Let's Create a Paradigm Shift to Bolster Productivity through Well-Being

We all want to be healthy and productive. Right? Well, maybe some of us enjoy being healthy more than being productive. But if you’re keen on supporting well-being at work, then it might be helpful to understand the profound impact well-being has on productivity for you individually, and for your workplace. Understanding this relationship might make you, and everyone you work with, start to create a paradigm shift that prioritizes well-being to create a healthier, more productive culture.

What Does it Mean to be Well?

Well (pun intended), you need to have healthy social connections; be physically well (have good nutrition, hydration, physical activity and sleep); have purpose and meaning in life; feel positive about yourself and your future; live in—and support—a healthy, safe environment; be able to engage in stimulating activities that expand your intellect; and, be supported by a healthy work culture. For the purpose of this blog, we’re focusing on occupational wellness that impacts all other dimensions of wellness.

So What’s Productivity?

It’s about the personal and business outcomes you can achieve. The more productive you are, the more efficient you are at achieving these outcomes. It does not mean that you work more! Phew—I don’t know about you but I prefer working smarter, which leaves me more time to spend with loved ones (not that I don’t love my colleagues) and pursue extracurricular activities.

Now that we’ve defined these, let’s dive in and see the productivity benefits of just a few wellness hacks!

Greater efficiency: Productivity’s about working smarter not harder. And when you are well, you are smarter. There’s a ton of evidence that indicates psychological wellness creates greater emotional and adaptability intelligence (EI and AI).

Higher intellectual functioning: Proper fuel, social connections and general well-being supports higher intellectual functioning. For example, people who practice mindfulness, scientifically have greater pre-frontal cortex activity than those that don’t.

Fewer sick days: The ability to manage stress in a healthy way can prevent you from getting sick physically. It also reduces the incidence of mental health problems.

Higher team morale: A healthy work culture that supports collaboration and has a high degree of trust and psychological health and safety leads to better morale, which in turn leads to greater productivity.

More energy: If you’re supported to be physically active and take regular breaks, you’re much more likely to be able to ward off that afternoon slump where energy drains, enabling you to do more effective work during those hours.

Enhanced creativity: Working in an environment that values everyone’s opinions and supports psychological health, invites people to be more creative.

Enhanced presenteeism: When you’re well, you have more mental sharpness and the ability to be mentally present. You’re less distracted and better able to focus on your work.

Higher motivation and engagement: When you’re supported to be well at work, you have greater satisfaction in your work and are more motivated and engaged. Being engaged means you have greater desire to do well and usually, that means you’re more focused on the task at hand, making you more productive.

Now that you know how much well-being impacts individual and workplace productivity, spread the word and help create a shift—one where well-being comes first. To access simple, evidence-informed support that support workplace health and performance check out our resource page or become a member for tailored support.