Emphasising injury prevention and encouraging a work-life balance lead to a healthier workplace, whether it is an office or a football field, a CGU business insights session heard last week.

Darren Jolly, a player with AFL club Collingwood, and the club’s exercise scientist Blake McLean told attendees the sports world is placing greater emphasis on manageable training programs and players’ mental health.

Mr McLean says managing training loads – whether in sport or the workplace – is part of a holistic approach to injury prevention.

Happier workers are more productive and creative, he says. “Overtraining – or overworking employees – will lead to their performance dropping off and puts them at greater risk of injury.”

Mr Jolly says support for injured players is important because rehabilitation means time away from the team, which can be isolating and frustrating. Such early intervention takes a significant commitment from players and the club.

Collingwood’s medical screening program aims to identify players who might be vulnerable to injury, so they can start strengthening exercises.

The club also looks to identify other stresses in players’ lives so it can support them through the emotional highs and lows of being in the public eye or sidelined through injury.

Mr McLean says the club encourages its 50 players to pursue outside interests, which can be a challenge, particularly for younger men who have moved interstate away from family and friends and are consumed by football.

Younger players may also cover up injury or soreness, either because they dismiss its significance or they want to get onto the field. It is important to build a culture of openness and honesty, he says.