Gone are the days when professional success demanded sacrificing one’s health and well-being – when late nights at the office were badges of loyalty, and exhaustion was worn like a trophy. Today, research consistently shows that employees who prioritise their mental and physical health are more engaged, motivated and effective. To underscore this crucial shift, this year’s Novatore Impact Summit will spotlight health and longevity as staples of modern leadership and professional growth.
Today’s leaders are increasingly vocal about the critical link between good health and professional success. Michelle Obama champions regular exercise and healthy eating, Jacinda Ardern openly advocates for mental health and mindfulness techniques, and Indra Nooyi emphasises exercise and sleep as essential for focus and resilience. This refreshing narrative is also gaining momentum in the Baltic states, where many leaders are embracing these values – and several will share their insights at the upcoming summit.
Ilze Znotiņa, a board member of Augstsprieguma tīkls, recalls once taking pride in averaging just four hours of sleep a night. “I’d wake up at 4 or 5 a.m.,” she says. However, as she approached her mid-40s, she discovered a newfound, almost unfamiliar joy in sleeping in. “Now, I make it a priority to get at least seven hours of sleep to restore both my mind and body,” she continues. Beyond prioritising rest, Znotiņa attributes her physical fitness and mental clarity to long walks, two to four weekly gym sessions, regular visits to the pirts (Latvian sauna), choral singing, plenty of laughter, and a healthy outlook on life.
Health: A strategic investment
But health isn’t just a personal priority – it’s a strategic investment that drives organisational success. Dace Goldmane, director of the Stockmann department store in Riga, highlights how her company fosters employee well-being by providing health insurance, organising educational events and hosting guest lectures. “Our managers expand their skills and knowledge to promote a healthy work-life balance within their teams, inspiring employees to care for themselves while making time for their families and hobbies,” she explains.
Importantly, entrepreneurs who focus on creating a good working environment and conditions earn more in the long run. Baiba Rubesa, co-founder of Novatore backs this up with compelling data: “In 2023, the World Health Organisation reported that companies that implement health and well-being programs increase employee efficiency and productivity by up to 20%. If the benefits aren’t enough to inspire action, the consequences should give pause. Businesses lose an estimated USD 350 billion annually due to poor employee health. A study by Deloitte Research further reveals that each physically inactive employee costs the Latvian economy over EUR 800 per year, with productivity losses draining approximately EUR 40 million from the state budget.”
While today’s business environment demands much of us alongside our other responsibilities, it’s essential not to view health and self-care as just another item on the to-do list. At the Novatore Impact Summit '25, a lineup of expert speakers will share practical insights and experiences to help you prioritise your well-being – and, in turn, become a more effective leader.
You can read the entire article in Latvian here.
Comments