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High Performance vs Whole Performance – Navigating the Cost of Sacrificing Health for Wealth

Simon Cusden

In our relentless pursuit of high performance, it's all too easy to overlook the hidden costs – a heavy toll exacted not only on individuals but also on organisations themselves. The

traditional model of success, driven solely by financial gains, demands a high price in the currency of wellbeing. So, what is the bottom line, and how can we redefine success to

encompass wellbeing without sacrificing financial prosperity?


First off, some stats. It’s clear that a single-minded focus on high performance often leaves individuals drained and relationships strained. The high-performance culture perpetuates

stress, anxiety and burnout among employees.


In the UK, stress ranks as the primary cause of long-term sickness absence for senior leaders in 47% of organizations, as reported by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and

Development (CIPD).


The relentless pursuit of profit frequently sidelines spiritual fulfilment and environmental responsibility.


Over half a million UK workers experience work-related stress, with senior leaders particularly vulnerable, says a study by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Is there a truer bottom line? One which encapsulates the fact that shifting towards a more holistic approach – one that values wellbeing alongside financial success – yields

remarkable benefits:


Mental wellbeing is the cornerstone of better decision-making and creativity. In 2019-20, work-related stress, depression or anxiety accounted for 51% of all work-related ill-health

cases in the UK, according to HSE.


Investing in mental health programmes at the workplace reaps rewards. For every £1 spent, the return on investment (ROI) can be as high as £5, according to a study by Deloitte.


Presenteeism in the UK costs an estimated £15.1 billion per year, with senior leaders bearing the brunt, notes AXA PPP Healthcare.


Embracing sustainable practices and corporate social responsibility aligns with today's global concerns.


Contact Simon@WholePeopleGroup.com to find out how Whole People can help you or your organisation.

Ground Floor, Wickham Road,

London, SE4 1UY

Be all of you. Always.

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