I recently attended an event unlike most tech slash networking events, fittingly titled “Wellbeing in the Workplace: Mind. Body. Environment.” As part of the small talks speaker series presented by Turnstone (@turnstone #TSsmalltalks) and sponsored by Steelcase, this event left me feeling calm, collected, and ready to take on the busy day ahead!
The conference defined well being as an increased “overall physical, mental, and emotional health as supported by both material and social environments.” Our environments and overall well being have a significant impact on productivity and attitude. Especially as entrepreneurs in New York City, where there aren’t enough hours in a day just to get through our inboxes, incorporating health and wellness into our places of work is essential. The panel at this event discussed office culture and physical space as a way to promote happy people and employees. Each speaker had a different vision on how to cultivate an office that creates, collaborates and smiles together. Derek Flanzraich, the founder and CEO of Greatist, for example, holds “happiness audits” to make sure his team is feeling generally happy, and that Greatist is making the right wellbeing-focused investments to increase happiness (such as regular team “grappy hours”!)
The topics as well as the panelists were extremely diverse. The discussion ranged from awesome office updates promoting relaxation and regeneration (such as relaxation caves, nap rooms, and quiet time), to healthy team outings (monthly team yoga and spin classes, or discounts on healthy lifestyle choices like joining a gym). Liz Wilkes, the founder and CEO of Exubrancy, spoke about the difficulties of long workdays, and taking every possible chance to get out of the office – whether it be a walking meeting or midday spin, her team is staying active and motivated in unconventional and innovative ways.
The event ended with an amazing modified yoga session, presented by Yoga Means Business. Hosted on the balcony off of the Steelcase showroom, the instructors led our group through one of their signature, modified classes “YMB 30-Minute Method.” This session was created specifically for business people to fit seamlessly into the workday – the postures did not require a change of clothes, although I still wouldn’t recommend any type of yoga in heels! With no change of clothes or yoga mats required, the flow focused on stretching, deep breathing, and simple meditation.
Overall, the event left me feeling an exaggerated sense of relaxation – especially for a Wednesday (humpday) at 10AM, pre my daily caffeine intake! Unlike a “normal” industry-specific event, the attendants and speakers at this small talk were extremely diverse, but all had one end goal – happiness and wellness in the workplace. As motivated individuals who are not easily pried away from our desks, I was so excited to share some of these healthy, in-office relaxation tips with my team.
From: TheSquareFoot Blog