Enhancing Workplace Productivity through Health: Insights and Evidence

In the dynamic landscape of modern workplaces, the correlation between employee health and productivity has been a subject of extensive research. Recent studies have shed light on this interplay, underscoring the critical role of workplace health promotion in boosting both employee well-being and organisational performance.

The Significance of Workplace Health Interventions

A systematic review published in BMC Public Health emphasises the effectiveness of workplace interventions in nutrition and physical activity. By examining a range of studies, including randomised controlled trials and non-randomised controlled study designs, the review highlights how these interventions positively impact work-related outcomes like productivity, absenteeism, and work performance (Grimani et al. 2019). The literature has room for improvement and updating, many of the studies that are commonly mentioned pre-date key ‘work-place cultural shifts’ such as the COVID-19 Pandemic. That said, we can infer confidently that there is a correlation between employee wellness and on-the-job productivity. An extension of this is we can also draw inferences that the opposite is observable, that there is a correlation between worsening health states of employees and productivity and . 

Trends in Workplace Wellness Research

'The Evolution of Workplace Wellness Research', an editorial in the American Journal of Health Promotion by Paul E. Terry (2022) points out a shift in focus. The past two decades have seen a growing interest in understanding how work affects health and societal wellbeing, not just how health and wellbeing of employees increases profitability and productivity. This change in perspective is crucial for developing more holistic and effective workplace health strategies. I find this shift particularly exciting, because if profitability/productivity stops being the sole focus - we are in a position to be able to instigate more profound change which may in turn be beneficial to economic productivity markers. It will be interesting to see how this focus continues to change. 

The Path Forward

As we navigate through 2024, it becomes increasingly clear that fostering a healthy work environment is not just a matter of employee well-being; it is also a strategic business decision and something that employers and leaders are valuing in it’s own merit. By integrating health-promoting practices into our workplaces, we can unlock higher levels of productivity and satisfaction. This approach goes beyond healthcare cost savings; it cultivates a thriving, engaged, and resilient workforce. 

In light of this evidence, it seems that businesses are wanting more and more to make a positive impact on health and wellness - not because of an alternative benefit, but due to a core value of believing it is important in and of itself. To paraphrase Paul Terry; ‘it seems we are becoming more interested in how work effects health, not how health effects work.’ I invite business leaders and HR professionals to join the conversation on integrating effective health strategies in our workplaces. Together, we can redefine what it means to be a productive and healthy workplace in the modern era. 

Grimani, A., Aboagye, E. and Kwak, L. (2019). The effectiveness of workplace nutrition and physical activity interventions in improving productivity, work performance and workability: a systematic review. BMC Public Health, [online] 19(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-019-8033-1.

Terry, P.E. (2022). The Twenty Five Most Important Studies in Workplace Health Promotion. American Journal of Health Promotion, p.089011712211207. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/08901171221120719.