Maximising Employee Productivity Through Personal Health Optimisation
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Time to read 5 min
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Time to read 5 min
Keywords: Health optimisation, physical activity, mental health
Table of Content
Can your personal health be the secret weapon to skyrocketing your productivity at work? Welcome to the intriguing world of personal health optimisation, a rapidly growing trend in the UK and globally, aimed at maximising employee productivity. How does this concept vary across different socioeconomic and gender groups, and can job positions themselves influence health optimisation strategies? Let's find out.
In personal health optimisation, there are several key metrics that employers often look for.
These include physical fitness levels, mental health status, and dietary habits, among others.
According to a 2019 survey by Virgin Pulse states that 78% of employers identified mental wellbeing as critical to employee productivity.
Moreover, these metrics are not just about individual health; they also relate to what employees can provide in terms of work output.
For instance, a physically fit employee is likely to have higher energy levels, which can translate into increased productivity.
Similarly, good mental health can lead to improved focus and creativity.
According to a Harvard Business Review analysis , the prevalence of mental health challenges among employees has significantly risen from 2019 to 2021.
Notably, younger employees and historically underrepresented groups are the most affected.
The data highlights that 76% of respondents reported experiencing at least one symptom of a mental health condition in the past year, up from 59% in 2019.
Senior executives are also reporting higher rates of mental health symptoms, debunking the myth that l eaders are immune to such issues .
The increase in mental health challenges has also directly impacted employee retention.
More employees are leaving their jobs due to mental health reasons, exacerbated by unsustainable work conditions.
Harvard Business Review notes that attrition rates have soared, with 68% of Millennials and 81% of Gen Z employees having left roles for mental health reasons, both voluntarily and involuntarily.
Overall, 50% of respondents reported leaving jobs due to mental health issues in 2021, compared to 34% in 2019.
According to the Harvard Business Review , despite global efforts, physical inactivity rates have remained stagnant since 2001, disproportionately affecting high-income countries.
One-third of women and one-fourth of men globally do not engage in adequate physical activity .. This sedentary lifestyle not only contributes to health issues but also affects workplace performance.
Harvard Business Review’s research highlights the significant impact of daily physical activity on work-related outcomes among employees in the UK and China.
Participants wore smart band devices to track physical activity and reported on work outcomes, revealing several key findings:
Motivation and Engagement : Autonomous motivation plays a crucial role in driving physical activity. Individuals who perceive physical activity as enjoyable are more likely to engage consistently.
Next-Day Resource Caravans : Daily physical activity generates resources such as quality sleep, vigour, and task focus, which enhance job performance and health outcomes the following day.
Long-Term Benefits : Physical activity accrues time-lagged benefits on next-day task performance, creativity, and health, supported by sustained levels of physical, affective, and cognitive resources.
Employees with higher job self-efficacy benefit more from daily physical activity, experiencing improved sleep quality and enhanced task focus.
Job self-efficacy amplifies the positive effects of physical activity on resource acquisition and subsequent job performance
Work engagement is a critical indicator of work-related well-being, positively linked to various outcomes such as health, life satisfaction, work efficiency, income level, and career prospects.
However, the specific impact of diet on work engagement remains underexplored.
In this study, 630 female municipal employees participated, with work engagement assessed using the Utrecht Work Engagement Index to investigate the relationship between work engagement and diet.
Key findings from the study indicate a positive correlation between work engagement and the consumption of healthy food items:
Positive Dietary Habits : Participants with higher work engagement reported consuming more healthy foods on a daily basis.
Impact on Well-being : Improved diet qualit y was associated with enhanced work engagement, suggesting that dietary choices may contribute to better work-related outcomes.
Personal health optimisation is not a one-size-fits-all concept. It varies significantly based on individual factors such as socioeconomic status, gender, and job position.
For instance, a CEO might require stress management strategies and high-intensity workouts to cope with their demanding role, while an entry-level employee might need a balanced diet and regular exercise to maintain their health.
The CDC states that individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds often face more health challenges, making their health optimisation journey more complex.
Similarly, gender differences can influence health optimisation strategies.
Therefore, it's crucial to tailor health optimisation strategies to individual needs and circumstances for them to be effective.
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While personal health optimisation can undoubtedly enhance individual productivity, it's essential to consider its broader impacts on employees and organisations.
A 2023 study found that the total cost of lost output due to ill health in the UK was around $180 billion per annum, equivalent to 7% of GDP.
This cost was primarily driven by reduced productivity, highlighting the significant financial implications of employee health.
However, it's not just about the numbers.
Companies that prioritise health and wellness tend to have a higher percentage of engaged employees at work every day, leading to a more vibrant and productive work environment.
Furthermore, health optimisation initiatives, such as workplace wellness programmes and health education campaigns, can foster a sense of community and camaraderie among employees, enhancing overall job satisfaction.
However, it's important to note that these initiatives must be implemented responsibly, with due regard for individual privacy and autonomy.
Overzealous health optimisation efforts can potentially lead to negative outcomes, such as stress, burnout, and even discrimination against those who cannot or choose not to participate.
Therefore, while personal health optimisation can be a powerful tool for boosting productivity, it must be approached with care and sensitivity to ensure it benefits all employees without causing harm.
Women's Health
Personal health optimisation is a powerful tool that can significantly enhance productivity and create a healthier, more vibrant workplace.
However, it's crucial to approach this concept with care, respecting individual differences and privacy.
This is where OptimallyMe comes in.
We provide MOT tests for all employees, offering a comprehensive overview of their health status and personalised recommendations for improvement.
Our one-year membership includes access to our mobile app, which connects with various health devices and apps, allowing employees to track their progress and make data-driven health decisions.
Interested in our offer? Contact us via partnerships@optimallyme.com.
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→ Your Heart's Gatekeeper: Can Cholesterol Influence Males' Ability To Have Children?
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