Expert Insights: Creating Highly Positive, Productive and Profitable Workplaces
The demands on people and organisations to deliver never stop. In this blog post wellbeing consultant Joao Bocas of Sports13 offers his expert insights on creating highly positive, productive and profitable workplaces. 
Tell me a little bit about yourself and your business
I have a background in sport and fitness, I always been a very active person with a passion for sport. Health and wellbeing are my priorities, after leaving an unhealthy lifestyle some time ago I have decided to change. I have completed 17 qualifications in the last 10 years, academic, professional and vocational in the fields of sport, health, fitness and wellbeing.
Working in health and wellbeing is a passion, I love helping people. It does not feel like a job.
Can stress be both an opportunity and barrier to organisational performance?
In my experience I see it being a barrier unless the individual has the capacity to channel it in the right way turning it into performance.
Why do you think workplace stress is becoming more of an issue?
We have more and more demands in nowadays with an increase on workloads and a culture of expectation of doing everything right now. I believe that the working environment plays a big role here too, furthermore we are expected to do more for less, more work with less resources; multitasking is a painful reality.
How does stress impact on business performance and profitability in your experience?
Stress has a major impact on overall performance and contentment at work. If we are not satisfied with our work it is a sign that we are in the wrong job or possibly out of balance in terms of health and wellbeing status.
So if an employee is struggling it is going to impact on service, sales and profitability.
What practical steps can leaders and managers in organisations take to create workplaces that are positive, productive and profitable?
I would say look at yourself first to avoid passing on unnecessary stress to others. Then find a ways to minimise stress, such as pleasant communication, rewards, positive reinforcement and recognition, finally promote togetherness.
Anything else you would like to add?
Action is power when it comes to health and wellbeing therefore take action. Take steps to keep stress at bay, as an example yoga classes, meditation, exercise and many other options. Find what works best for you and make sure you do and you encourage your employees to take care of themselves so that everyone benefits.
Sports13 help clients improve health and performance. To learn more go to www.sports13.co.uk
About the Author Duncan Brodie
Since 2006 I’ve worked with in excess of 8,000 accountants and professionals in workshops, seminars and one to one helping them land their next jobs and become better leaders, presenters and business partners. Before that I spent 25 years in accountancy climbing the career ladder from Payments Clerk to FD. I’m a CIMA Fellow, Certified Professional Coach and Team Coach Facilitator.