Welcome to Nudge Corp. They’re a global accountancy giant with over 10,000 employees. They’re known for their innovation and drive. But recently, they’ve faced a challenge — employee wellbeing. Stress levels were rising. Productivity was slipping. People were burning out.

Nudge Corp knew they needed to act. But they didn’t want another mandatory wellness programme that no one actually follows. They wanted real change. That’s when they turned to Nudge Theory.

What is Nudge Theory?

Nudge Theory is simple. It’s about gently guiding people to make better choices. No forcing, no preaching. Just small, subtle pushes that make the desired action the easiest or most appealing option. Nudge Corp realised that if they wanted to boost wellbeing, they needed to make healthy choices the default.

The Nudge Strategy: Small Steps, Big Changes

Nudge Corp’s HR team began to rethink the work environment. They looked at the daily habits of their employees and asked, “Where can we add a nudge?”

1. Encouraging Movement

First, they tackled inactivity. Long hours at desks were hurting everyone’s health. Instead of sending out emails saying, “Get up and move more!” they made small tweaks.

They added standing desks as the default option in meeting rooms. They painted footsteps on the floor leading to the stairwells. They placed water coolers and coffee stations far from desks, nudging employees to walk more throughout the day.

After three months, they noticed a shift. Employees were standing more, walking more, and taking the stairs instead of the lift. Without any mandates or reminders, movement was becoming a natural part of the day.

2. Boosting Healthy Eating

Next, Nudge Corp turned to the office canteen. They wanted to promote healthier eating without banning favourite treats. So, they used clever nudges.

They made fruits and salads the first thing employees saw in the canteen. They positioned unhealthy snacks lower down, harder to reach. They labelled healthier options with catchy, positive messages like “Charts and Veg-Tables!” and “A Fruity Little Number!”

The result? Within a few weeks, sales of healthy options jumped by 25%. Employees were making healthier choices without even realising it.

3. Promoting Mental Wellness

Stress was still a big issue. Nudge Corp decided to nudge mental wellness. They knew employees wouldn’t attend long meditation sessions or workshops, so they made relaxation easy.

They introduced a ‘Two-Minute Calm’ button on every employee's desktop. A single click played soothing sounds or guided breathing exercises. They also added a ‘Mindful Minute’ reminder before meetings, suggesting a moment to breathe and reset.

Participation grew organically. Employees began using these tools daily, feeling less stressed and more focused.

The Results: A Healthier, Happier Workplace

Six months in, the results spoke for themselves. Employee surveys showed a 30% increase in well-being scores. Absenteeism dropped. Productivity was up. People were more engaged, happier, and less stressed.

Nudge Corp didn’t spend huge amounts of money or force anyone to change. Instead, they made small adjustments that nudged people toward healthier habits.

Why Did It Work?

The beauty of Nudge Theory lies in its simplicity. It respects human nature. It understands that people often resist big changes, but respond well to small, manageable tweaks.

Nudge Corp's success shows that you don’t need to overhaul everything to make a difference. Sometimes, the smallest nudges can lead to the biggest changes.

Nudge Your Way to Success

Nudge Theory isn’t just a buzzword. It’s a powerful tool for any organisation looking to drive positive change. By understanding how people think and behave, you can create an environment that guides them toward better choices.

So, if your organisation is facing a challenge — be it wellbeing, engagement, or productivity — think small. Think nudges. And watch the magic happen.

What are your experiences of using Behavioural Economics and Nudge Theory in the workplace? What are the nuggets we’ve missed? Drop us a comment and let us know. And if you’d like to find out more about how Popcorn can support you, please contact us today.