Creating workplace environments that support brain health

Your questions answered

• What is brain health, and why does it matter in the workplace?

  Brain health is defined as more than just the absence of disease . It encompasses our capacity for clear thinking, emotional regulation, learning, memory, and resilience. It is about maximized functioning and thriving across a spectrum that includes thought processes, growth, development, and emotional well-being.

• What is "cognitive resilience"?

  Cognitive resilience is the brain’s ability to maintain function despite age-related changes or pathology. Built through lifestyle factors, cognitive resilience allows some individuals to function normally even with physical brain changes that would impair others. Non-modifiable factors and genetics may also build resilience.

• What are the nine pillars of brain health?

  The framework identifies nine evidence-based lifestyle pillars that support brain health: 

  • Food and Nutrition
  • Physical Environment
  • Social Connection
  • Purpose and Meaning
  • Physical Activity
  • Sleep
  • Stress Management
  • Mental Fitness
  • Medical and Preventive Care

• What is the "Neuroprotective Diet"?

  The Neuroprotective Diet recommends high consumption of fruits and vegetables, with an emphasis on berries and green leafy vegetables; regular consumption of beans, nuts, whole grains and healthy unsaturated fats; regular intake of fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids; moderate consumption of poultry, red meat, dairy and eggs; and limited consumption of processed foods, sodium and added sugars.

• How does the physical environment affect my brain?

  The built environment influences cognitive performance in measurable ways. Natural light exposure regulates circadian rhythms essential for sleep and cognitive function. Air quality directly affects brain oxygen delivery, while temperature, acoustic design and chronic noise exposure can also affect alertness, performance, stress and concentration. A landmark Harvard study found that workers in well-ventilated buildings with low CO₂ and VOC levels scored 61% higher on cognitive-function tests than those in conventional buildings under controlled conditions.

• What can I do today to support my own brain health?

  The paper recommends six key actions: 

  1. Eat for your brain: Prioritize greens, berries, fish, and nuts.
  2. Move throughout the day: Stand up every hour and reduce prolonged sitting.
  3. Prioritize sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours and limit screen exposure before bed.
  4. Stay socially connected: Make time for meaningful conversations.
  5. Challenge your mind: Learn something new regularly.
  6. Manage stress: Build recovery time into your schedule and seek regular medical checkups.

• What is the "Brain-Healthy Environment Scorecard"?

  It is a practical tool used to assess how well a setting supports the nine pillars. It measures leading indicators (like % of brain-healthy menu options or CO2 levels below 800 ppm) against outcome metrics like absenteeism and engagement scores.