Get ahead with 2024's top 5 Workplace Wellbeing Trends.

Despite the predicted ￡75bn per annum spend on workplace wellbeing by 2030, a mere 8% of employees stay engaged with these programmes long-term.

Is the failure in our approach?

According to Mindgym the answer is a resounding yes, suggesting that companies need to focus on improving life at work, rather than the lives of employees outside of work. This is supported by Virgin's Workplace Wellness Survey too.

It's time to take a close look in the mirror, with a rundown of the top trends for 2024:

• Build an authentic and healthy workplace. Focus efforts on the work experience. Make work meaningful. Equip leaders with tools to inspire, coach and foster a sense of belonging. Build a culture that champions learning and positivity. One that fosters creativity and ideas.
• Make resources available. No-one enjoys being in a role where the resources required are in short supply, or worse case, are not available. Before splurging on more perks, make sure your people have the resources they need to carry out the work.
• Design with experience in mind. Creating an environment to inspire and reflect different moments in the working day is a key motivator for employees. Considerations include lighting, air quality, biophilia, hospitality, quiet and buzzy zones. Knowing how to embrace, support and reflect this in homeworking environments demonstrates inclusivity.
• Prioritise an equitable workplace and psychological safety. Beyond the mean and median percentages, dig into meaningful data, demonstrating the shift in representation and an action plan to move towards an equitable future. This is key when building an environment where people can bring their true selves to work!
• Nurture a coaching culture.69% of employees said their manager has as much impact on their wellbeing as their spouse, and a greater impact than their doctor or therapist. Nurture internal coaching, positive management behaviour and relationships to drive fulfilment.

Ultimately a healthy workplace starts a home. There is a clear absence of superfluous perks, rather clear intention to build a healthy, supportive and engaging environment where people can thrive.

From workplace to founder tips for 2024.

2023 has been a year I do not wish to repeat. Yet through life's experiences we have two choices; to be absorbed by self pity or to reflect and move forward.

I chose the latter.

And reflecting on those lessons, here are my words of wisdom to founders in 2024.

• The entrepreneurial journey is full of twists and turns. You cannot and will not foresee them all. Prepare yourself mentally, know that any pain or joy is not forever and find ways to separate from the business.
• People will be your great asset and your hardest challenge. Hire cautiously rooted in your values. If the relationship isn't working, deal with it swiftly.
• Build the right foundations from the start. With every process, system, software always look at scalability. Can the tools you use support your growth?
• Find a wellbeing routine that works for you. By that I mean the basics of good sleep, nutrition, relaxation and movement. Keep everything simple and uncomplicated.
• If possible, find a select 2-3 people that you respect to help you on the journey. Too more will complicate the advice.
• If possible, find an Executive Coach. They will help you find your blind spots and build self confidence. Using your new found confidence (whilst remaining teachable), stand by your convictions and decisions. It limits worry and enables you to know you gave it your best shot!
• Don't worry about awards. Too often new founders put awards before business. This is vanity and pride. Awards will come when the results speak for themselves.
• If raising, look for investors that believe in you, not just the metrics. In the hard times, those are the investors that rise to the top with advise, support and contacts. Never forget that investment is a two way relationship, investors need founders as much as founders need investors (if raising). Build relationships before you need funds.

Second edition published, and I hope the topics resonate. Any suggestions, please do drop me a message!

Sara

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