Helping your people build healthier habits

When organisations commit to employee wellbeing, the impact reaches far beyond the occasional health check or fitness incentives – it shapes culture, boosts resilience and supports long-term health. As many people focus on “resolutions” or lifestyle changes at the start of a new year, laying a strong foundation for healthy habits is more important than ever. 

With insights from Teladoc Health, our Virtual GP partner, we explore how employers can support their workforce in building sustainable, health-promoting behaviours and why this matters for everyone’s wellbeing and performance.  

The habits that make the biggest difference 

Healthy routines don’t have to be complicated. The most powerful behaviours are often the simplest, and they form the foundation of long-term wellbeing. 

Eating well 

A balanced, nutrient-rich diet supports overall health, energy levels and disease prevention. Encouraging employees to make small, sustainable changes, such as incorporating more whole foods or reducing processed foods, can have a notable impact. It’s also helpful for organisations to regularly review the food and drink options available on site. Ensuring healthier choices are accessible in canteens, vending machines or meeting rooms makes it easier for employees to make positive choices throughout the day. 

Moving more 

Regular movement helps protect cardiovascular health, manage weight and improve mood. Even short, frequent bursts of activity can counteract long periods of sitting, making a big difference for office-based employees. Leaders and senior staff can reinforce this by role modelling these behaviours themselves – taking walking meetings, breaking up sedentary time or simply being visible champions of movement during the working day. 

Smoking cessation and alcohol reduction 

Supporting people to reduce or stop smoking, and keeping alcohol within recommended limits, can dramatically lower the risk of long-term illness. These changes often require guidance and encouragement, and workplaces can play an important role in making them feel achievable.  Signposting employees to support available through their healthcare provider, such as virtual GP advice, or smoking cessation support through a wellbeing provider, can make it easier for them to take the first step. 

Managing stress 

Healthy habits aren’t only physical, mental wellbeing plays a central role. Mindfulness, manageable workloads, regular breaks and supportive management structures all contribute to reduced stress and improved resilience. Providing line managers with guidance on how to recognise signs of stress and support individuals appropriately can strengthen early intervention and help people feel genuinely supported. 

Prioritising sleep 

Quality sleep helps with concentration, emotional regulation and immune function. Promoting work–life balance and positive routines can help employees establish better sleep patterns. 

Building habits that last 

Healthy habits form gradually. Research suggests it takes around 66 days for a behaviour to become automatic, which is why consistency is more important than perfection. Employers can support long-term habit-building by: 

• Encouraging realistic goals that feel achievable 

• Promoting small, regular steps instead of major overhauls 

• Offering opportunities for movement, breaks and wellbeing activities during the working day 

• Creating a culture where looking after your health is recognised and encouraged 

• Ensuring employees know how to access clinical advice when they have questions or concerns 

These small interventions help people integrate healthier choices into everyday routines and sustain them. 

Supporting healthier habits across your organisation

Workplaces are uniquely positioned to influence positive behaviour change. By creating supportive environments, providing reliable health information and giving employees the time and tools to look after themselves, employers can spark habits that last far beyond the working day. 

Healthy, engaged employees contribute to healthier, stronger organisations. Whether your focus is reducing preventable illness, improving wellbeing outcomes or supporting productivity, helping your people build healthier habits is one of the most impactful steps you can take.