5 Tips for Better Physical and Mental Health at Work

Until recently, traditional workplace well-being methods focused mainly on employees' physical health — through questionnaires, specialist office setups (ergonomic chairs, rest rooms, foosball tables…) and occasional guidance on good posture. Yet workplace well-being goes far beyond that.

Today, mental health at work is at the centre of every conversation. While understanding of workplace mental health has evolved considerably, recognising the early signs of poor mental health is not always easy.

Thanks to — or because of — technology, many of us bring work home and remain available outside working hours. As a result, it is hard for many of us to strike a satisfying balance between professional and personal life. And the inability to achieve that balance sometimes manifests as a lack of motivation and can lead to both physical and mental health problems.

Read also: The evolution of working models: what place for quality of working life?

A poor-quality environment and a lack of social connection and interaction at work can also have a detrimental effect on employee well-being. Employees may feel excluded, or even face risks of injury and illness.

The World Health Organization (WHO) therefore now recommends that organisations make workplace well-being a priority, in order to prevent both physical and mental illness at work.

Mental health at work

"Mental health, like physical health, is an essential component of an individual's overall health", says Dr Daniel Atkinson, Clinical Director at Treated.com.

Mental health is defined as a state of well-being in which an individual is able to cope with the everyday stressors of life and remain productive. Note that mental health differs from the absence of mental illness: you do not need to be ill to suffer from poor mental health, and vice versa.

Key takeaways

• Mental health contributes to stress management
• Well-being at work should be an absolute priority
• Physical health cannot exist without mental health

Physical health at work

In the past, workplace well-being was reduced to health and safety at work. Today, it is more broadly about improving employees' overall health — encompassing happiness and satisfaction at work.

Key takeaways

• Workplace well-being is a joint effort between employer and employees
• Workplace well-being increases productivity and engagement
• It boosts employee motivation

5 good habits for better workplace well-being

To stay in top shape and good health, it is essential to take care of both your body and your mental health. There are many solutions to help your employees preserve their physical and mental well-being.

1. Get restorative sleep

Sleep is essential to our physical and mental health. Sleep regulates the chemical compounds in our brain responsible for transmitting information. These neurotransmitters play a decisive role in managing emotions and mood. Lack of sleep can therefore lead to depressive disorders or anxiety.

2. Eat healthy food

A healthy diet matters not only for our body but also for our mind. Deficiencies in certain minerals — particularly iron and vitamin B12 — can trigger mood swings. Opt for a balanced and nutritious diet. Try to limit or eliminate caffeine if you are a stressed or anxious person, as caffeine tends to make you jittery.

3. Soak up some sunshine

Sunlight is an excellent source of vitamin D, which is essential for our bodies and brain development. It also promotes the release of mood-boosting chemicals such as endorphins and serotonin.

4. Exercise

Physical activity is indispensable for maintaining good mental health. Dr Daniel Atkinson adds that "physical activity not only provides a sense of satisfaction, but also stimulates the production of chemicals that help put you in a good mood". Exercise can help combat low mood, anxiety and stress.

5. Manage stress

Stress is by nature unavoidable; however, identifying your triggers and learning to deal with them is essential for maintaining good mental health.

Read also: Isolation, burnout… the risks of hybrid work

Key takeaways

A reliable and healthy work environment that fosters social interaction contributes significantly to employees' well-being in the workplace. A company culture built on transparency and mutual care — one that encourages communication — can prevent certain physical and mental issues before they ever need treating.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to workplace well-being. However, cohesion, health and productivity at work can be achieved by listening to your employees, encouraging them to speak up about the difficulties they face at work, or simply by improving their day-to-day experience through small actions.

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As you can see, preserving employees' physical and mental health is essential to ensuring their well-being at work. Yet the challenge can sometimes be significant when employees are working remotely.

How can you ensure your remote workers are in good health without seeing them in person? What best practices should you put in place to prevent psychosocial risks in remote work?

To find out, we interviewed Brigitte Vaudolon, clinical psychologist and well-being coach. Discover in this article her 8 best practices for anticipating psychosocial risks in remote work:

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