Preventative measure blog: Part 2 A health-focused culture beyond the physical

While managing physical health is crucial, it’s equally important to address the broader well-being of employees, including mental health and lifestyle choices. A holistic approach to wellness fosters not only a healthier team but one that’s more engaged and motivated.

Key takeaways

• Mental health and well-being
• Lifestyle changes for long-term health
• Promote a holistic approach to health

 Mental health and well-being

Mental health is just as important as physical health when it comes to employee productivity and engagement. The pressures of work, personal challenges, and life events can take a toll on our mental health.

Offering resources and services like counselling, stress management tools, and mindfulness support can help employees manage their mental health more effectively. Through myStrength*, your employees can access evidence-based activities to improve their mental health at their own pace, from guided meditation to improving sleep, helping them to make simple everyday changes to improve their mental well-being.

Additionally, our 24/7 mental health helpline through WeCare* ensures that employees can access expert help whenever they need it, allowing them to address common emotional challenges such as anxiety, depression, and stress.

You can also find a wide range of mental health toolkits and webinars on our well-being calendar to help support your team.

Supporting lifestyle changes for long-term health

In addition to mental health support, promoting a healthy lifestyle can also contribute to overall well-being. Encouraging healthy habits like balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and quality sleep can help employees improve their energy levels, manage stress, and reduce the risk of long-term health issues.

Here are some areas that employees may find valuable to reflect on:

• Diet: What we eat affects not just our weight but also how we feel day-to-day. Nutritional advice can have a profound impact on overall health. The team of registered nutritionists through WeCare* provides evidence-based, practical advice to help employees achieve their goals, whether it’s managing weight, reducing health risks, or improving overall wellness. 
• Exercise: Regular exercise is key to maintaining health. Studies show that there is approximately a 20% to 30% lower risk of depression and dementia for adults participating in daily physical activity [1]. It’s also important to consider what’s realistic for each individual, taking into account their medical history and fitness level.
• Sleep: Are we getting enough restful sleep? Good sleep routine is essential for mental and physical well-being. It’s recommended that adults up to the age of 64 need 7-9 hours of sleep per night. In reality, the latest research has shown that almost 1 in 5 people in the UK aren’t getting enough sleep [2]. Not getting enough “good quality sleep” can sap our energy levels, lower mood and reduce concentration.
• Substance use: Understanding the impact of medications, supplements, and substances (including smoking and alcohol) is crucial for overall health.
• Relationships: Our personal relationships have a significant influence on our well- Reflecting on these connections and whether they need nurturing or improvement is an important part of maintaining mental health.

Promoting a holistic approach to health

Supporting employees’ overall health means helping them take preventative measures that extend beyond just physical health. Encouraging self-care, a balanced lifestyle, and proactive stress management all contribute to a healthier, more engaged workforce.

myStrength* helps employees to improve their mental health through a wide range of evidence-based activities, including guided meditation, stress management exercises, mood tracking, and sleep improvement resources. With personalised support, goal-setting features, and integrated chat support from myStrength guides, employees can address their emotional challenges, manage stress, and build resilience at their own pace.

In addition, WeCare* provides 24/7 access to confidential support, including mental health counselling, lifestyle advice, and fitness guidance. Through WeCare, employees can also benefit from personalised nutrition consultations with registered nutritionists to help manage weight, reduce health risks, and improve overall wellness.

Learn more about our support services: Support Services | Workplace | Canada Life UK

Read Part 1: The role of routine GP check-ups

1. How to look after your mental health using exercise | Mental Health Foundation
2. Sleep and mental health - Mental Health UK
* myStrength and WeCare are provided to Canada Life Limited customers by Teladoc Health. These services are non-contractual and do not form part of your insurance contract with us. If our partnership with Teladoc Health ends, the service can be withdrawn at any time.