3 Pillars Of Workplace Wellbeing That Boost Productivity & Performance

Mini squiz quiz?- How can you boost productivity in your business? Is there really a connection between health and high performance?

Let’s step into the corporate health arena, where being awake, energised and zesty at 4 o’clock is a well-envied quality for those of us seeking a micro-sleep. 

The path to business employee energy productivity and brain clarity is not a special vitamin. It's all about the Fab Three – good nutrition, solid sleep, and the all-important gut health ( gut-brain-cognitive function is real!). 

Not exactly the kind of trio you'd find on a Billboard chart, but trust me they're the superstars when it comes to pumping up productivity and nipping burnout in the bud.  Each of these pillars has a knock-on effect on the others.  If we eat well, we improve our gut/brain function.  If we eat well we improve our risk factors for poor sleep.  If we sleep well, our leptin rises and we tend to eat better and so on and so forth.  This is evidence-based research - this is not pseudo-science.

So grab a cuppa as we dive into the world of these wellness wonders, and discover how they can transform your team into an energetic, mentally resilient, cognitive powerhouse.

The Impact Of Workplace Wellbeing On Productivity And Performance

In this era of ever-evolving technology, our ability to be productive and perform at our best can be thwarted by physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion. So, to conquer today's business landscape, we must unlock the secret to sustaining ourselves and our team's energy amidst the daily workload. 

It all starts with the mighty pillars of nutrition, sleep, and gut health. And the key to addressing these challenges head-on is simpler than you might think with tiny mini habits. 

It all comes down to the wellbeing of your employees in the workplace.

Supporting wellbeing in the workplace isn't just beneficial - it's essential. Happy, healthy employees are the lifeblood of your business.

I recently heard, Roshni Hegerman, director at Oracle, support this concept by sharing that an employee should be considered an asset line item on a P&L.  So true! When you spruce up your employees' wellbeing, you're not just giving them a boost - you're giving your business a boost!

When employees feel cared for, their motivation, focus, and efficiency skyrocket, pushing productivity to new heights. They're less likely to get sick or feel overwhelmed, reducing absenteeism and turnover. They're even more likely to bring their A-game to work, leading to increased creativity and innovation.

For the business, this means happier clients, stronger relationships, and a stellar reputation. It means a vibrant office culture that attracts top talent and keeps them on the team.

And more than anything, it means success - not just in terms of profits, but in creating a business that truly makes a difference.

That's the power of investing in employee wellbeing - it's the magic potion that helps both your people and your business thrive.

So, you can see that wellbeing is not just a buzzword. It's the cornerstone of success in the modern business world. It's the secret sauce that turns good businesses into great ones. And it's time to take it seriously.

Ready to embark on the journey towards peak performance and unparalleled success? Let's go!

Pillar #1: Good Nutrition = Mental Resilience & Energy

When it comes to powering up performance, good fuel is essential. Eating a nutritious diet that's rich in vitamins, minerals and healthy fats will help your team stay energised, alert and focused.

Adequate hydration is also essential for staying sharp throughout the workday. Committing to drinking at least two litres of water a day can help your team keep their concentration and productivity levels up.

And whatever you do - try to steer everyone clear of sugary drinks as well as artificial sweeteners. They may give an initial rush, but it won't last long. And the sugar crash that follows is a productivity killer. Not to mention the medical research on artificial sugar and its links to neurological function and cancer. 

When fueling your team, balance is key. Encourage them to eat an assortment of nutrient-dense foods and reduce their consumption of overly processed grains and unhealthy trans fats. Focusing on this will give their bodies the energy they need to stay alert and perform at their peak throughout the day.

Solution: Improve nutrition= increase productivity & energy

Resource:  The Impact Of Nutrition On Mental Resilience & Energy online program

Pillar #2: Good Sleep = Stress & Burnout Prevention

Stress and burnout are no strangers to the modern workplace. In fact, they've become chronic issues affecting a vast number of employees globally. The incessant demands of the job, long working hours and the pressure to constantly perform can lead to a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion otherwise known as burnout.

Burnout not only affects an individual's health, but it also significantly impacts their productivity and job performance. When the stress levels go up, the productivity graph takes a nosedive. This inevitably leads to subpar performance, a decrease in work efficiency and creativity, and a decline in job satisfaction.

Moreover, chronic stress can impact decision-making abilities, lead to memory problems, and foster negativity in the workplace. It also increases the likelihood of workplace conflicts, absenteeism, and turnover.

These issues are not just personal health problems but major organisational issues that affect overall business success. Therefore, addressing them effectively is crucial for business growth and sustainability.

Sleep is a non-negotiable if your team are to be at their best, and yet it often takes a back seat in our day-to-day lives. Poor sleep can lead to impaired focus and decreased mental resilience, impair communication skills, disrupt strategic and creative thinking, and more so it's essential to encourage your employees to learn how to master their sleep.

Inadequate sleep is often associated with reduced productivity, poor performance and increased errors in the workplace. And it's not only the quantity but also the quality of sleep that matters.

Sleep deprivation or interrupted sleep patterns can lead to cognitive impairments such as reduced attention span, impaired memory, and decreased analytical thinking, all of which are crucial to optimal job performance.

Sleep plays a critical role in our overall wellbeing, boosting immune function, improving mood, enhancing brain function, and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

So you can see why it's so important to make sure your employees are well-rested and ready to take on the day. But what can you do to help them get better sleep?

Consider providing access to the Science of Workplace Wellbeing online program. Module one focuses on the Impact of Nutrition

Solution: Consistently get 7-8 hours of good, deep uninterrupted sleep

Resource: The Impact of Sleep & Stress on Burnout & Productivity online program

 Pillar #3: A Healthy Gut = Good Mental Health & Brain Performance

A healthy gut, often referred to as the body's "second brain," is linked to cognitive function, mood, and mental health, making it a crucial factor in overall employee productivity and wellbeing.

Researchers, neuroscientists and productivity specialists have a spotlight on the gut-brain axis. 

Why? The gut microbiome, a bustling community of microorganisms, holds the key to this all-important connection. Not only does it impact our physical health, but it also affects our mental state.

Believe it or not, the gut microbiome affects our brains by producing all sorts of neurotransmitters. Take serotonin, for example. It's that magical neurotransmitter responsible for our moods, anxiety levels, and happiness. And guess where it's made? You got it - in the gut!

But here's the kicker: imbalances in the gut microbiome can mess with the production and functioning of these neurotransmitters, leading to all sorts of mental health woes like anxiety, depression, and mood disorders.

Now, let's talk about how all this affects our work. An unhealthy gut means reduced brain power - think foggy memory and scattered concentration. Stress and mood disorders like these take a toll on our performance at work. We become less creative, our decision-making skills go out the window, and productivity? Well, let's just say it takes a nosedive.

But here's the good news: taking care of our gut microbiome is the ultimate mental health hack. Organisations can step up by providing resources and creating an environment that champions good gut health.

And the best part? It's a win-win! Employees thrive, productivity soars, and work-related stress and burnout? Consider them a thing of the past.

Solution: A healthy gut biome means a healthy brain and mood.

Resource: The Impact of The Gut Biome on Mental Health & Brain Performance online program

The Interconnectivity of the Three Pillars

Workplace wellbeing is a complex and interconnected web of physical, mental, and emotional health. It's not just about the three pillars mentioned here - there are many other factors to consider.

But the synergy between the three pillars of workplace wellbeing - nutrition, sleep, and gut health - forges the foundation of optimal productivity and performance.

1. Nutrition fuels the body and mind, supplying the essential nutrients needed for cognitive functions, energy levels, and overall wellness.
2. Sleep regenerates the body and mind, restoring energy, reinforcing memory, enhancing cognitive functions, and managing stress levels.
3. Gut health, acting as the body's "second brain," plays a vital role in mood regulation and cognitive function.

Together, these pillars form a triad of holistic wellbeing in the workplace.

When these three elements are balanced, employees experience heightened energy, improved concentration, better problem-solving abilities, and enhanced emotional stability.

A well-nourished employee who gets adequate sleep and maintains a healthy gut is likely to exhibit higher resilience to stress, better decision-making skills, and increased productivity.

Therefore, it is the harmonious interplay of nutrition, sleep, and gut health that shapes an environment conducive to peak performance and productivity in the workplace.

By focusing on these three pillars, organisations can foster a culture of wellbeing that empowers their employees to thrive professionally and personally. And the company benefits as a result.

Solution: The Science of Workplace Wellbeing online program

Boost Productivity & Performance Through Workplace Wellbeing

Whether it's encouraging healthy eating habits, providing access to sleep resources, or advocating for good gut health - taking proactive steps to help their employees stay well and perform at their best is the key to creating a successful workplace both for employees and the company as a whole.

Instead of thinking of workplace wellbeing as just a ‘nice-to-have’ perk, take the lead to create a healthier, more productive workplace.

Help your employees unlock their true potential with sustainable solutions that empower and engage them. Invest in your people, and you'll be rewarded with the dividends of a productive, successful company.

The time to act is now - invest in the 3 pillars of workplace wellbeing for long-term success for both your organisation and its employees!

Any questions, thoughts, comments, feedback? Please share as we truly value efforts to create a positive wellness culture in your professional and family life.

Yours in good health & a bit of dark chocolate.

Michele.