What is vitality and why is it important?
In a world full of work pressure and stress, vitality more important than ever. It's not just about physical health, but also mental resilience, social connection and meaning. Vitality means having the energy to make the most of yourself and your work.
Vitality is essential for organizations: vital employees are more productive, less often sick and more engaged. In this blog, you'll discover exactly what vitality means, why it's important and how to reinforce it in the workplace.
Read on and discover how vitality makes a difference for you and your team.
Vitality week for the whole company
We start together, with a trial of strength. During
the Recharge week, teams work together on wellness goals. This leads to better collaboration,
higher performance and continued improvement of
the physical and mental health of employees.
At Recharge360, we define vitality as a balance between four key dimensions:
Physical health
- Having adequate energy, a strong body, and a healthy lifestyle.
- Consider regular exercise, healthy eating, and adequate sleep.
Mental resilience
- Ability to cope with stress, challenges and change.
- Includes focus, emotional stability and a clear mind.
Social connectedness
- Feeling a sense of belonging and experiencing support from those around you.
- Strong relationships and cooperation in the workplace play an important role in this.
Meaning
- A sense of direction and motivation in both work and personal life.
- Experiencing fulfillment and working toward goals that really matter.
The difference between vitality and health
Many people think vitality and health are the same thing, but they are not. Health focuses primarily on the physical aspects, such as a properly functioning body. Vitality goes further: it also includes your mental strength, motivation and ability to cope with change and setbacks.
At Recharge360 we define vitality as the basis for personal and professional growth. It's not just about knowing what's good for you, but actually doing it. Because a vital life is not just a wish, it is a choice.
Why vitality matters to businesses
Companies that invest in vitality benefit from measurable results. A workplace vitality program not only reduces absenteeism costs, but also improves the overall company culture. Moreover, a focus on vitality is a strategic must today. Employees expect employers to pay attention to their well-being.
Why is vitality in the workplace important?
Vitality in the workplace is essential for both employees and organizations. It makes employees feel energized and engaged, which directly benefits the business. But what makes vitality so important in a business context?
The impact of vitality on employees
Vital employees perform better, are sick less often and contribute to a positive work atmosphere.
Here are the main benefits in a nutshell:
Improved productivity
- Vital employees have more energy and focus. On average, they are 18% more productive than their less vital colleagues.
Less absenteeism
- Healthy employees report sick less often. Companies with active vitality policies see up to 25% less absenteeism and lower costs.
Positive work culture
- Vitality enhances the atmosphere in the workplace. Happy employees are engaged, motivated and work better together.
Creativity and innovation
- Healthy and energetic people come up with fresh ideas and innovative solutions. Vitality stimulates growth and development within teams.
Employee vitality: the key to success
By focusing on vitality, you create a work environment in which people thrive. This leads to better performance, higher employee satisfaction and a stronger team spirit. With practical tools such as the Vitascan and interactive programs, Recharge360 helps organizations make vitality measurable and sustainable.
How do you encourage vitality in the workplace?
Promoting vitality in the workplace requires a focused approach. It's more than just offering a wellness program - it's about creating a culture where employees feel supported to stay physically, mentally and socially healthy. Here are three concrete steps to encourage vitality within your organization.
Physical health
A good vitality program is the foundation. Take a holistic approach that pays attention to both physical and mental health.
- Start with a strong kick-off: An interactive vitality week, as offered by Recharge360, creates immediate employee engagement.
- Customized offerings: Make sure there is something for everyone. Think workshops, challenges and individual coaching.
- To measure is to know: Use tools such as the Vitascan To make employee vitality insightful and measurable.
Mental resilience
Small adjustments in the work environment can make a big difference:
- Motion: Encourage employees to move daily, such as through standing desks or shared walking breaks.
- Nutrition: Offer healthy snacks and lunches instead of sugary options.
- Mental peace: Create space for short breaks and relaxation, such as micromeditations or breathing exercises.
Social connectedness
A culture in which vitality is central motivates employees to actively engage in it:
- Leadership: Make sure executives lead by example and actively promote vitality.
- Engagement: Ask employees what they need to stay vital and involve them in implementing initiatives.
- Flexibility: Give employees room to find a work-life balance, for example, by supporting hybrid working.
Figures and studies - the evidence behind vitality
Vitality is not just a trendy topic; it is a proven strategy for success in the workplace. Several studies show the importance of investing in employee vitality. Here are the most notable figures and insights:
Productivity and vitality
Productivity
18% more productive: On average, vital employees are 18% more productive than their less vital colleagues (source: TNO).
More happiness
12% more happiness leads to better performance: Research from the University of Warwick shows that happy employees perform 12% better.
Absenteeism and vitality
Less absenteeism
25% less absenteeism: Companies with active vitality policies report up to 25% less sick leave (source: RIVM).
Cost of absenteeism
Absenteeism costs organizations an average of €260 per day per employee (source: CBS). By reducing this with vitality programs, companies save significantly on annual costs.
Burnout and work stress
Burnout rates
17% of workers experience burnout symptoms: According to the National Survey of Working Conditions (2022), burnout is a growing problem.
Mental resilience
36% sees work as biggest source of stress: This highlights how important it is to address work stress by putting vitality first.
Employee vitality - a shared responsibility
Promoting vitality among employees is a joint effort by both employers and employees. Everyone has a role to play in creating a vital work environment.
The role of employers
Employers have a responsibility to create a culture where vitality is possible and attractive:
- Offering vitality programs: Invest in a holistic approach like Recharge360's.
- Facilitate healthy choices: Provide a work environment with healthy options, such as a healthy cafeteria and sports facilities.
- Exemplary behavior: Managers play a crucial role in promoting vitality.
The role of employees
Employees also influence their own vitality:
- Own initiative: Take advantage of the resources and programs offered.
- Healthy habits: Ensure work-life balance, and choose exercise, healthy eating and adequate rest.
- Communication: Share feedback and ideas about what you need to stay vital.
5 General tips to get and stay vital: A roadmap
Vitality is important not only for your physical health, but also for your mental well-being and overall energy. With these five tips, you can get started right away to improve and maintain your vitality. Follow this practical step-by-step plan to live an energetic and balanced life.
Step 1: Eliminate stress
The first step to a vital life is to address stress. Often the best solution is to eliminate stressors from your life.
- What can you do?: Make a list of the things you do have influence over and take action. Don't have any influence? Try to accept and let go of these situations.
- Why does this work?: Research shows that acceptance increases your mental resilience and enhances your well-being. It reduces long-term stress and helps you cope better with daily challenges.
Step 2: Build a social safety net
Social support is essential to vitality. Whether at work or in your personal life, people are willing to help you, but you have to ask.
- What can you do?: Talk to colleagues, friends or family about what is bothering you or what you need help with. By crossing your threshold, you find that people are often eager to contribute.
- Why does this work?: Social support lowers stress, strengthens feelings of belonging and increases your mental well-being. Together you are stronger!
Step 3: Eat healthy
Healthy nutrition is one of the pillars of vitality. Your body needs the right fuel to function optimally and handle stress better.
- What can you do?: Eat three full meals a day and avoid sugary snacks. Choose foods rich in fiber, protein and healthy fats.
- Why does this work?: A stable blood sugar level prevents energy dips and irritability, while healthy eating gives your body the energy it needs to work efficiently.
Step 4: Invest in good sleep
Sleep is the foundation of vitality and yet often the most underrated aspect. It is important not only for physical recovery, but also for your mental sharpness.
- What can you do?: Get 7-9 hours of sleep per night and create a quiet, dark sleep environment. Avoid screen time just before sleeping.
- Why does this work?: Research shows that just one bad night can affect your focus, decisiveness and energy levels. Adequate sleep makes you more mentally resilient and reduces stress.
Step 5: Exercise daily
Exercise is crucial to keeping both your body and mind vital. It reduces stress and increases your energy.
- What can you do?: Schedule at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. This can range from a walk to a yoga session or more intense sports such as running.
- Why does this work?: Exercise stimulates the production of endorphins, called happiness hormones, which lower your stress levels and improve your mood. In addition, it has direct benefits for your physical health.
By following these five steps, you can improve and maintain your vitality. Start small and adapt the tips to your own life. Vitality is not an endpoint, but an ongoing journey that begins with one simple step.
You know vitality is important.
Now is the time to take action. Strengthen your employee power today. Schedule a free demo with Recharge360 right away.