WORKPLACE WELLNESS - What does it really look like?
I’m sure like me you’ve been to some kind of session or training event at work that’s been pretty good while you were in it, but then when you leave it quickly dissolves from your memory, and the actions you gave in the wrap-up have remained firmly on the paper you wrote them down on.
When you go into this type of thing it can feel great to be given time away from your usual work stresses, and many people appreciate their employer providing the development opportunity for them - I say many, as I’m sure you’ve also experienced those few individuals who no matter what will protest and moan about it being a complete waste of theirs and the companies time! But, the impact these things have on changing the way you work or how you feel is often pretty limited.
So, I get that many organisations are still hesitant about providing wellbeing services and events. There’s a question about the return on investment both financially and from taking their teams out of the usual business activities. They need to weigh up the investment versus the return and usually conclude that on paper it doesn’t seem worth it.
I agree and this is why: these one-off types of sessions are not going to make any change to the output of the employee in the workplace and probably not in the personal life either. There may be a minority who are inspired and educated, who do take something onboard that creates a shift in their mindset or way of working. But for most, the 45 minutes spent in the lunch ’n’ learn was nothing other than an opportunity to catch up with their colleagues, get away from their desk, grab a free sandwich, and have a much-needed break from their regular, often mundane, routine. That’s about it though.
This isn’t what workplace wellness is. Dropping in stand-alone talks and educational sessions that come and go isn’t going to hit the spot. Although the topics may be highly relevant and much needed, this format isn’t the answer.
I’m all for creating awareness of what wellness is and opening up conversations on its many topics and dimensions. I want as many people as possible to understand what is affecting their wellness and learn how to make improvements. For this to happen in the workplace, it must be done with a holistic approach and be something that sits within the heart of the organisation’s culture.
This is what workplace wellness is. It’s infused into the values and strategy of the business so your team feel and embodies it every day. It’s a part of your culture and is lived and breathed because it’s a huge piece of the personality of your company.
It may include sessions that introduce new topics and engage your team in reflection and discussion on how this might be affecting them to drive actions to be taken to build new habits and rituals. It is likely to include some kind of employee assistance programme and health care service. It would probably provide on-hand support such as mental health ambassadors and first aiders. But these are all very small parts of what workplace wellness truly is. There is so much that threads through the culture and personality of an organisation and the strands of wellness that come together to create these threads will and should include so many different things. These will be dependent on your company's mission, vision, and values. It will be based on the needs of your employees and the feedback they’ve provided you with. It’s going to evolve and change as your business does.
Wellness in the workplace isn’t about the provision of incentives or talks that only a small percentage of the team attend and an even fewer percentage have any lasting impact. It’s a holistic approach to wellness that’s flexible, supportive and unites the team. It attracts the right team members to want to work with you because your culture aligns with their values. It’s what stands you out in your industry and sector as a great place to work. It’s what your leadership team embody and models every day and because of this your staff are thriving at work and feel driven to be a part of your mission.
Offer those talks, workshops, and training events, but only when they form part of a truly holistic and multi-dimensional wellbeing strategy.
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