Juggling Work + Wellness in a 24x7 World

“The culture of a workplace—an organization’s values, norms and practices—has a huge impact on our happiness and success.” –Adam Grant, Organizational Psychologist?

I was recently reflecting on a family trip we took to Disney World, the happiest place on Earth. The experience at the time provided a much-needed opportunity to unwind from daily stresses and soak up the sunshine and fresh air. It’s amazing what something as simple as spending a full day outside can do for the soul. After months of business travel and sitting on airplanes, breathing in some natural oxygen can feel like a dehydrated person taking their first sip of water.

This got me thinking. Given the 24x7x365 nature of the tech industry, I know that not everyone feels as though they can disconnect and recharge. In this business, we can expect weekend cutovers, 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. shifts, and middle-of-the-night network emergencies. Continuous availability and immediate resolution is an expectation. IT professionals often play the role of the unsung hero, finding themselves working long hours or over holidays. Rewarding? Yes. Sustainable? Not for long periods of time. This can lead to burnout and turnover. Tech leaders must lead by example in making personal wellness a priority.?

The concept of wellness, once relegated to the realm of personal health and self-care, has come into clear focus since the pandemic and is now a consistent talking point in the workplace. It encompasses physical, mental, and emotional well-being, recognizing that all aspects are interconnected and crucial for overall performance and job satisfaction. This profound understanding has prompted businesses to reassess their priorities and adopt strategies that proactively engage and support their employees. The benefits of prioritizing wellness extend beyond the individual team member; they spill over to the organization as a whole. Lower absenteeism and turnover rates translate to reduced recruitment and training costs. Additionally, businesses embracing a wellness-centric culture often attract top talent, as job seekers increasingly seek workplaces that genuinely care about their well-being.?????????????

CSI’s Senior Leadership Team set our sights on the Great Places to Work? program as one of our priorities for 2023. I’m delighted to say that we made the prestigious list, scoring 36 points higher?than the average U.S. company.?At the heart of our endeavor lies the desire to make our company a place where employees not only flourish professionally but also experience genuine happiness and well-being. We believe in the importance of not just talking about our values but actively living them. Corporate wellness is not a standalone program; it's an ingrained approach that reflects our values in action. This shared understanding has set the foundation for CSI’s supportive, inclusive, and growth-oriented workplace . One that I am proud to be a part of.?

In June, we embarked on a company-wide wellness challenge, encouraging employees to focus on their well-being actively. The challenge involved physical activities, mindfulness exercises, and promoting mental health awareness. The engagement and enthusiasm of our employees were remarkable, fostering camaraderie and a sense of unity. Our People + Culture leader, Kathy Rich, played a vital role in this initiative, sharing her insights and encouraging a healthy competition that infused a sense of fun into the challenge.?

After attending Microsoft Inspire last week and learning more about the future of AI, I can’t help but wonder if all these technological innovations will enable us to reclaim time for our personal growth, creativity, and self-discovery. Will these advancements lead to a new era of personal renaissance? One where inspiration, fulfillment, and enrichment are found and fed outside our professional aspirations. ?

Most people don’t expect their workplace to be “Disney World.” And it doesn’t have to be in order to be considered a great place to work. Most team members today are seeking balance, flexibility, and trust over free donuts, casual Fridays, and stand-up desks, anyway. ?

As an IT veteran, I can fully appreciate the fast-pace and pressing demands of an always-on industry. I value every one of our team members who go above and beyond for our customers day in and day out. Moreso, I value their well-being, recognizing that behind every rockstar employee is a well-rounded individual with a family, passions, and pursuits of their own. ?

Juggling the integrity of our work and the needs of our customers with the well-being of our team members will always be top of mind. ?

Balancing it all is never easy, but it is necessary. And worth it.?