The Importance of Wellbeing at Work

Looking after and checking in on your mental health and wellbeing has never been more important, both in your personal life and when working.?

We spend so much of our time busy at work and sometimes it can become difficult to prioritize your wellbeing, however there is a huge connection between work and your mental health!

Whether you are working from home, or at the office, your wellbeing should always be a priority and by doing this it can actually help you to be more productive, improve focus, enhance performance and reduce stress.

There are many benefits to empowering and promoting good mental health and wellbeing in the workplace, both as an employee and employer.?

I have always been very passionate about raising awareness around mental and physical wellbeing. I have worked in many busy, high stress roles which quickly made me realise just how important it is to value your wellbeing at work. I love my job and I am someone that always strives to reach my full potential in my career, but in order for me to get there, I have to understand that I also need to look after my mental health, wellbeing and personal life.?

With that in mind, here are my top tips for looking after your wellbeing at work:?

Have a clean and organised workspace

Cleaning and organising your workspace prevents having to sort through clutter before you start your working day. A clear space can always help towards having a clear mind!

Take regular breaks where possible?

It’s so important to take regular breaks throughout your working day. Whether your place of work allows you to have 15 minutes, 30 minutes or a one hour break, don’t skip that essential time! Outside of these set times you should also try to take other breaks where possible - this could be as simple as standing up from your desk, grabbing a coffee or some water or even trying a breathing exercise.?

Taking breaks in work has been shown to reduce stress, increase energy and it can actually lead to better productivity and engagement, whilst also promoting healthy habits.?

This is something I really enjoy and appreciate since joining TELUS International Ireland. We take breaks where possible and have set up various initiatives to allow us to do so. The different corporate departments regularly hold workshops on a range of topics across the business which could be anything from Yoga classes, to time management workshops.?

Members of our Mental Health First Aid Team also set up an initiative ‘Coffee Roulette’ which was created in 2020 to support those working remotely and promote social interaction. The initiative gives team members the opportunity to take a break and chat with someone from any department within the business. It encourages participants to take a break, meet someone new and connect with others. Our Talent Acquisition team also uses Coffee Roulette as a way to take a break and take time out to talk to someone within our own team.?

Make connections with others

Creating connections with others in your work environment can make you feel less isolated, improves team morale, allows you to share thoughts and information and creates a sense of belonging. Creating these connections can improve our wellbeing, our relationships and can result in building a trusting and cooperative environment. A problem shared is a problem halved!?

At TELUS International Ireland, we have a fantastic Talent Acquisition engagement team. They have set up initiatives to promote connection and interaction such as bi-weekly ‘About Me’ presentations, quizzes, desk decorating and so much more! When working from home for most part of the week, these initiatives really help us to get to know each other, and to connect more regularly.?

Establish boundaries between your work and personal life

For some people, this can be a difficult task but establishing boundaries between your work and personal life is vital for your wellbeing. Working towards an improved work-life alignment can help in nurturing your mental health.

Try to incorporate activities that you enjoy outside of work, focus on your health and self care and make sure you make time to pause, recharge and recover.

Personally, when I finish my working day I try to shut down my laptop, cook a nice meal and get outdoors and if I have a particularly busy day, I like to listen to a podcast or practice some meditation to unwind!?

Log off!?

We can all be guilty of working extra hours or not finishing our work day when we are supposed to, and this is something I have noticed even more when working remotely. Of course in some instances you will work some extra hours due to business needs, but other than that you should focus on logging off and switching off when your work day is finished.?

Constantly working extra hours/working outside of your set working hours can result in a lack of energy, increased fatigue, stress and less job satisfaction and can take a toll on your physical and mental health. Disconnecting from work is vital for your wellbeing, and contributes to achieving a healthy and sustainable work-life balance. Log off and switch off!?

Take holidays/annual leave?

Your annual leave entitlements are there for a reason, take them! Whether you go abroad, spend time with your family or friends or simply need to rest. Using your annual leave allows you to take a well-needed and deserved break from the stresses and demands of working life. Disconnecting yourself from the busyness of work can rejuvenate and refocus your mind, meaning you are actually in a healthier state when you return to work.?

Ask for help if needed?

Last, but most certainly not least, ask for help if you need it! Of course it can be daunting, but if you are struggling with work, your personal life, your mental health or wellbeing it’s important to talk and ask for help. Consider reaching out to a colleague, manager, HR department or someone you can trust and seek out avenues for support. Remember that there is no shame in asking for help, as everyone needs it at times!

We truly promote and support looking after your mental health and wellbeing here in Telus International. Our team members in Ireland have access to the Employee Assistance Programme, an Onsite Doctor and an Occupational Health Advisor. We also have a Mental Health First Aid Team and a Wellness Team!