Employee productivity is a core structural pillar of any successful business, but it can begin to wilt and crumble under the weight of the stress that a workplace can induce.

According to the Champion Health 2024 Workplace Health Report, productivity levels among UK employees have seen a worrying decline, with nearly 70% of people rating their productivity as ‘average’ or worse. This is a significant jump from last year’s 50%. The reasons behind this drop are clear, stress, tiredness and the knock-on effects of poor mental health.

One key way to address these pressures is through workplace wellness programs, specifically those that address mental health and stress management through innovative methods, such as those offered at Muay Thai Wellness.

The link between mental health and productivity

According to the Champion Health report, 61% of employees cite tiredness as the biggest barrier to productivity, followed by 32% citing stress and 25% pointing to poor mental health.

Alarmingly, poor mental health as a productivity drain has seen a 20% increase from the previous year. This underscores the critical need for businesses to address mental health challenges both for the sake of people’s well-being and for the larger impact on the bottom line.

Workplace wellness programs are not just about reducing absenteeism or encouraging fitness, they can directly improve the mental and emotional well-being of employees. Companies that fail to support their workforce’s mental health may see continued productivity declines, high employee turnover, and increased absenteeism.

Why traditional wellbeing initiatives may be falling short

The Champion Health report reveals that 82% of employees are still looking to improve their well-being, though this number is lower than the previous year’s 98%.

The drop indicates that many employees are feeling disillusioned with traditional wellness initiatives, which may not be aligned with their current needs. As tiredness, stress, and mental health concerns become more prominent, companies need to rethink their approach to employee wellness.

Unlike passive programs, Muay Thai Wellness our workshops actively engage participants, offering them a chance to move, bond, and de-stress all at once. When people are excited about wellness activities, they’re more likely to participate and experience the benefits over time.

How Muay Thai Wellness can boost productivity and morale

Muay Thai Wellness workshops offer a fun and inclusive wellness curriculum that can engage employees in the long term and are designed to address the very issues highlighted in the Champion Health report.

By offering employees an engaging way to manage stress, improve mental clarity, and connect with colleagues, Muay Thai promotes both physical and mental well-being.

How Muay Thai helps:

• Stress relief: Muay Thai allows employees to release pent-up tension in a productive safe, constructive and healthy way as colleagues hit pads together under the guidance of our coaches. This is crucial when considering that 32% of employees cite stress as a major productivity drain.
• Improved focus: With 61% of employees experiencing tiredness, Muay Thai helps boost energy levels by engaging both the body and mind, leading to better concentration and productivity throughout the workday.
• Team building: Our workshops focus on collaboration and camaraderie, helping employees build stronger bonds, which in turn leads to better teamwork and overall company morale. In our workshops colleagues are paired up and rotate to a new partner each round, ensuring everyone can mingle and learn as a team.

Improving workplace mental health is not just ethically just, it’s also a business necessity.

With 70% of employees reporting average or lower productivity, companies that ignore the mental health of their workforce are at risk of significant financial losses.

But with the right approach to wellness, such as incorporating Muay Thai workshops, businesses can help their employees thrive and boost overall productivity and wellbeing.