Harnessing the Link between Mental and Physical Wellbeing: 5 Steps Employers Can Take Today 

1. Take Your Lunch Break and Get Out of the Office: Encouraging employees to step away from their desks and take a proper lunch break is crucial. Whether they work remotely or in the office, establishing healthy lunch break habits not only enhances work-life balance but also creates opportunities for physical activity. Research shows that lunch breaks can alleviate stress, boost performance, and provide valuable moments for reflection.

2. Book 25-Minute/55-Minute Meetings with Breaks: Implementing the 25/55 meeting format, where participants have a brief break between meetings, can be transformative. These short pauses allow individuals to move, change positions, and most importantly, provide a mental breather. Such breaks can aid in maintaining focus, retaining information, and ultimately contribute to higher productivity levels.

3. Incorporate Standing into Daily Routine (Sit/Stand Desks): Encouraging employees to stand more, especially with the option of sit/stand desks, can have real benefit. Standing improves posture, reduces joint stress, and serves as an effective way to combat prolonged sitting. Even simple actions like walking on the spot while working can contribute to increased movement and reduced sedentary behaviour.

4. Embrace Walking Meetings: Integrating walking meetings into the work culture can invigorate both body and mind. Walking not only boosts step counts but also facilitates meaningful conversations without the distractions of emails or screens. Being outdoors fosters creativity, enhances energy levels, and promotes overall wellbeing, making walking meetings a win-win solution for both individuals and teams.

5. Introduce Team Competition: Harnessing the power of friendly competition can motivate employees to incorporate more movement into their daily routines. By organising team challenges or company-wide competitions, employers can promote camaraderie, strengthen teamwork, and reinforce a culture of collaboration. These initiatives not only promote physical activity but also cultivate a sense of unity and shared purpose among team members.

Mental Health Awareness Week 2024 offers businesses of all sizes the opportunity to take steps to integrate mental and physical wellbeing initiatives in the workplace and help to create an environment that prioritises resilience, health and wellbeing.

If you would like to discuss your organisation's wellbeing needs in more detail, please get in touch today.