Business Health Centre

Welcome to the Business Health Centre, your source of inspiration and information from healthcare and employee engagement experts.

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Expert curated content, from articles to webinars, on the hot topics set to influence your people management and wellbeing strategies.

Business health centre

The evolution of workplace wellbeing

The Employee Wellbeing Research 2024, in association with REBA (Reward & Employee Benefits Association) and AXA Health, highlights a fundamental shift in responsibility for employee wellbeing and health. Check out our 2024 research. It includes top tips and emerging trends, workplace wellbeing priorities from businesses large and small, challenges and success stories as well as expert insight to guide your business.

Webinar

Optimising employee health benefits

The value and usage of private healthcare is growing. Join AXA Health’s experts as we explore claims trends and the innovation, evolution and coordination of our services as we support our clients and members.

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Are you talking inclusively when it comes to neurodivergence?

We asked our neurodiversity service providers, Problem Shared, to share their thoughts around the importance of neuroinclusive communication within the professional environment, and the changes that we can all make to embrace this.

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Enhancing member access to our Neurodiversity Assessment and Support service

From 1 April 2024 we’re increasing the way private healthcare members can access to our Neurodiversity Assessment and Support service – making it more convenient. Find out what we’re doing and why.

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We’re here day and night, don’t worry and wait

The 24/7 health support can help employees with everything from heart, diabetes, and cancer concerns, to upcoming treatments, or questions about their medicine – no matter the time of day. We interviewed Lane Wells (RGN), to find out more about the service.

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Women's Wellbeing in the Workplace

Supporting women’s health is essential for creating an inclusive and productive working environment. In today’s rapidly evolving workplace, it’s important for businesses to offer flexibility and tailored support to ensure every employee thrives. Our guide to men’s and women’s health in the workplace is full of tips and services to support your employees and your business.

Viewpoint

AXA Health's neurodiversity service - one year on

With 52% of patients currently left waiting over a year for an autism assessment and 40% for an ADHD assessment, the need for more employers to offer access to assessment and support for neurodiversity remains pressing. Find out more about our service one year on and how we can help.

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Supporting tomorrow’s workforce today

With age and lifestyle related diseases set to rise and the pressure on primary care increasing, our team joins industry experts in a series of short videos providing insights around how you can shape your corporate healthcare needs for today and tomorrow.

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Actions today for the avoidance of workforce wellbeing challenges of the future

Dr Chris Tomkins, our Head of Wellbeing, and Zoe Eccleston, Health & Wellbeing Consultant at the Wellbeing Business focused on the actions organisations can take today, to mitigate the health and wellbeing challenges that face the workforces of the future. Watch a video of the session.

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Cultivating a caring workplace culture – nurturing mind health for all generations

Watch back as business leads explore what’s impacting young people’s emotions? How best to support their transition to the workplace. The essential ingredients for successfully blending Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and wellbeing.

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Understanding our support for muscles, bones and joints

In this webinar, AXA Health’s Head of Specialist and Practitioner Relations, Sarah Taylor is joined by Lucy Cassidy from HBSUK who deliver MSK services for AXA Health members, to discuss the importance of MSK conditions in the UK and how AXA Health and HBSUK are transforming the way we treat those conditions.

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One of the last remaining workplace taboos

We talk to Laura Carter-Penman, Deputy Director of Fertility at Peppy, to discuss the male fertility can have on employees, family and business - and what businesses can do to support employees faced with this challenge.

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Addressing the challenges with mobilising great mental health support

Promoting good mind health at work is not easy. From environment to culture, to leadership buy-in and line manager capability the path to supporting a flourishing workforce is one of continual improvement.

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Financial wellbeing and our mental health

People with mental health problems are nearly three and a half times more likely to have problem debt. Help your employees get the support they need.

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Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a real condition that many people struggle with in the winter season, when the nights draw in and there is less daylight.

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Supporting neurodiversity at work

With nearly half (47%) of employers planning to enhance neurodiversity support within the next two years, we expect this to be one of the next areas of focus for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). As well as workplace wellbeing strategies.

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Helping your business face the complexities of cancer

With our help, you can be ready to support your employees practically and sensitively building holistic support for your people and business with the complexities of cancer in mind.

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Considering apps as part of your wellbeing strategy

Following a sizeable growth in 2019-2020 there’s now more than 350,000 health apps in the market with Deloitte estimating more growth next year too. With a significant number of health apps supporting Mental Health – the market is left with a huge choice.

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Why offering the right menopause support matters

Women can experience a range of symptoms before, during and after menopause. From hot flushes and night sweats to heightened anxiety, joint pain and memory loss.

Webinar

Workplace support for cancer

Whether you or someone you know is coping with a diagnosis or you want to do more to support your teams, our live webinar and online resources will help shine a light on this difficult subject. From spotting the early signs to debunking myths, we're here to help you support your people so join us.

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Promoting positive mental wellbeing at ACCA

Discover how we worked with ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) to help them support mental wellbeing across their workforce.

Webinar

Embedding healthy behaviours into your routine

It's one thing to try out something new, but integrating it into your life is a completely different challenge. Whether you're trying to upgrade your routine or implement a new one, it can be difficult to know where to start or how to stick to your plans. Share with your teams and have them join our live webinar to learn some top tips on how to build healthy habits and stick to them!

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Creating ownership to drive wellbeing and unlock everyone’s health at work

Led by AXA Health’s Eugene Farrell, Mental Health Consulting Lead, and Ashleigh Tonks, Employee Wellbeing Manager for AXA UK, our Master Class at this year's REBA Wellbeing Congress concentrated on how businesses could help employees unlock the value of their health at work, using examples from our own experience at AXA. Watch now.

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Digital boost for AXA Health's Muscle, Bones And Joints Services

Watch our webinar 'Digital boost for AXA Health's muscle, bones and joints service' to see a demo.

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Preventing inactivity – a business and personal focus for 2022

Sarah Taylor, Head of Specialist and Practitioner Relations, looks at how regular physical activity can help to prevent and control a range of conditions from mental health to cancer, and why getting active has never been so important.

Webinar

Nurturing your mental health

Watch our webinar about nurturing your mental health for our expert tips on how to feel mentally well.

Webinar

Nurturing your mental health

Watch our webinar about nurturing your mental health for our expert tips on how to feel mentally well.

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Key concerns impacting men's health

Our physiologist Tom Browne specialising in men’s health issues, explores key concerns that can have an impact on men’s health throughout their lives.

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Introducing AXA Health long COVID care

It's common for people that had COVID-19 to report symptoms that are ongoing weeks after catching the virus, these effects are now being recognised as long COVID. View our webinar and Q&A as we introduce AXA Health long COVID care.

Viewpoint

How employers can empower and support female employees

Discover the secrets to tackling the growing disparity in mental health between men and women in our latest article together with Peppy. Uncover the hidden impact of women’s life-stage health issues and gain insight into how addressing these disparities can not only enhance employee wellbeing but also foster a successful and productive organisation.

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Providing expert support when it’s most needed

We spoke to one of our Nurse Case Managers, Julia Poxon, to see how this specialist team at AXA Health work with members to provide the right level of support, guidance and care they need at a crucial time…

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Support for our children’s mental health has never been more needed

Find out how AXA Health have extended its network of providers supporting Children and Young Persons Mental Health to offer fast access to assessment and treatment with a remote service offered by Onebright Efficacy.

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Key considerations for employee return

REBA’s Employee Wellbeing Research 2021 in association with AXA Health

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The rise of the machines

Robot-assisted surgery is an exciting proposition for both patients and specialists. Find out how we've worked across the private sector, ensuring we achieve good funding decisions that benefit all our members. Read on...

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The changing face of primary care

Dr Pallavi Bradshaw, AXA Health Deputy Chief Medical Officer, takes a look at the challenges facing primary care and how care funders, like AXA Health, are responding and reshaping primary care provision.

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Wellbeing at work: more than just a perk

Research reveals that people reaching the point of burnout and work-related stress is a significant issue for the UK economy. Katie Plascott, Corporate Marketing Consultant at AXA Health looks at why it's never been more important to get wellbeing right.

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Managing return to work anxiety

REBA’s Employee Wellbeing Research 2021 in association with AXA Health

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The AXA Mind Health Index: Can we better understand our mind health?

When it comes to understanding our mind health, not all rules of medicine apply. Dr Chris Tomkins, Health of Wellbeing at AXA Health, looks into how our Mind Health Index can help.

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Ready to use content to fuel your health engagement strategies.

A health strategy with year-round support

Creating a health and wellbeing strategy that engages and excites your employees isn’t an easy task. So we’ve packed our 2024 Health and Wellbeing Calendar with insightful live webinars on the topics that we think are most relevant to your employees, including neurodiversity, muscle, bone and joint disorders and mental health. Plus, extra content and resources to support your year-round wellbeing plans.

Download your editable planner

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Goal-Setting Theory to Apply at Work

Goal setting is something we do every day without realising. Whether it’s losing weight, learning how to complete the ‘King Pigeon’ yoga pose or applying for a promotion at work, we set ourselves targets to achieve these goals on a daily basis.

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Neurodiversity and Executive Function

Executive functions are a set of cognitive processes or thinking skills that are necessary to plan and organise our actions, in order to achieve our goals.

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Inclusive Interviews

As neurodiversity becomes more recognised and understood within HR departments, it’s important to be up to date with inclusive interview techniques and learn how best to welcome neurodivergent talent through the door of your organisation.

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Managing Neurodiversity - Getting the Best out of a Talented Workforce

Effective support is a really important element of enabling neurodivergent individuals to flourish at work. It’s important to take a person centric approach, here’s a few top tips to get you thinking.

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Top Tips on How to Support Neurodivergent Employees Working Remotely

Maintaining organisation systems and work-life balance can be difficult when working from home, especially for neurodivergent individuals.

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How to tell your child they are autistic

Telling your child that they are autistic, can be a huge worry for parents, as you may not know how or when to tell them, or how they might react.

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Understanding Anxiety in Autistic Children and Teenagers - Education Settings

The world for autistic children and teenagers can often feel like a very overwhelming place; it is therefore little surprise that autistic children experience high levels of anxiety which can have a disabling impact throughout their lives.

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Eight Efficient Note-Taking Tips

Keeping up whilst taking notes can be extremely difficult, but we all know how important it is to come away from discussions with the key points. Having a neurological difference can make note-taking especially difficult as it requires lots of things to happen all at the same time.

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Managing migraine at work

Migraine is most common among adults of working age. It can impact working life but this can be significantly reduced if people with migraine are supported at work.

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Working from home with migraine

Many people with migraine work from home at least some of the time, and while some people find working from home can help with their migraines, others find it can contribute to or make them worse.

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Feelgood Health Mythbusters: Diet Edition

When it comes to diet, do we need to drink 6 glasses of water per day? Is fasting good for you? We're here to help explain and demystify some of these common myths in our Mythbusters video series. After all, Feelgood Health is about smiles, not just miles!

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Can nutrition boost our immunity?

AXA Health Physiologists and Nutritionists Polly Smith and Thomas Rothwell help to separate fact from fiction and explain how our dietary choices can impact our immune health.

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Nutrition During Pregnancy

This article outlines key nutritional considerations that need to be taken into account for pregnant women.

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Metabolism and Weight Loss: Myth vs Fact

In this article, Polly Smith and Tom Rothwell, members of the Nutrition driver at AXA Health, separate the fact from fiction.

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The Importance of Vitamin D

This article will provide clarity on what exactly Vitamin D is, how to obtain good sources of it and whether we should consider taking supplements.

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The Psychology of Eating

AXA Health Nutritionist and Physiologist Polly Smith explains the link between our diet and our thoughts and feelings, as well as how to develop a healthy relationship with food.

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The Importance of Hydration

Read our article to find out the gender differences when it comes to hydration and why it is important to stay hydrated…

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Building Resilience with Exercise and Diet

By helping your team to understand the link between looking after their diet and physical health and their ability to face challenges, you can help them become more resilient. Simple changes can make a huge difference to how we cope with stress.

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The Benefits of a Healthy Digestive System

What is the digestive system and why is it important?

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Nutrition and Exercise During the Menstrual Cycle

AXA Health Health and Wellbeing Programme Manager Sarah Kemp and Junior Physiologist Polly Smith share their top tips below on how your diet and exercise can make a difference and help you manage a menstrual cycle.

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Working with early onset dementia

Many people can continue to work and are able to do so for many years after their diagnosis. Continuing with work has many benefits. It is important to know what support is available for any colleague or employee that may receive a diagnosis of Early Onset Dementia.

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Supporting employees returning to work following absence

Managers play a vital role in ensuring a successful return to work following sickness absence. The longer someone is off work, the harder it becomes for them to return, particularly if they are left on their own to overcome barriers upon return.

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Supporting an employee through long term sickness

Long-term sickness absence is typically defined as four weeks or more continuous absence. Currently, the most common conditions responsible for long-term absences are stress, anxiety and depression, back pain, coronary heart disease and cancer, with all of these predicted to increase in the years ahead.

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Managing someone with cancer

Every person has a different cancer experience. Medical treatments and the subsequent physical and emotional reactions will vary from person to person. The following tips are designed to guide you and help support your employee through their cancer journey, from diagnosis through treatment and living with cancer.

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How to support others through changes in their wellbeing

While some people are very open when changes occur to either their physical or mental health, others are less open and may not feel comfortable sharing, especially with a manager or colleague.

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Let's talk about cancer: looking after your mind

Looking after our mental wellbeing is important throughout life, but is especially important if we ourselves, or those close to us, are going through investigations to confirm or exclude cancer or have been diagnosed with cancer. Read on for top tips to help you optimise your mental wellbeing.

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Supporting people close to you with cancer

Coping with cancer can be a difficult time in anyone’s life, and you may be wondering how you can best support those close to you in this situation. There are no hard and fast rules as each person’s experience will be different. We’ve pulled together a few ideas that you may like to consider.

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Supporting your child's emotional wellbeing

Stress and anxiety can affect anyone who feels overwhelmed — even children. Here are a few ways that you can support your child’s emotional wellbeing.

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Postnatal depression

Postnatal depression is a serious yet relatively common problem.

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Support for carers

Being a carer while carrying on normal life can be incredibly challenging, so we’ve put together a few tips that could help.

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Caring for elderly parents

Whilst ageing is an inevitable fact of life, many of us do not consider what the implications of getting older will be on our parents’ independence.

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Small steps for a dementia friendly home

It's hard to know what you can do to keep your loved ones safe in their home if they have dementia. We look at some small steps you can take as a start.

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Why Heart Health Matters at Work

With 44,000 people under the age of 75 dying from heart and circulatory diseases each year, adopting healthy behaviours at work matters.

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Love your heart

Some lifestyle factors can play a major part in the likelihood of developing diseases. Early detection and awareness of poor health, such as high cholesterol, blood pressure and ‘unhealthy’ lifestyle habits help us modify our behaviours to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and cancer.

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Alzheimer's awareness

Many of us will have a family member, friend or acquaintance who is affected by Alzheimer’s. While unfortunately there is currently no known cause or cure, we can educate ourselves to have more of an insight into the disease, to provide more understanding and better support those living with it.

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Managers: Eat to Be Productive

Two main factors that help us achieve high productivity have to do with limiting distractions and being able to think clearly and focus. Rita Makri, Registered Dietitian at AXA Health, discusses how nutrition can effect our productivity levels.

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Reducing Your Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

Did you know there are 3.8 million people in the UK diagnosed with diabetes? The number could, in fact, be much higher, as it is estimated that 549,000 people have undiagnosed diabetes.

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What's the link between alcohol and diabetes?

The relationship between alcohol and risk of type-2 diabetes can be complicated and this is one more reason why you should stay within the government guidelines for drinking alcohol.

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Self-Love is Good for the Heart

Evidence suggests self-love, self-acceptance, healthy self-esteem and self-compassion can have a beneficial impact on our heart and health.

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Exercise for a Healthy Heart

It is widely accepted and supported by evidence that regular exercise has a significantly beneficial effect on our heart health. It is also strongly associated with a decrease in cardiovascular mortality, as well as the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

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Omega 3 and Heart Health

We often hear about omega 3, but what is it exactly? And how can omega 3 benefit your heart health?

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Is Fibre the Key to a Healthy Heart?

Fibre is probably best known for its role in regulating bowel movements, but what other effects does it have on our bodies? Senior physiologist Stephanie and associate nutritionist (ANutr) Gina explore.

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Building new healthy habits - cycling

If you are considering a new healthy habit, AXA Health Junior Physiologists Lauren Davenport and Anna Fountain explain why and how to make cycling a great addition to your routine.

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Declutter to destress

Messy homes and work spaces can leave us feeling anxious, helpless, and overwhelmed, but do not fret, the declutter to destress challenge is here to help you battle against unnecessary stresses. Check out our top tips below.

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Still counting sheep?

Sleep is essential and allows our bodies to recuperate both physically and mentally. Here are our tips to help you get better sleep.

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Morning movement and breathing practice with Richie Norton

Morning movement and breathing practice with Richie Norton to lift your mood, energise your body and de-stress.

Wellbeing

6 top tips to help you make positive changes

It’s normal to fear change because it takes us out of our comfort zone, but stretching our boundaries can also open up a whole world of opportunities. AXA Health Junior Physiologist Jermaine Izukanne shares his top tips on how to make positive changes to our life.

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Tackling negative gym culture to help you reach your goal

Unfortunately, there are some negative sides to gym culture that can make navigating your fitness goals a challenge, both physically and mentally, especially if you’re just starting out.

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How do we achieve a healthier, happier workplace?

As life expectancy continues to rise, so too does the retirement age for many people. Governments are deciding that, as we are living longer, we can therefore work longer.

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The benefits of saying no

Have you ever noticed you say ‘yes’ to things but then regret doing so? Saying no can be difficult, but it can be helpful for our wellbeing. AXA Health Psychological Coach Nicola Baxter shares tips on why and how to say no.

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How to set realistic goals and achieve them

Setting goals can be a challenge, but achieving these goals is usually even more difficult! Join our Physiologist, Lauren Davenport, as she describes her five steps to successfully creating AND achieving your goals.

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Are you prioritising healthy working hours?

It is becoming increasingly common for employees to work over their contracted 37.5 ‘full time’ hours a week. Physiologist Gabriella explores the impact.

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Wellness action plans

A Wellness Action Plan (WAP) is a tool that can be used to help initiate a conversation between an employee and manager about strategies to promote optimal wellbeing in the workplace.

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Healthy habits in the workplace

On average, people spend roughly 50% of their total waking hours in the workplace during any given working day. Creating a good routine whilst at work can have a huge impact on health and wellbeing. Discover some smart swaps you can make in the workplace to improve your health.

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Tips for managing stress

Try these six tips to help you reduce and manage feelings of stress and anxiety.

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How to deal with feeling isolated

If you're feeling isolated here are some ideas that could help you shake off that feeling and feel more connected. You are not alone.

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Top tips for a better night’s sleep

Are you getting enough sleep? Is it good quality sleep? Here are five top tips to help you get the best from your Zzzz-time.

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Top tips for avoiding burnout

What is burnout and how can you avoid it?

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Ten ways to help you beat stress this Christmas

Getting ready for Christmas can be stressful, for all sorts of reasons. We've compiled our top ten ways to have a jolly holiday.

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Alcohol and substance misuse

Dealing with alcohol or substance misuse at work is challenging. From recognising the signs to taking the right action for employee and the business, our guide is designed to take you through the steps you need to take.

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Alcohol, drugs and your mental health

Understand the effect that drugs and alcohol can have on how we think and feel and what you can do if you are worried about how it is affecting you or someone you care for.

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Supporting your team and avoiding burnout

Fatigue and risk of burnout is common. Home working creates its own set of challenges. So how can you rise to the challenge and ensure your team are getting the balance right and minimising burnout?

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What is resilience?

Like any skill, resilience can be developed, it just takes some time and practice. Small changes can yield big benefits, like better sleep, more energy and a calmer outlook.

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Wellbeing at work - a guide for managers

Download our complete guide to supporting your team's 'Wellbeing at work'. Learn, manage and improve workplace wellbeing where you work.

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Playing chess is good for mental health

Watch our short video and see how starting a new hobby can have a positive effect on our mental health.

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Myth busters - Sleep

What makes a great night's sleep? We bust a few myths to give you a little insight on how to get the most from your rest.

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Tips for keeping energised throughout the day

Feeling tired all the time? Here are four things you can do to feel energised.

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Get active your way

Discover how to be active in a way that feels good for you - and maintain it!

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How keeping active benefits our mental wellbeing

Find out how keeping active can have unexpected benefits for our mental wellbeing.

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Building resilience with exercise and diet

Help your team build resilience through exercise. Find out how you can help them become more active.

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Managing your way out of sedentary behaviour

How can you manage your way out of sedentary behaviour? Read our guide and find out.

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Desk stretches to improve posture

Spend a few minutes with Richie Norton as he takes you through some simple desk stretches, to help you feel energised.

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Morning movement and breathing practice

Take a few minutes to do this morning movement and breathing practice with Richie Norton to lift your mood, energise your body and de-stress.

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Wellbeing at work - a guide for managers

Download our complete guide to supporting your team's 'Wellbeing at work'. Learn, manage and improve workplace wellbeing where you work.

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No pain no gain

When it comes to exercise, is it really 'no pain, no gain'?

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Do You 'Move Smart'?

Did you know that we can all ‘Move Smart’ at work? Take a look at the top tips to ensure you and your team are more physically active in the workplace.

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