFCS, WFCS)
Move at Work and Performance: What are we talking about?
- Charlotte Frueh-Richardot, Move At Work project coordinator – European Federation for Company Sport (EFCS)
- Victoria Isitt, Work, Move & Perf project coordinator – French Federation for Company Sport (FFSE)
PANEL 1: State of the art – Scientific evidence on the impact of physical activity in the workplace
- Dr. Adam B. Evans, Department of Nutrition Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen
- Dr. Salvador Angosto Sanchez, UMU Sport Research Group, University of Murcia
- Frank Vandaele, Lecturer and Researcher – Artevelde University of Applied Sciences
15:50-16:10: Active & coffee break
PANEL 2: Implementing workplace Physical Activity — challenges, good practices and key tools
- Thomas Le Lann, Sports Advisor French and European Federation for Company Sport (FFSE, EFCS)
- Silke Veeckman, Company Sports Project Coordinator – Fros Multisport Vlaanderen
- Theodora Filandra, Physical Activity Executive – Corinth Canal SA-AEDIK, WAC certified company (tbc)
- Martine Schuijer, Director – Nederland Onderneemt Maatschappelijk
17:00: Q&A
PANEL 3: Beyond the projects — Launching the Move At Work Supporters’ Community
- Simon De Coster, International Sports Policy Officer – Sport Vlaanderen
- Vincent Fohal, Sports projects Officer – Municipality of Ixelles
- Aurélia Fischer, Vice President – Swiss Federation for Company Sport and Senior Project Manager – Evaleo
- Níkos Pappás, Member of the European Parliament (tbc)
17:50: Q&A
18:00: Conclusions
Cocktail & Networking
About the Move@Work Project (M@W)
The Move At Work (M@W) project, coordinated by the European Federation for Company Sport (EFCS), is co-funded by the Erasmus+ Sport programme. It aims to democratize physical activity in the workplace by providing a European overview of workplace physical activity programmes and offering practical tools and guidance for their implementation.
The EFCS is implementing the project together with eight partner organizations: the European Network for Innovation and Knowledge (Netherlands), Evaleo (Switzerland), the Federation of the European Sporting Goods Industry (Belgium), the Sport and Citizenship think tank (Belgium), Stichting NLOM! (Netherlands), the University of Copenhagen (Denmark), and the World Federation for Company Sport (France).
About the Work, Move & Perf Project (WMP)
The Work, Move & Perf (WMP) project, coordinated by the French Federation for Company Sport (FFSE), is also co-funded by the Erasmus+ Sport programme. It is the first European-level scientific study to analyze the effects of physical activity on individual productivity and organizational performance.
The FFSE is implementing the project with eight partner organizations: the University of Copenhagen (Denmark), the University of Murcia (Spain), the European Federation for Company Sport (France), the Association for Sport in Free Time (Bulgaria), the French National Olympic Committee (France), the Sports Association of the Bank of France (France), the Authority for Integrity in Maltese Sport (Malta), and the European Network for Innovation and Knowledge (Netherlands).
Don’t miss this opportunity!
Join us on 2 December 2025 in Brussels and be part of the conversation shaping the future of active and performing workplaces in Europe.
Seats are limited — register now to secure your place and connect with leading experts, innovators, and decision-makers driving change across the continent.
As part of the “Work Move & Perf” project, the University of Murcia (UMU) is conducting a study aimed at analyzing the benefits of physical activity on employees’ productivity and well-being in the European workplace. The results of this study will help develop guidelines on best practices for promoting physical activity at work, thereby enhancing employees’ quality of life and productivity as well as organizational performance.
We need your input! Please take a few moments to complete the online questionnaire. Your participation is entirely voluntary and will take less than 10 minutes.
Why participate?
- Contribute to a Europe-wide research project exploring the link between physical activity, well-being, and workplace performance.
- Help improve our understanding of the impact of physical habits in professional settings.
Background information – WMP project
The WMP project is a 24-month project co-funded by the European Commission through the Erasmus+ Sport 2023 programme and coordinated by the French Federation for Company Sport (FFSE). It aims to promote active and healthy lifestyles in Europe by developing the practice of Physical and Sports Activities (PSA) in the workplace.
The WMP project is the first EU study on the effects of PSA for employees’ performance and well-being. The FFSE is implementing the project with 8 partner organisations : the University of Copenhagen (Denmark), the University of Murcia (Spain), the European Federation for Company Sport (France), the Association for Sport in the Free Time (Bulgaria), the French National Olympic Committee (France), the Sports Association of Bank of France (France), the Authority For Integrity In Maltese Sport (Malta) and the European Network for Innovation and Knowledge (Netherlands).
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On 15 and 16 February, the 9 partner organisations of the project met in Paris, at the headquarters of the Banque de France, for the official launch of the project.
On the first day, the participants were able to introduce themselves, as well as to share their professional experience and their expectations regarding the implementation of the WMP project. The representatives of the French Federation for company Sport (FFSE) and the European Federation for Company Sport (EFCS) reviewed the development of company sport in the broad sense of the term in France and Europe in recent years and pointed out that this practice could meet the EU’s objectives in terms of mental and physical health.
On the second day, the project coordinator, the French Federation for Company Sport exposed the project’s objectives, key stages and overall timetable as well as the division of tasks between the partnership were presented.
One shared general objective: Improving workplaces by making them conductive to the physical and mental health of workers.
The project’s academic and scientific partners – the University of Copenhagen and the University of Murcia representatives – presented their methodology for conducting the quantitative and qualitative study on the link between employees’ physical activity, their performance and their well-being. Initially, they will draw up a review of studies published on the subject and existing practices. The preliminary analysis of needs will be carried out with employees and decision-makers/managers. This will involve taking stock of expectations, needs and obstacles to introducing physical activity into the daily life of the company.
It is important to remember that the aim of the project is to create concrete tools for private and public decision-makers, based on the studies that will be carried out during the project.
Follow EFCS on social networks to keep up to date with the WMP project!
The beginning of 2024 marks the start of the Work, Move & Perf (WMP) project coordinated by the French Federation for Company Sport (FFSE), with the aim of promoting active and healthy lifestyles in Europe by developing the practice of Physical and Sports Activities (PSA) in the workplace.
Over a period of 2 years, the project consists of a study on the effects of physical activity in the work environment on employees’ performance and well-being. It is the first study of its kind at European level.
The kick-off meeting will place on 15 and 16 February in Paris.
Background information – WMP project.
The WMP project is a 24-month project co-funded by the European Commission through the Erasmus+ Sport 2023 programme and coordinated by the French Federation for Company Sport (FFSE). It aims to promote active and healthy lifestyles in Europe by developing the practice of Physical and Sports Activities (PSA) in the workplace. The WMP project is the first EU study on the effects of PSA for employees’ performance and well-being. The FFSE is implementing the project with 8 partner organisations : the University of Copenhagen (Denmark), the University of Murcia (Spain), the European Federation for Company Sport (France), the Association for Sport in the Free Time (Bulgaria), the French National Olympic Committee (France), the Sports Association of Bank of France (France), the Authority For Integrity In Maltese Sport (Malta) and the European Network for Innovation and Knowledge (Netherlands).