At Gateway we are recognised for our forward-thinking approaches to resolving common workplace health, safety and wellbeing challenges. We look beyond our core industries, seeking transferable learning that will help our clients to improve and develop their people, taking on a fresh perspective to the everyday workplace routines. 

It is widely recognised that people function within a complex socio-technical system, influenced by the environment, resources, social norms, culture and acceptance of working methods. In the workplace the safety outcomes we see are the result of these interdependencies for a particular situation. This also applied to workplace health and wellbeing with increasing importance placed on caring for the whole person – both inside and outside of work. Organisations often seek to get the best out of their people in often challenging and complex situations, which is similar to the world of sport. So what can we learn from athletes and sports professionals? 

We often hear about the links between work and sport whether that is physical preparation, mental preparation, mindset, culture, leadership, coaching and learning. As maturity develops we see greater improvements when the employee is considered part of a wider system, whereby we view the holistic elements of how they interact with work and the workplace.  

This year, Gateway are introducing a series called ‘The Workplace Athlete’, where we will explore and share many of the synergies between work and sport. Just like athletes and sport professionals, workers often rely on both physical and mental capacities to perform their job.  

We will explore the importance of both physical health (nutrition, exercise, health hazard management, ergonomics, sleep) and mental health (stress, workload, fatigue), within the complex system of work. 

If you want to hear more, we will be regularly updating our website blog or follow us on social media.