Episode 175: Create mini “blue zones” in your company: Laura Putnam (CEO & Founder, Motion Infusion)

Listen to our recent episode with Laura Putnam, CEO & Founder at Motion Infusion.

We talked about the state of wellbeing, why managers are our greatest hope in getting workplace wellness to work, and the 3 simple actions every manager can take to promote wellbeing on their team.

Read the highlights below. ??

1. We're creatures of culture & environment ???

In Laura's work training over 40,000 leaders globally, she’s learned that if you want to effect real change, you need to focus less on the individual ("the fish") and more on the environment ("the water").

Ever noticed how your surroundings impact your ability to stick to healthy habits?

Laura says this is a common struggle.

Even with the best intentions, like attending a fitness class, the ease of access can make or break your commitment. For example, in cities like San Francisco, just finding parking can be a deterrent. But when it's easy, we're much more likely to follow through.

This isn't just about personal effort; it's a broader, cultural phenomenon.

We often hear "just take personal responsibility," but that overlooks how much our environments shape our behaviors. Most of us are not naturally disciplined creatures of habit; rather, we're influenced by the culture and environment around us.

Encouraging awareness and motivation is great, but if we really want to see sustained behavioral change, we must address the settings in which people operate.

So, to all the organizations out there: Want to truly enhance well-being and productivity?

Start by creating an environment that supports these goals.

It's not just about urging individuals to change; it's about transforming the ecosystem they inhabit.

2. The state of wellbeing is not good ??

Despite the booming wellness industry, Laura says our collective health tells a different story about the state of wellbeing.

Yoga pants may be everywhere, and wellness tips flood our feeds, but startling statistics paint a concerning picture:

?? Nearly 50% of American adults are not just overweight, but obese.

?? Over 42% are already there, with these figures having skyrocketed in recent decades.

?? An estimated 25% of our children could become diabetic during their lives.

This isn't just about numbers; it's a clear sign of a deeper societal issue. The rapid rise in chronic diseases could be mitigated by adopting three simple lifestyle habits:

1. Eating healthy ??
2. Staying active ??
3. Avoiding smoking ??

Yet, only a shockingly low 2.7% of Americans manage to consistently do these three things, according to the Mayo Clinic. This massive "knowing-doing" gap suggests that while awareness is high, actual practice is abysmally low.

?? It’s a Collective Challenge ??

Our environments often do not support healthy choices. Fast food options dominate, sidewalks for safe walking are rare, and daily routines discourage physical activity. We live in what scientists call "obesogenic environments" that actively promote obesity.

?? Call to Action: Change Our Culture ??

To reverse this trend, we need to think beyond individual habits to collective cultural and environmental changes. How can we reshape our surroundings to make healthier choices the norm rather than the exception?

What steps are you taking at your organization to create mini “blue zones”?

3. Managers are our greatest hope for our wellbeing ??

Laura Putnam reminded us that bosses might impact your health more than your doctor. ??

According to longstanding Gallup research, a manager can account for up to 70% of their team's engagement and well-being.

?? Here's the catch: managers are already stretched thin. So, how can we help them become catalysts for wellness without adding to their burden? It starts with training—helping them understand their critical role and giving them the tools to make a difference, even in small ways.

?? For instance, the simple act of making eye contact, saying hello, or remembering a team member's birthday can significantly uplift someone. It’s about those everyday interactions, those "daily touch points" that can either lift someone up or weigh them down.

?? Take a page from the playbook of the CEO who turned around Campbell's Soup. His approach? Be tough on standards but tender-hearted with people. He wrote over 30,000 personal thank you notes during his tenure—small efforts that left a big impact, with employees treasuring these notes enough to hang them on their walls.

?? Managers, remember, it’s not just what you do but HOW you do it that defines the culture of wellness at work. You are the permission givers for well-being at work. Even if you start small, your actions can cumulatively create a significant ripple effect.

4. Every manager can do these 3 simple things to promote wellbeing ??

Here are Laura’s 3 tips for creating a small oasis for your team:

1?? Lead by Example - Show your team how it's done. Your actions can inspire everyone to prioritize their well-being.

2?? Communicate Openly - Have real, human-to-human conversations. Don't just rely on HR emails about health and wellness; talk about it personally.

3?? Create Rituals - Establish team-based rituals that encourage well-being. Even simple, fun activities can make a significant difference.

Laura's definition of a Modern People Leader ??

"A modern people leader is someone who cares about people not only for what they do, but for who they are as human beings."

The career advice Laura would give to her 22-year-old self ??

"Give yourself a break. Go out there, be brave, try as many things as you possibly can and don't rush it. And you're doing great. You're doing just fine."

Go listen to the full episode: Apple | Spotify

See you next week!

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