New report establishes link between resilience, wellbeing and productivity. Employees with high levels of mental resilience – or grit – are more productive, according to a global study by health and performance experts Global Corporate Challenge (GCC).

The new GCC Insights® report surveyed 1,590 employees about their resilience and established a direct link between grit, wellbeing and productivity.[1] Grit is important at a time when one in three employees report feeling stressed at work[2], and the stress bill adds up to £1.24bn annually in the UK alone.[3]  GCC Insight’s Data Scientist, Dr Olivia Sackett, said: “We found that, on average, employees increased their grit levels by 4.3% when their wellbeing improved and stress levels went down.”

GCC’s Chief Medical Officer Dr David Batman is a registered Consultant Specialist in Occupational Health with expertise in psychological health at work. He said recognising the connection between grit, wellbeing and productivity was valuable for businesses wanting to make the most of their talent pool. Especially true as they face the double threat of rising health costs and unstable economies. “In a world that has changed dramatically since the financial crisis of 2008, where uncertainty, stress and sedentary lifestyles have become the norm, grit has never been more important to businesses,” Dr Batman said. “Research shows it’s a strong predictor of success, even in difficult times. That’s because a resilient person is better able to cope with challenging situations. They spring back and often succeed against what might seem like insurmountable odds. By contrast, low levels of grit can lead to absenteeism, poor performance, ill-health – and of course a loss of talent.”

The report also found that resilient employees are made and not born. Dr Batman said businesses who harness the advantage of wellbeing could transform their teams for effective bottom line results. “Helping your people become more resilient is simple when you understand the connection between body and mind,” he said. “Our study clearly shows that if you can improve the health and wellbeing of your employees, you can have a direct impact on their grit and resilience levels. All people need is the motivation and encouragement to make lasting, positive changes to their lifestyles.  “That’s a great outcome for everyone because you not only create happier, healthier individuals, you also create stronger, more focused employees who get better business outcomes.”