Lessons on Health and Well-being from the Dead and the Dying: A Message for Every Workplace

No one likes to think about standing on the edge of that last precipice and thinking about a life that has been lived rather than one that still has some living.

But what about those that have completed their journey. What would they tell us and what lessons could we take and use while we still can?

This is the profound message we can take from the "Top 5 Regrets of the Dying," compiled by palliative care nurse Bronnie Ware after years of witnessing life's final reflections. Each regret holds a powerful lesson, particularly relevant for organisations seeking to foster a culture of health and well-being for their people.

1. "I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me." This speaks to the importance of developing a culture of authenticity in the workplace. When employees fear judgment or suppression, when it is not truly safe to speak up, their well-being suffers. Organisations can promote authenticity by creating environments for open communication, celebrating diverse perspectives, and encouraging individuals to bring their whole selves to work.

2. "I wish I hadn't worked so hard." This points to the critical need for work-life balance. Evidence shows us burnout is not a buzz word but a rampant epidemic, leading to rising consequences in the physical and mental health of many individuals that have dedicated the best years of their lives to an organisation. Companies must prioritise measures like flexible work arrangements, reasonable workloads, clarity of work priorities and clear boundaries between work and personal time. Consistent research has shown us investing in employee well-being isn't just altruistic; it boosts productivity, morale, and retention.

3. "I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings." This highlights the importance of emotional intelligence in fostering healthy interpersonal relationships within and between teams. Organisations can offer training in conflict resolution and constructive communication as well as seeking continual feedback to empower employees to express themselves openly and work collaboratively to navigate towards improvements and to overcome difficult situations.

4. "I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends." This emphasizes the power of social connection. Strong social bonds contribute to happiness, resilience, and a sense of belonging. Companies can facilitate connections by organising team-building activities, social events, and mentorship programs, fostering a sense of community, common purpose and belongingness.

5. "I wish I had let myself be happier." This reminds us that seeking joy and fulfillment is essential for our well-being. Organisations can promote happiness by genuinely recognising milestones and achievements and truly appreciating employees, creating opportunities for growth and learning, and fostering a culture of positive reinforcement and celebration.

The lessons from the dying are not morbid, but life-affirming. By listening to their regrets, we can create workplaces that prioritise emotional well-being, authenticity, and meaningful connection.

A journey towards a healthier and happier workplace starts with acknowledging the importance of these lessons and making a conscious effort to integrate them into positive organisational cultures.

Investing in the well-being of your employees isn't just the right thing to do; it's the smart thing to do, leading to a more engaged, productive, and resilient workforce with benefits for both work and life both now and the future.