HOT TOPIC ……. Health and Wellbeing

As we are all aware Health and Wellbeing in the work environment has been around for a few years, however with the onslaught of COVID—19 it has become the HOTTEST TOPIC in all working environments.

And so it should be!

I have been having a lot of conversations with clients, friends, and family about how they are coping. The balance between thinking of their business, health and wellbeing of staff, their family and then themselves.

One thing you must remember if you don’t make sure you are healthy and well, how can you help others.

Their big question to me is, what is.... Health and Wellbeing and how does it play out in the work environment?

As we all know our health is key in our overall wellbeing as a human!

Here’s some facts…..

Research has found strong links between our physical health, mental health, social connectedness, family health, and our sense of fulfillment and ability to live life in a way that feels meaningful.

(Source: Health and Safety Government NZ)

Did you know poor mental health is one of the top reasons people take time off?

(source: Wellplace NZ)

And one in five us experience anxiety/depression a year - these a lot of us being affected!

As a business, here is how this could potentially impact you.

· Being an employee down, therefore delay in deadlines.

· Costs of sick leave.

· Possible long-term sick leave.

· The possibility of mistakes being made at work and the impact on the business cost/reputation.

So if you haven't already got something in place, do it now, support yourself and your staff. Or if you just want to get some fresh ideas, then keep reading....

Here’s some practical advice on how to get started on the Health and wellbeing journey for your business.

The biggest thing you need to do is ask your teams, “What do they think health and wellbeing is for them”?

Depending on our business this could be as simple as asking the questions in your Monday morning meeting or you may want to send a survey (confidentially) out with some questions as a starting point, such as.

· How many glasses of water do you have a day? (1- 4, 5 – 8, 9+)

· How many fruits and veg do you have a day?

· How often do you exercise?

· What do you do to manage stress?

· Do you take your breaks regularly?

· How do you make sure you are fit and healthy? e.g. regular Doctor checks

· What, if any, are the signs that you are feeling stressed?

Remember - Just by having a conversation with employees, you are starting to take the stigma away. Keep on having regular conversations, lets normalize it.

Below is a list of suggestions on what you could offer, not everything will suit each work environment, so tailor your solutions to the feedback you get from your team.

· A work sports team.

· Yoga / Pilates classes – There are some great ones out there, even with a focus on Trades, all those knee and back niggles.

· Lunchtime walking group.

· Healthy eating day (sign up to a nutria mean plan – set a work challenge).

· Set in place regular health checks for staff.

· Offer flu vaccination.

· Make sure everyone is taking regular breaks.

· If you sponsor a charity like breast cancer or prostate, why not offer staff checks?

· Volunteering day – giving back help sus feel happy. Help your local school, offer reading, they might need some physical work done around the place.

· Regular sleep is important to overall wellbeing – guides on techniques to help get better sleep

· Reminding employees, family connections and spiritual connections are part of the whole health and wellbeing.

· Promoting a positive working environment and working relationships. Dealing with potential conflict and not letting it fester.

· Having an outdoor space for staff to enjoy breaks.

· Bringing nature into the officer e.g. plants.

· Having an EAP (employee assistance program) in place for counseling support.

· Workplace massages.

· Speakers on how to manage stress and anxiety.

Now comes the time to act and start your business on the Health and Wellbeing journey.

Will you be chatting with your team tomorrow?

Whatever you do, do not forget the “human” part in all of this. If you would like further advice or guidance, then please contact me.