NCM/Optimise Performance: Well-Being Program

January 2025

At NCM, we recognise that our people are the foundation of our service delivery, and we are committed to continuously investing in their development and well-being. Ensuring our staff feel supported, motivated, and capable of performing their roles to the best of their ability is crucial to our success.

This autumn, the NCM Board made a commitment to enhance staff well-being through a dedicated well-being program. The initiative kicked off with lunchtime sessions focused on well-being, held in our Boardroom. Ben Parkes from Optimise Performance designed and delivered the program, providing engaging sessions to over 20 participants each week, covering various aspects of health and wellness.

In week one, we explored the fundamentals of nutrition and hydration, along with strategies to manage energy and performance throughout the workday. While the focus was on improving our work environment, the insights were easily transferable to personal life as well. Understanding how to fuel our bodies and incorporating tips to boost nutrient intake and overall well-being were incredibly valuable.

Week two covered strategies for sustained energy, focus, and recovery nutrition. We learned techniques for managing stress and maintaining energy levels. One of the key takeaways was the importance of taking regular breaks from computer screens and the benefits of a quick walk around the block to refresh and refocus our minds.

In week three, the focus shifted to the benefits of supplements like creatine for both cognitive and physical performance. We also delved into a nutrition and well-being session specifically tailored for women.

Outside of these sessions, we maintain a strong focus on health in our day-to-day routines. Our Edinburgh office features a well-stocked fruit bowl, a water fountain, and a cupboard full of herbal teas. The fridge is always stocked with meals and meal prep brought in by our team to fuel themselves. As we integrate the new insights from the well-being sessions, we look forward to enhancing our workplace wellness even further.

Looking ahead, we have established a wellness committee, led by one of our Directors (Claire Lloyd). It is tasked with developing a comprehensive strategy for staff well-being across all NCM offices. We are excited to see the positive impact this initiative will have as we move into 2025.