From home to office  Wellbeing tips for 2026

Leadership roles carry unique pressures, and the cumulative impact on health can be significant. Senior decision makers are more likely to experience long working hours, higher stress levels and limited recovery time, which can influence performance, clarity and long-term resilience.

Here are five tips for directors to consider:

1. Invest in healthy habits: The new year can be a good excuse to start a new routine. Some common areas to focus on include healthy eating, getting enough sleep, exercise, sunlight (especially in the winter months!), and spending time with friends and family. Try setting yourself one or two realistic and specific goals that are most important to your lifestyle.
2. Don’t undervalue the impact of your health on performance: Directors may feel pressure to neglect their own health by prioritising organisational demands. However, maintaining good physical and mental wellbeing results in stronger strategic thinking, increased productivity, better judgement and improved long term planning. In fact, 9 out of 10 directors say there is a direct link between their health and wellbeing and the overall performance of their organisations. (Source: IoD survey)
3. Set boundaries for work-life balance: Clearly define work hours and stick to them as much as possible. Avoid taking work home and resist the urge to check emails, or take calls, during personal time unless absolutely necessary.
4. Lead by example: For directors in high-pressure roles, nurturing their own mental wellbeing is just as important as supporting the teams they lead. Setting a good example yourself can help promote employee wellbeing and create a healthy workplace culture.
5. Consider private health insurance: Busy work and personal schedules may mean that taking time out for health reasons may not always feel like an option. Over time, these patterns can lead to increased risk of more serious health concerns. If you are thinking about reviewing your personal health support this year, you may wish to consider private healthcare options that provide reliable, flexible access to care without long waits.

Maintaining good personal health and wellbeing can have a multiplicative effect by improving performance while also setting a good example for colleagues and employees.

*pre-existing conditions not covered.

**Applies to eligible Institute of Directors members on quotes for new Bupa By You policies, and is not available in conjunction with any other offer (e.g. months free, guided care options). Discount will be reviewed on 22/10/2026 and any changes will apply to renewals and new quotes thereafter. Quotes are valid for 14 days. See full terms and conditions here.

†Families pay 10% less for a joint policy compared to the price of separate policies for each family member. Cover must include at least one adult and one or more children. Children do not have to live at the same address as the main member. This offer applies to the Bupa By You Comprehensive and Treatment and Care health insurance policies. This offer may change or be unavailable when you renew. See full terms and conditions here.

††Add more than one child under 20 years old to your policy and you’ll only pay for the eldest child, no matter how many more children you add. Children aged 20 or over cannot receive free cover or count as an ‘eldest child’ for this offer. Cover must include at least two children aged 19 or under. You’ll still receive our 10% family discount if you have free child cover. Children do not have to live at the same address as the main member. This offer may change or be unavailable when you renew. This offer applies to the Bupa By You Comprehensive and Treatment and Care health insurance policies. This offer may change or be unavailable when you renew. See full terms and conditions here.

Institute of Directors is an introducer to Insured Health Ltd. Insured Health Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England and Wales No: 9886202. Registered office: Saville House, 74-90 Savile Street, Sheffield, S4 7UD.

Bupa health insurance is provided by Bupa Insurance Limited. Registered in England and Wales with registration number 3956433. Bupa Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Arranged and administered by Bupa Insurance Services Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England and Wales with registration number 3829851. Registered office: 1 Angel Court, London, EC2R 7HJ.