In the UK, the average number of sick days per employee has risen to 6.7 per year, nearly doubling since 2018. This increase in absenteeism, coupled with the pervasive issue of presenteeism (where employees work while unwell) has led to significant productivity losses. Businesses are now facing substantial costs, with sick employees contributing to over £100 billion in lost productivity annually.
Beyond the financial implications, these challenges also impact a company’s reputation. A strong employer brand is built on a foundation of employee wellbeing which can not only retain existing staff but also attract top talent. Therefore, investing in comprehensive wellness strategies is not just beneficial, it’s essential.
Understanding Workplace Challenges
Modern work environments, whether remote or in-office, present several challenges that affect employee health and productivity:
- Sedentary lifestyles: Extended periods of sitting can lead to poor posture, back pain, musculoskeletal issues, and circulatory problems such as oedema (swelling) and deep vein thrombosis.
- Chronic stress: Many employees are suffering from chronic stress, which puts them at risk of burnout and can cause mental fatigue, anxiety, decreased focus, low mood, depression, digestive issues, and many other health complaints.
- Low energy levels: Insufficient physical activity and poor nutrition can result in persistent tiredness, affecting morale, performance, and efficiency.
Addressing these issues requires a holistic approach that encompasses physical movement, nutritional guidance, and mental health support. The result is increased and sustainable energy and engagement, greater resilience, and improved employee retention.
Implementing Effective Wellness Solutions
Integrating wellness programmes into the workplace can mitigate these challenges. Practices such as yoga and Pilates are particularly effective:
- Time-efficient: Focused and targeted sessions can be as brief as 10–20 minutes, easily fitting into busy schedules.
- Accessible: Minimal equipment is needed, making it feasible for various home or work settings.
- Comprehensive: These practices enhance core strength, improve posture, reduce stress, and renew energy and mental clarity, improving attention and creativity at work.
By promoting regular movement, energy renewal, and mindfulness, employees can experience immediate benefits, leading to a more engaged and productive workforce.
The Core Connection: Why it’s the Missing Piece
It’s not just about stretching; your core is your foundation for everything.
Your core holds you together. When it’s weak, everything else suffers, posture collapses, back pain flares, and energy dips.
Strengthening the core:
✔️ Improves spinal support
✔️ Reduces injuries from daily movement
✔️ Improves posture and confidence
✔️ Boosts energy and focus
Core strength is preventative healthcare and that’s good news for everyone.
Real-Life Impact (and it doesn’t take long!)
With just 10–20 minutes of consistent, intelligent movement each day, employees can:
💚 Ease the tension they carry from sitting
💚 Feel more energised in meetings
💚 Stay mentally sharp through the afternoon slump
💚 Improve overall wellbeing with less overwhelm
It’s simple, maintainable, and it works.
An overwhelming majority of participants taking part in one of my wellbeing programmes found that not only were they more mindful of their posture, but they also naturally made better food choices, opting for foods that sustained their energy and nourished their body, enabling them to perform at their best.
Why it Matters for Employer Brand
Supporting your team’s wellbeing doesn’t just help them feel better, it shapes how your business is perceived.
It’s part of what makes a workplace feel human, supportive, and worth staying at. When you offer meaningful wellbeing support, you’re not just reducing sick days. You’re building a positive, people-first culture that attracts talent and retains it.
💬 A strong employer brand is built from the inside out
💬 Employees want to feel valued, not just managed
💬 Candidates are looking for workplaces that walk the talk
💬 Your reputation as an employer is as important as your product or service
Smart wellbeing programmes show you care and that matters. Whether it’s Pilates, posture support or proactive stress management, this kind of investment helps you build a healthier, happier, more engaged team. And that’s good for business.
My Story: From Lawyer to Core Queen
I was once the person sitting at a desk for 10 plus hours a day: battling back pain, fatigue, poor posture and low energy. I started introducing small changes: a lunchtime Pilates class, 10 minutes of yoga, tweaks to my nutrition and mindset.
The impact was huge. I felt stronger, more energised, and more productive. That’s when I knew I wanted to help others do the same.
With firsthand experience and over 15 years’ experience, I now help busy professionals, women 40+, and people focused workplaces improve posture, prevent injuries, and boost wellbeing through The Core Queen Method – a holistic approach to movement, nutrition and mindset.
How I Can Help
My workplace wellbeing solutions are designed for real people and real businesses.
On-demand membership – Access a library of short, effective Pilates, yoga, and core sessions anytime, plus super quick, simple, nutritious recipes to sustain energy.
Corporate wellbeing packages – Tailored programmes that integrate movement and mindset into your culture.
Whether you want to reduce sick days, improve productivity or enhance your employer brand, I’m here to help.
Let’s Talk
If you’re an HR professional or business owner ready to invest in your team’s wellbeing, let’s talk about practical solutions that will truly make a difference to your teams moral and your business’ bottom line.