I am fine! …. Really?
Akash Chander
Executive Coach | Strategic Facilitator | DiSC Assessment Expert | ESG Strategist | Independent Director
When often asked, “Hey, how are you doing?” …. We respond by saying, “I am doing good. Thank you!”
Really? Are we really fine and doing good?
I am not having a headache today, but I am too stressed to think creatively. My mood is absolutely fine, just that I landed up having a few arguments with colleagues. I do not have any physical symptoms, so I am absolutely doing great.
Relatable? We all say this to self and others. But can we say with certainty that we are absolutely healthy and fine?
WHO defines Health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”
As managers, HR professionals or leaders, we have to keep reminding ourselves of this again and again, especially during these pandemic times when it’s not just our physical health but also our psychological, emotional and social health that is at risk and under threat. Mental health is not just about “illness or disorders”, it is about our continuous ability to think creatively, make decisions, analyse situations in-depth and maintain congenial interpersonal relationships.
If any one of the well-being aspects are missing, then we can say with certainty that we are NOT doing fine.
And, while some of us are great at taking care of our physical well-being, most of us deprioritize the other aspects at a personal and organizational level. If someone hasn’t called in sick and has a virtual attendance at work, even then that employee is not necessarily healthy and productive.
Each time you lose focus from this, tell yourself:
“We are productive only when we are physically, mentally, socially and emotionally fit. Any one element missing, the overall productivity will reduce”
This is the time to provide holistic support to the employees. Along with awareness of necessary precautions to be safe from Covid-19, make them aware of how to take care of their mental, social, emotional, financial, and spiritual well-being. Give them tips and strategies to work on their well-being. Launch well-being campaigns and introduce well-being champions at the workplace. Have a counsellor on board to support employees online. These small initiatives will go a long way to increase your organization’s performance.
Co-Founder @TransforMe | Entrepreneur on a Mission to Transform Organisations | Top Team Alignment I Leadership Development | Storytelling Coach
4 年Akash Chander I am fine is one of the most misleading statements now a days. Don't take it on the face value.
L&D and Talent Management Professional
4 年Very well said on a common statement “I am fine”. What does it mean to each individual is what matters. Good health is actually when you feel good physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
Corporate Strategy @ WNS | M&A, Strategic Consulting
4 年We are always meandering en pointe whenever the topic of emotional well being comes up at the workplace. It is one of the most overlooked factors when we try to assess our coworkers’s behaviours at the workplace and THE most overlooked factor when we try to analyse our own reactions to certain matters. Words such as inadequacy , temperamental issues and inability to execute overshadow the question of whether we are bringing the healthiest versions of ourselves to work both physically and mentally.