In the modern workplace, managers are expected to lead with clarity, focus, and resilience. But in high-pressure environments, it’s easy to overlook a key ingredient for sustainable leadership: your physical wellbeing.

Your ability to show up—mentally and emotionally—starts with how well you care for your body.

The Link Between Physical Health and Leadership

Physical wellbeing directly affects your cognitive performance, emotional regulation, and stress management. Without it, even the most skilled leaders can find themselves running on empty.

In fact, over 40% of Australian workers report suffering from fatigue on the job, with physical inactivity and poor sleep being key contributors (Safe Work Australia). Meanwhile, 1 in 3 New Zealand adults is classified as physically inactive, putting them at higher risk for health conditions that can also impact performance and focus (Ministry of Health NZ, 2023).

Why It Matters for Managers

As a leader, your habits influence your team far beyond your to-do list. When you prioritise movement, recovery, and healthy routines, you set the tone for your team to do the same.

Research shows that teams led by managers who model wellbeing practices experience:

• Higher employee engagement

• Improved morale

• Lower stress and burnout levels

• Greater psychological safety

Put simply: when you look after your physical wellbeing, you lead better.

Simple Habits with Big Impact

You don’t need to run marathons or overhaul your lifestyle. Try starting with:

• A short walk or stretch between meetings

• Standing up during phone calls

• Drinking more water throughout the day

• Encouraging your team to take active breaks

Need Support? We've Got You.

To help make physical wellbeing more accessible, Drake WellbeingHub has partnered with Limitless Performance Centre to offer a new Physical Wellbeing Coaching service — included in your EAP at no extra cost.

Each employee receives:

• 2 x 30-minute virtual coaching sessions

• Personalised, habit-based support tailored to their energy and job demands

• Tools for movement, mobility, and recovery

• Optional workplace webinars

This is a simple and guided way to bring more energy and physical resilience into your leadership and your team.

In leadership, your presence matters. And presence starts with physical wellbeing. By investing in your energy, movement, and recovery, you're investing in your team's performance too.

Now is a great time to reset your routine — and support your team to do the same.

Reach out to us to explore options.