Gut health is becoming a major player in the UK as employers struggle with rising absenteeism, burnout and staff turnover. The gut-brain communication path between the brain and gut is now being recognised by science as having a strong influence on work-related stress, focus and mood.
Signe Svanfeldt is a Lead Nutritionist for Lifesum. She says, “Your gut microbiome doesn’t just affect digestion. It’s also a major factor in mental clarity and wellbeing.” “A healthy gut helps employees to manage stress, remain sharp and arrive at work energised.”
Why Employers Must Pay Attention to
- Burnout Crisis: 34% of UK adults will report burnout by 2025, and 75% of them have already experienced it (CIPD).
- Unpaid overtime is the biggest problem for young workers: 48% of those aged 18-24 cite this, while 46% blame financial strain.
- Costs to the business:Highly stressed employees are 8x more likely than others to take sick leave and 3.7x as likely to quit, costing UK employers more than PS4 billion per year (Deloitte).
- Gut, mood and stress:95% serotonin produced in the gut. Microbial imbalance amplifies anxiety via activation of HPA and cortisol.
- Impact of IBS on UK businesses: Costs UK companies over PS3B each year; almost 50% of sufferers are anxious about returning to work (BDA).
5 Gut Healthy Habits for Productivity and Burnout Reduction
- Eat more fibre– Whole grains and legumes boost mental clarity and feed gut bacteria.
- Go Colorful – A variety fruits and vegetables provide antioxidants, phytonutrients, and protection.
- Add Omega-3s – Fatty Fish like Salmon Support Brain Function and Reduce Inflammation.
- Fermented Foods – Yogurt and kombucha are full of mood-regulating probiotics.
- Don’t Skip the Protein– Tryptophan rich foods such as seeds and eggs help serotonin and mood stabilization.
Lifesum and Wellhub are hosting a webinar to help companies make evidence-based decisions:
Lifesum x Wellhub – The Gut-Brain Axis: Its vital link to mental health. This live session will examine how gut health can form the basis of workplace wellbeing strategies that are future-ready. Webinar details:
Date : Tuesday May 13th
Time:2pm British Standard Time
Login, RSVP: https://www.addevent.com/event/rb24962643
The first time this post appeared was on HR News.
