Transforming Workplace Well-Being with Data-Driven Insights: How Onewave Boosts Energy and Performance using Firstbeat Life

 Onewave, a Netherlands-based company, offers unique programs that enhance workplace energy and performance through data-driven insights, personalized advice, and practical tools for transforming work environments. Using insights from Firstbeat Life data, Onewave programs make a real difference in employee wellbeing. 

Since 2017, Onewave has partnered with leading organizations like Accenture, PwC, Gasunie, and the Ministry of Justice & Security to enhance employee well-being and performance. The programs have resulted in high energy levels, better stress management, and improved employee retention rates. 

In this interview, Onewave Partner and Well-Being Expert Noortje de Lange explains how they are changing company cultures and creating healthier work environments with Firstbeat Life as an integral part of their concept. 

The Onewave Approach: Programs That Create Healthier Work Environments

One of the main challenges that Noortje sees in today’s workplaces is that companies tend to designate well-being responsibilities to the individual employees, rather than taking a team or organizational approach. She says: 

“Changing the culture and way of working isn’t easy. It’s often simpler to just give people the tools and say, ‘you can handle it on your own.’ What’s missing, though, is the key element of learning together and building a healthy environment as a group. When we want to create workplaces where people can work and perform in a sustainable healthy way, it’s not only an individual responsibility; it involves leadership, as well as adapting structures and processes. But I do believe that if we take on this challenge, there is so much to be gained – not only in terms of employee wellbeing and happiness, but also in terms of realizing business targets.” 

Onewave’s unique data-driven approach, powered by Firstbeat Life, not only helps individuals but also transforms organizational operations. By addressing energy management at an individual and team level, they are changing the way companies approach well-being.  

“We aim to create healthy working environments together with our clients. Learning together has always been a cornerstone in our programs, and now we’re building that up with programs for teams and entire organizations.” She continues. 

With the success of their programs and the positive feedback from clients, Onewave continues to lead the way in creating healthier, more sustainable work environments. Noortje explains the structure of the Onewave programs that combines both group and individual components: 

“People join our program in groups of 15-20 participants. We always start with a kick-off workshop, in which we share the latest insights in energymanagement, and create engagement. We help participants to think of a personal goal for the program. The rest of the program consists of different parts, in which participants get insights in their energy patterns by the HRV measurements, translate this data into action plans, and share their learnings in group workshops. During the entire journey, participants are motivated and engaged with webinars and change boosters. As an add-on, clients can also choose to integrate additional masterclasses, 1-on-1 coaching or workshops on specific topics to the program.”

On a management level we share group insights in wellbeing of the entire workforce. This enables leaders to make data driven decisions and create buy-in in different target groups. 

Firstbeat Life: The Science Behind the Change

Onewave was initially attracted to using Firstbeat Life in coaching because they wanted to take a data-driven and scientific approach to stress and recovery in working with their clients. Firstbeat Life has proven to be great fit with the Onewave approach and has grown to be an integral part of all Onewave programs.  

“I think the most powerful thing about Firstbeat is having a scientific way of measuring energy levels, combined with practical tools,” says Noortje. “It’s easy to translate the data into small adjustments you can make that can have a big effect on health and performance. For Onewave, a scientific background is essential. One of our brand promises, is that we always work in a scientifically proven way. But it’s also important to help people on a practical level to change things in their daily lives. I think Firstbeat Life helps us a lot in both of these elements.” 

Positive Client Feedback and Measurable Results

Feedback from Onewave’s clients has been overwhelmingly positive, with around 95% of participants recommending the program. The combination of data insights and one-on-one feedback has proven particularly valuable, as it allows employees to understand their energy patterns and adjust their lifestyles accordingly. “We are very proud of the fact that 98% of our participants indicate that the Onewave program provides concrete tools for working in a healthier way. One year after completing the program, 83.5% report that the Onewave program has had a lasting positive impact on their energy and health.” 

“Because of the data driven character, we reach a lot of people, also the ones that tend to be a bit sceptical about these kinds of programs,” says Noortje. “The individual approach with the Firstbeat data and the one-on-one feedback sessions, combined with learning together in a group or as a team is what they appreciate the most.  

After the program, one of the managers who participated with her team reported noticing positive changes. Team members were now taking breaks together, going outside for walks, and even reminding each other to take good care of themselves. They also incorporated movement into their meetings and adjusted meeting structures to allow for more focused time.  

“It’s important to note that we are really changing ways of working, not only giving individuals insights, but changing the entire working culture.” 

Get in touch with Onewave and benefit from their energy programs through their website. 

If you’re a wellness professional, learn more about how you can use Firstbeat Life in your coaching work here.