Company leaders play a critical role in business success, helping to shape the organization’s vision, culture, and performance. That said, the type of leader a company has sets the tone for its entire workforce.
So, what makes a “good” leader?
While there are various factors that must be considered, their health is among the most important, with both mental and physical health affecting an individual’s ability to be a great team leader.
Keep reading to learn the impact of healthy leadership on businesses, the role of executive physicals in promoting long-term health, and how to encourage a healthy workforce.
The Impact of Healthy Leadership on Businesses
Healthy individuals are typically more productive, motivated, happy, and ready to take on whatever challenge comes their way. By putting their best foot forward, team leaders set a great example for their team and foster a more efficient workplace.
On the other hand, team leaders that do not prioritize their health risk missing work, or equally as bad, going to work when they’re not capable of effectively leading a team.
To better understand the impact health has on businesses, let’s take a look at some of the critical factors that impact long-term success:
- Company culture: If a team leader does not prioritize their health, has an unhealthy work-life balance, and does not address underlying health issues, they can negatively affect the entire work culture. On the other hand, if they are physically and mentally healthy, they can encourage their team to take a proactive approach to their own health, thereby creating a more productive and healthy work environment that drives success.
- Absenteeism: Poor health is directly linked to absenteeism. When a team leader misses work, it can disrupt operations, push back timelines, and negatively affect team morale. In other words, absenteeism directly impacts a company’s productivity, with productivity losses linked to absenteeism costing employers $225.8 billion annually in the United States.
- Presenteeism: Presenteeism—when employees work while sick—is another huge concern for businesses. This is a common issue among company executives, who often feel pressured to remain constantly available and lead by example, even at the expense of their own health. However, this affects their ability to lead a team and can potentially lead to bigger health issues down the road. By addressing health issues early on, company leaders can reduce the risk of workplace illnesses and injuries and create a more resilient workforce.
- Better Overall Leadership: Increased productivity, better decision-making, stronger teamwork, and enhanced problem-solving skills—these are just some of the benefits of great physical and mental health. By reducing missed workdays, leading by example, and fostering a healthy work environment, healthy leaders can build healthy companies.
The Role of Executive Physicals in Promoting Long-Term Health
While there are many ways to improve an individual’s health—some of which we’ll discuss below—executive physicals play an important role in keeping team leaders healthy.
From complete blood counts to stress testing and electrocardiograms, these physicals are tailored to address the unique health risks and lifestyles of high-level professionals, providing a level of care that goes beyond the standard executive checkup.
The main benefits of executive physicals include:
- Preventative care: Although many individuals neglect their yearly checkups, preventative care is key to keeping company executives healthy. Since executive physicals are more in-depth than standard checkups, they help individuals address health concerns early, helping them stay healthy for years to come.
- Healthy Lifestyle Guidance: More than 80% of chronic conditions could be avoided through the adoption of healthy lifestyle recommendations. Executive physicals assist individuals in improving their lifestyle choices, covering areas like diet, stress levels, and exercise habits.
- Convenience: Executive physicals coordinate all necessary tests and evaluations into a single, extended appointment. There are also concierge services that are available 24/7, allowing individuals to access healthcare at the time that’s most convenient for them. This limits the time spent away from work and encourages them to prioritize their health.
How Team Leaders Can Encourage a Healthy Workforce
While being healthy is a benefit on its own, team leaders are also responsible for fostering a healthy work environment that drives long-term success.
To encourage a healthy work environment, your company can:
- Provide great healthcare: 73% of workers claim that the insurance provided by their employer was a “very important” factor in their decision to take or keep a job. By providing them with personalized care—such as that provided by concierge doctors—employees will not only be happier with their work conditions but also more likely to prioritize their health.
- Reduce workplace hazards: Every industry is at risk of different injuries. High-risk industries—like construction and manufacturing—are at risk of machinery accidents, electrical hazards, and falls from heights, while office jobs are at risk of ergonomic injuries. By reducing hazards and implementing a comprehensive injury management plan, your company can improve workplace safety and enhance overall well-being.
- Offer mental health resources: Companies should also prioritize their employees’ mental well-being, as psychologically healthy workers tend to be more motivated and productive. You can achieve this by providing mental health resources, stress management workshops, and promoting open conversations about mental health.
- Promote a healthy work-life balance: A healthy work-life balance not only supports personal well-being and growth but also creates a happier workforce that enhances productivity and reduces turnover. Your company can support a healthier work-life balance by encouraging workers to take their paid time off, limiting communication after work hours, and recognizing and addressing burnout.
Final Thoughts
Healthy leadership directly translates to a healthy workforce. When company leaders prioritize their health, they can reduce absenteeism, make better decisions, and enhance problem-solving skills.
As a company leader, it’s also your responsibility to encourage a healthy work environment for your team. This includes providing them with great healthcare, promoting a healthy work-life balance, and creating a positive environment that fosters growth.So, ask yourself: Are you taking care of your health? What can your management team do to build a healthy team that stays motivated and drives long-term success?
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