Prioritising Wellbeing in the Workplace

Talking about workplace wellbeing isn't just about tacking on extra activities. It's about creating a culture where wellbeing happens naturally and effortlessly. It’s not about filling up schedules with activities or ticking off boxes on a checklist. Instead, it's about fostering environments and methods that support everyone's wellbeing, helping them to thrive without forcing it.

Making workplace wellbeing a priority means we need to create a culture that supports long-term wellbeing. We need to shift from a reactive approach, where wellbeing is dealt with through occasional activities, to a proactive one that touches every part of the organisation.

Faith-based leadership, as Michael Dantley discusses, fits perfectly with this holistic approach. Dantley talks about moving beyond old, rigid views of theology to a leadership style that brings moral and spiritual dimensions into the workplace. This type of leadership can create an environment where employees' wellbeing is a top priority through ethical and compassionate practices.

Wellbeing shouldn't be seen as an add-on. It needs to be woven into the very fabric of workplace culture. This means setting up norms, policies, and practices that promote work-life balance, emotional resilience, and job satisfaction. The aim is to create a supportive environment where colleagues build positive relationships, continuously develop professionally, and encourage open dialogue and collaboration.

When we prioritise employees' wellbeing this way, we’re not only showing genuine concern for their health and happiness but also recognising the critical link between wellbeing and organisational success. Research shows that when employees feel valued and supported, they are better equipped to meet their roles' demands, fostering a productive environment where everyone can succeed. While this shouldn't be the only reason to care about employee wellbeing, it’s an important one.

Improving employee wellbeing means going beyond superficial efforts and making real changes in our mindsets and practices. It’s time to move past fruit bowls and yoga classes and focus on the big issues like workload, time management, unclear expectations, and having too many priorities.

Reflecting on my journey from the classroom to the stage, I've seen firsthand how powerful our stories can be in forging connections and illuminating paths for others. This perspective is crucial as we strive to prioritise mental health in the workplace as rigorously as any professional pursuit. By sharing our experiences, we can reshape the workplace landscape, making it a haven for wellbeing, where every individual can thrive.

Understanding the emotional demands of leadership roles is essential. The concept of emotional labour, which involves suppressing true emotions while projecting control and composure, is evident among leaders. Research indicates that this ongoing emotional strain can lead to exhaustion, a key component of burnout.

Additionally, the notion of compassion stress injury, coined by Dr. Rachel Briggs, highlights the toll of constantly supporting individuals experiencing trauma. Prolonged exposure to distressing circumstances can erode our emotional resilience over time. The emotional demands on leaders are further compounded by the contradiction between their caring nature and the necessity of undertaking difficult tasks like disciplinary actions, which can feel contrary to their core values.

We need to create cultures and ways of working that prioritise and nurture employees' wellbeing, recognising it as essential for their fulfilment and the organisations' overall health and effectiveness. By embracing this approach, leaders can lay the groundwork for a future where both employees and the organisation thrive.

When looking at the difference between subjective and psychological well being, we see that workplaces often handle subjective wellbeing well. However, for long-term, sustainable wellbeing, we must also focus on psychological well being. Understanding what both types of wellbeing look like allows us to take intentional action and make effective changes. Wellbeing isn't one-size-fits-all; it needs to be tailored to support individual values, strengths, and interests.

Five Quick Tips to Prioritise Your Wellbeing

1. Set Clear Boundaries: Establish rituals to mark the end of the workday and the start of personal time, like changing out of work clothes or listening to a podcast on the way home.
2. Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation: Incorporate practices like meditation or deep-breathing exercises into your daily routine to reduce stress and improve emotional resilience.
3. Engage in Mastery Experiences: Pursue hobbies or activities outside of work that provide a sense of achievement and satisfaction, such as learning a new skill or engaging in creative pursuits.
4. Build a Supportive Community: Foster strong relationships with colleagues, friends, and family. A support network can provide emotional strength and a sense of belonging.
5. Take Micro-Breaks: Incorporate short, frequent breaks throughout your workday to recharge. Even a 40-second pause to look out the window or chat with a colleague can significantly boost your wellbeing.

I often ask myself: Are we creating environments that truly support employees' comprehensive wellbeing, or are we settling for surface-level solutions? By prioritising wellbeing in the workplace, we can create thriving environments where everyone can flourish.

If you are interested in improving well-being at your workplacebe on touch. I think together we can make a difference.