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Healthy gut, happy team: The link between gut health and workplace wellbeing

16 October 2024

By Gabrielle Morse

Dr Megan Rossi in a lab looking through a microscope

Thousands of scientific studies now show that supporting gut health is one of the most effective ways to improve overall health and wellbeing. Our gut doesn’t just aid digestion — by communicating with every major organ, it profoundly impacts everything from immune health and mental wellbeing to disease prevention. But have you ever considered how improving your gut health could also elevate your workplace wellbeing, meaning how you feel and perform at work?

According to a 2019 report by the Reward & Employee Benefits Association, employees who eat poorly are 93% more likely to see a significant drop in productivity. Clearly, prioritising gut health is one of the most effective strategies for boosting workplace performance — so why not share this blog with your boss or HR and start the conversation?

Could gut health be the missing link that teams need?

A 2022 survey by Engage Health Group revealed that 9 in 10 employees chose health as their top and main priority, yet only 1 in 3 of those employees feel their employer is interested in, or prioritises, their mental and physical wellbeing.

Given that approximately 33 million people are employed in the UK and that we consume as much as 60% of our food and drink while working, it’s crucial to bring nutrition discussions into the workplace. Encouraging open conversations about gut health can help reduce stigma around digestive issues and gut conditions and ultimately lead to better health outcomes for employees. By incorporating workplace wellbeing services, companies can support their teams in achieving improved overall wellbeing and productivity.

So how are some of the ways that good gut health could help you?

Photo of a women showing strength to demonstrate resilience via workplace wellbeing

Immune health

Meaning fewer sick days… With around 70% of immune cells exist in your gut, the gut plays a key role in your immunity. Your microbes teach your immune cells what they need to protect you against (e.g. flu-causing viruses) and what is safe (e.g. the protein in peanuts). Research from Dr Megan Rossi’s colleagues at King’s College London, which involved nearly 600,000 participants, found that people who ate a more varied diet full of plants (aka a gut boosting diet) had a 40% lower risk of becoming unwell with Covid-19.

A photo of a man drinking from a water bottle in the middle of a hike

Energy levels

Meaning better productivity… Our gut microbiota is responsible for the breakdown and digestion of a lot of the food we eat and therefore plays an important role in the absorption of energy and nutrients from food. A study published in the Journal New Microbes and New Infections in 2021 found that symptoms of fatigue were correlated with the levels of specific species of gut bacteria. From the workplace wellbeing events we have delivered, we have learnt that poor energy levels (the familiar energy “slump” in the afternoon) is the most commonly shared gut symptom affecting employees.

Mental health

Meaning improving focus and enjoyment of day-to-day life… The gut and the brain are connected through hundreds of millions of nerves. This means that what’s going on in your brain can influence what’s going on in your gut and vice versa. Disruptions in this system have been linked to conditions like depression and anxiety. The SMILES trial conducted in 2017 was a landmark study investigating how supporting our gut through a Mediterranean diet rich in plant-based foods could help to manage depression.

“We had an excellent session with Gabrielle Morse, who imparted valuable knowledge to our colleagues. She provided insightful tips and recommended simple internal adjustments, as well as personal lifestyle changes, to enhance gut health.”

Tessa Welsh, Head of Events, Which?

Is tummy trouble making it hard to tackle your to-do list?

Guts UK research from 2022 revealed that 43% of the UK adult population experiences digestive discomfort and, on top of that, around 40% of adults are diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). IBS is a chronic digestive condition that can cause unpleasant symptoms like stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhoea and constipation. As you can imagine, this would make work life even harder…

Despite the frequency of digestive issues, approximately 50% of respondents find it challenging to contact their GP, according to the 2024 GP patient survey. Accessing the right support for improving gut symptoms begins with connecting to expert healthcare professionals.

Based on our experience as a team of specialist dietitians focused on gut health — through both clinical practice and from our previous workplace wellbeing sessions — we understand that gut health can significantly affect employees in various ways:

Travel: Travelling to work can feel overwhelming and uncomfortable, especially for those experiencing bloating and unpredictable bowel movements.
Shared toilets: Worries that arise about using shared toilets or locating restrooms in unfamiliar settings for work.
Eating options: Navigating what, when, and how to eat throughout the working day can be tricky, particularly with variable energy and stress levels. As well as if there are limited food options around workplaces that can hinder healthy eating choices.
Meal prep: Finding time to prepare meals for work (and remembering to bring them!) can be a challenge.
Office snacks: Tempting snacks and goods shared that you don’t want to miss out on but may not always align with their gut health goals.
Energy slumps: Afternoon energy slumps can affect productivity and focus.
Lack of breaks and time: The office culture surrounding lunch breaks can impact employees’ willingness to go for a lunchtime walk. Also feeling rushed during meals at work can lead to digestive discomfort.
Diet culture: Navigating conversations around diets and supplements in the office can be challenging; office culture can often be persuasive in encouraging others to follow ‘X’ diet, or buy ‘Y’ supplements.
Hybrid working: The challenges of hybrid working include issues related to movement and activity, feelings of connection versus loneliness, and food choices.
Stress: Stress is a common cause of gut-related symptoms and chronic stress can lead to low-grade inflammation throughout the body and other problems.

Does any of this sound familiar? These challenges might seem overwhelming, but the solutions can be easier and simpler to implement than you think. With a bit of expert guidance, your workplace can easily introduce practices that promote gut health and overall wellbeing, transforming how employees feel and perform at work, as well as improving team and office culture.

“The Gut Health Clinic session was super informative in a fun and relatable way, it gave our team a much better understanding of how to care for our guts and the wider impact this will have on our health and overall wellbeing.”

Rachel Townend, Chief of Staff, Illuminate Financial

6 top tips for workplace wellbeing

Here are some starting points on how to make good gut health a part of your working day:

Photo of a woman presenting to show workplace wellbeing

Gut health-focused wellbeing events

To empower teams with the knowledge to look after your gut health, and raise awareness of the ways poor gut health can manifest, try out one of our popular webinars, workshops…. more below.

Photo of a plant-diverse platter including fruit and cheeses to show workplace wellbeing

Office treats

We hear so often that the greatest food struggle at work is the temptation of the office biscuit tin. There are plenty of accessible gut healthy snacks which can prevent the afternoon energy slump and align more with gut health goals. Why not try nuts, fresh and dried fruit, popcorn or baked cakes that include surprise plants! Discover our free plant-fuelled snack recipes.

Photo of a two people paddleboarding to show workplace wellbeing

Team socials can be active

Activities like yoga, salsa or cooking classes are all opportunities for mindful and physical activities (exercise is also great for gut health) and stepping away from usual alcohol-focused events. At our recent The Gut Health Clinic team social, we enjoyed an autumnal afternoon paddleboarding on the Thames!

Photo of a group walking in a park to show workplace wellbeing

Encourage lunch breaks

We know the majority of lunch breaks are lost, however they provide the perfect opportunity to break up time spent seated, enjoy food mindfully and manage stress. Getting out for a walk can also have many benefits for gut health, including improving digestion and increasing the diversity of microbes in your gut.

Photo of an asian buffet to show workplace wellbeing

Lunch time diversity

It might not always be possible to bring in a homemade lunch — although when you do have time check out our free lunch recipes. If you are buying lunch on the go or enjoying a social lunch with teams then explore options that have different cuisines (more plant points!) and order sharing dishes for everyone to try new foods. No food is “bad” but always consider what additional plants and fibre you can add in to make your meals more gut-loving.

Photo of a woman enjoying eating a sandwich to show workplace wellbeing

No more “diets”

No matter what form a diet takes, if it involves restriction of food groups it will damage your gut microbiota and metabolism…In fact, studies have shown that it’s plant diversity that matters the most, whether or not they’re sided with some animal products, chocolate or sweet treats. INclusion not EXclusion is a science-backed way to transform your (gut) health.

“There are clear changes in people’s food choices at work, in particular with healthier, more diverse lunches and snacks. We are planning different social events that focus on more active entertainment rather than food and alcohol.”

Dr Nigel Minihane, GP, Castle Quay Medical Practice

How can The Gut Health Clinic help your workplace wellbeing?

We know that many people struggle to access the support they need through NHS waiting lists or do not seek support due to emotional reasons. At The Gut Health Clinic, we believe a vital part of the solution is to bring gut health education and support directly to working adults, in their workplace and during working hours.

To achieve this we can offer you and your team educational webinars, wellbeing workshops, canteen takeovers, pop-up clinics and more. We also offer discounts for public sector, private health, not-for-profit organisation and academic institutions. For more information on our workplace wellbeing services, please contact Shirley Hunter at [email protected].

This article was authored by Gabrielle Morse. If you’d like personalised support with a symptom or condition, you can book an appointment with Gabrielle or any member of our specialist team here.

“We had a great session with The Gut Health Clinic: full of energy and enthusiasm and of course topical knowledge too!”

Marsha Dydo, Conference Planner, Network Rail

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Healthy gut, happy team: The link between gut health and workplace wellbeing