Employers have a responsibility to support their employees’ health and well-being. For a long time, this meant the involvement of occupational medicine to make workplaces safer for different occupations. Only recently, employees at modern workspaces have been supported by mental health offers which aim to raise awareness about and support mental health, and they wish these offers to continue. Surveys assessing the opinions and wishes of employees regularly document that employees consider workplace health promotion offers an important aspect of why they choose one company over another, and why they stay at a company.
Why an offer to specifically promote brain health at the workplace?
While the GetBrainHealthy tool touches upon physical health and mental health as important dimensions of brain health, a brain health view offers a more holistic perspective. It also emphasises cognition, a domain on which science has gained important insights over the last decades. Brain health encompasses both the long-term prevention perspective and the short-term cognitive performance we all need to function well in increasingly complex modern workspaces.
Knowledge helps us to take action
Many people fear impaired brain health but lack knowledge about it. Surveys reveal that many respondents mistakenly believe dementia, characterised by memory impairment, is a normal part of ageing. In reality, dementia is a partially preventable disease that occurs in older age. Many are unaware that scientific evidence shows the risk of dementia is modifiable through lifestyle changes. Increasing awareness of these preventative measures is crucial.
Brain health science to equip employees for the complex demands of today’s work conditions
In recent years, science has made important progress towards understanding that brain health is modifiable and that a healthy lifestyle can significantly delay cognitive ageing.
Research indicates that certain aspects of the modern workplace negatively impact brain health. Constant reachability through multiple communication channels, the blending of work and family time, and the use of social media for both professional and private purposes can diminish cognitive performance and focus. Additionally, stress accumulates when work conditions are excessively dominated by the unwise use of technology. Addressing these factors is essential for maintaining brain health.
Benefits to making workspaces brain health friendly
With substantial scientific evidence now consolidated on optimal conditions for brain health, disseminating this knowledge to employers and managers is the logical next step. Offering brain health awareness programs demonstrates to employees that their brain health is valued. In today’s complex jobs and multiple expectations at work and home, maintaining a healthy brain is crucial.
Key organisations, such as the World Economic Forum and the OECD through their Neuroscience-Inspired Policy Initiative, have already developed programmes to encourage employers to prioritise brain health. We bring the implementation knowledge directly to companies and organisations.
Maximising our cognitive potential can help us solve complex tasks more accurately and efficiently. Enhanced focus can reduce feelings of overwhelm and increase the likelihood of concluding the workday with a sense of accomplishment.
Strategies to make your workplace more brain health-friendly
Increasing workplace awareness about brain health among employees is essential. Equally important is making small adjustments to existing work conditions to create a brain-healthy workplace.
First, the GetBrainHealthy Tool (link) provides employees and managers with insights and advice on improving work conditions and behaviours to align with brain health science. We recommend starting with the dimensions that resonate most with you. Spending just a few minutes per day on the platform can substantially increase knowledge within a few weeks.
Second, for a more in-depth exploration of brain health dimensions, consider hosting one or a series of short on-site workshops at your company. This strategy can engage employees and help them fully experience the benefits of brain health.
Lastly, creating a brain health programme at your company to regularly “check-in” on managers and employees and their needs can establish a sustainable path towards a brain-healthy workplace. This approach can keep employees continuously engaged and effectively onboard newcomers. Interested in implementing brain health initiatives at your company and partnering with us? Get in touch to start a conversation here.
