Using Behavioural Science to Gamify Mental & Physical Health

One in four people will experience a mental health problem at some point in their lives. For many people, a healthy lifestyle can help prevent the onset or worsening of mental health conditions. This is a practical application of the agile value, “individuals and interactions over processes and tools” that uses stories and statistics to highlight the positive impacts that gamification and behavioural science can have on people’s physical and mental health.
The talk will cover:

• The Story of how one father’s quest to spend more quality time with his daughters using behavioural science, gamification and ice-cream to improve mental and physical health serves as an inspiration for forming a healthier work routine.
• The Science behind developing a habit loop for improving mental and physical health using behavioural science and gamification.
• The Statistics showing the positive impact that behavioural science and gamification can have on mental and physical health, leading to a more present and productive workforce.
• The Steps you can take to transform these techniques to improve your and your team’s mental and physical health.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand why incentives are much more powerful than punishments at changing behaviours that can improve workplace health and wellbeing.
• Recognize positive applications of gamification and behavioural science for improved mental and physical health.
• Reference a framework to instil healthy habits and behavioural change in the work environment.
• Apply practical and simple techniques to improve the mental and physical wellbeing of yourself, your family and /or your team members.

Christine Brophy: Vice President, Behavior Change
Christine Brophy joined Discovery in 1999 (11/15) and has been in health insurance and health promotion industry for over 30 years. She has an extensive background in product architecture, IT, operations and complex global project and partner integration and management.
In her current position as Vice President, Behavior Change, Christine focuses on the strategic evolution and international application of healthy actions and lifestyle habits – personalized interventions. By practically applying behavioral economics and motivational interviewing techniques, she collaboratively works to deliver a unique member journey and strategic communications that facilitate engagement in healthy behaviors, both online and in the mobile space. Christine acts as a connector to translate R&D into applicable change for the Vitality Behavior Change Platform.

“I come to work each day with a goal to transform the evidence that directs what people should do into something they want to do. There is a real power in helping people find their personal motivation for preventing the onset of disease so they can liver their healthiest life.”
Stuart Mann: Agile Coach
Stuart Mann is a reformed waterfall guy who is now a passionate Agile Coach. He is a father (two girls), husband (one wife) and a trainee feminist. In his spare time, Stuart is a compulsive marathon runner having run over 250 marathons and ultra marathons. He is a prolific writer with a popular blog ([http://runningmann.co.za/](https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Frunningmann.co.za%2F&data=05%7C01%7CStuart.Mann%40vitalitygroup.com%7C43a669d574d34e00014b08da6f7e4a49%7C710b1675b8704652b453d417a82a0b6f%7C0%7C0%7C637944885500295112%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=k8TWTp5An4qj7CAkvk%2F48d2%2B2P0lB9N4ltqmOUHQvcg%3D&reserved=0)), monthly column in South Africa’s largest running publication (Modern Athlete) and a regular contributor of athletics articles to News24.com. Stuart’s lifetime ambition is to secure a beer sponsor.