The Gut-Brain Axis: Wellbeing, Productivity and Presenteeism

About this event

Explore the relationship between gut-brain axis, wellbeing, energy, focus and workplace performance & practical evidence-informed insights.

This science-led webinar explores the gut-brain axis and why gut health is relevant far beyond digestion. Dr Berit Nordstrand will explain how the gut and brain communicate through the nervous system, immune system, hormones and microbial metabolites, and how the gut microbiome may influence mood, cognitive function, energy regulation and resilience to stress.

The session will connect the science to workplace challenges that can be easy to overlook, including digestive discomfort, poor sleep, fatigue and brain fog, and consider how these may affect concentration, decision-making, confidence and performance. It will also explore why presenteeism can be difficult for employers to recognise when an employee is present but not functioning at their usual capacity.

Attendees can expect to gain:
• A clear understanding of the gut-brain axis and the biological pathways connecting gut and brain health.
• Insight into how common symptoms may influence everyday wellbeing and functioning at work.
• A practical perspective on presenteeism and why it can be difficult to identify.
• Evidence-informed principles that can support microbial diversity, metabolic health and everyday wellbeing.

Key takeaway: Gut health is not simply a digestive issue. Through the gut-brain axis, it can influence how people think, feel, recover and function at work, making it relevant to a wider workplace wellbeing strategy.

About the speaker:

Dr Berit Nordstrand

Dr Berit Nordstrand is a physician, author and entrepreneur who qualified in medicine at NTNU in Trondheim in 1991. She later specialised in clinical pharmacology and toxicology and in addiction medicine, working clinically as a medical doctor until 2015. During her clinical career, Berit worked within the interdisciplinary substance use disorder treatment service at St Olavs University Hospital’s specialist addiction clinic. Here, she integrated lifestyle medicine into conventional care, incorporating nutrition, physical activity, sleep and daily routines alongside established medical approaches. Her work also included educating doctors, nurses and patients, and lecturing on how lifestyle factors can contribute to health and recovery. Berit has since become a leading communicator on nutrition and lifestyle health, translating complex medical knowledge into practical, accessible guidance through her books, media work and the GutWise 12-step method.

Please note:

• Participants will receive their joining details 24 hours before the webinar, along with a reminder one hour before the session begins.
• The session may be recorded and shared afterwards.
• The chat function will be used to engage with participants.
• If there is an external speaker, their views will be their own and may not necessarily reflect those of the CIPD.
• If any reasonable adjustments are required, participants are encouraged to make this known and assistance will be provided.