Workplace wellness is multidisciplinary; it requires a diverse team of people that are valued, respected, heard and fulfilled.
An increased focus on corporate wellness is a trend on the rise with businesses realising that a healthy ecosystem in the workplace leads to productivity, securing and keeping talent at the top level, and the overall success of a company.
Although there is room for misinterpretation on what corporate wellness means. HR initiatives like Friday night knock-off drinks, or table tennis at lunchtime are fun for sure, but mistaking such workplace perks for workplace wellness will put your organisation on the hedonic treadmill unless your foundations are rock solid. Even the most talented HR teams can’t fix a toxic office environment with office perks.
So, how can businesses avoid tokenistic offerings and manage corporate wellness effectively?
In the Maori culture, there is a holistic approach to wellbeing known as ‘te whare tapa whā’ or, the four cornerstones of the house – being mental, physical, spiritual, and family health. When one pillar crumbles, the foundation of the house collapses. The health of a business is built on the same model, where each cornerstone takes care of the other. It can easily be thrown off balance when at its core; workers are not satisfied only with each pillar.
Workplace wellness is multidisciplinary; it requires a diverse team of people that are valued, respected, heard and fulfilled. And it is the tone at the top, which trickles down throughout the organisation and ensures these requirements are met.
It should come as no surprise that mental health plays a significant role in good work. When our brain is happy, it means we are focused and ready to tackle challenges head-on. As a leader, you are solely responsible for the energy in the workplace, so take the time to create space for group and individual discussions that allow you to connect and ask meaningful questions.
Actively listen to the answers and draw on your experience in the roles you have had before CEO to practice understanding, empathy and cons.
From: Entrepreneur
