The competitive performance benefits of managerial health: five key practices

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the professional benefits of being in good health and construct a development plan to help business leaders learn how to get and stay healthy.

Data were collected from a sample of 159 “high performance” managers who were identified by their organization as excellent performers over a period of at least five years. The managers were asked for their views on the relationship between health and performance at work. In addition, they were asked what the specific work‐related benefits of being healthy are.

High performance managers believe that there is a strong link between their health and their effectiveness as leaders. The main work‐related benefits of being healthy were: increased energy and drive; greater physical stamina and endurance; lower levels of stress; increased cognitive and thinking abilities; improved overall productivity and performance; improved confidence and self‐esteem; easier to maintain a positive attitude and personality; setting a good example for others in the organization; strengthened ability to make tough business decisions, and improved quality of personal life.

Given these benefits of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, recommendations are given to managers to help foster the appropriate culture or environment in.