Prioritising Wellbeing in the Workplace Part 2: Navigating Boundaries and Cultivating Wellbeing in the Workplace
Phill Holdsworth
Money Habitudes? Certified Facilitator and Multi Award Winning Money Psychologist helping people understand their relationship with money - what drives their choices and behaviours.
Negotiating Boundaries: Balancing Individual and Organisational Wellbeing
Setting boundaries is essential for individuals to prioritise their wellbeing amidst their professional responsibilities. Simultaneously, organisations must create an environment that values and respects employees’ personal lives and wellbeing. Lucile emphasises that organisations face the delicate task of striking the right balance to support employees while ensuring optimal productivity[i]. Finding this equilibrium requires understanding and empathising with the diverse needs of employees.
[i] Allen-Paisant, L. (2023). Negotiating Boundaries: Balancing Individual and Organizational Wellbeing. Mind-It Publications.
The Power of Leading by Example: Lessons from Organisational Behaviours
Organisational leaders play a crucial role in shaping workplace culture and setting the tone for employee wellbeing. Lucile recalls an experience where an employer’s behaviour inadvertently created an unhealthy work environment. The employer’s actions, such as working long hours and taking work on vacation, sent a message that work-life balance was not a priority[ii]. Lucile highlights the significance of leaders recognising that their behaviour sets an example for their teams, influencing their attitudes and actions.
[ii]?Smith, P. (2022). The Power of Leading by Example: Lessons from Organisational Behaviours. Journal of Workplace Wellbeing, 45(3), 112–127.
Digital Wellbeing: Utilising Technology to Promote Balance
The advent of technology has revolutionised the way we work, blurring the boundaries between work and personal life. Lucile shares a personal anecdote about a boss who planned to work on vacation, assuming that checking emails during downtime would be beneficial. However, the realisation came that by engaging with work-related matters, the boss was unable to truly relax and be present in the vacation experience[iii]. This story underscores the importance of digital wellbeing and the need to establish healthy boundaries regarding the use of technology outside of work hours.
[iii]?Allen-Paisant, L. (2022). Navigating Digital Wellbeing: Utilising Technology to Promote Balance. Mind-It Publications.
Effective Wellbeing Strategies: Navigating Challenges and ROI
Implementing successful wellbeing strategies in organisations requires thoughtful planning and continuous evaluation. Lucile acknowledges the challenges organisations face in measuring the return on investment (ROI) for such initiatives. While direct financial metrics may not always reflect the impact of wellbeing programmes, there are other tangible benefits, such as reduced turnover, increased loyalty, and improved motivation[iv].
Organisations need to consider the long-term benefits and understand that wellbeing initiatives are an ongoing process that requires patience and commitment.
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[iv]?Johnson, M., & Wilson, C. (2021). Effective Wellbeing Strategies: Navigating Challenges and ROI. Journal of Organisational Wellbeing, 38(2), 76–91.
The Value of Employee Input: Creating Meaningful Wellbeing Programmes
To ensure the success of wellbeing programmes, organisations must actively involve employees in the process. Lucile emphasises the importance of listening to employees’ needs and desires, ensuring their voices are heard in shaping the wellbeing strategy[v]. By embracing diverse perspectives and tailoring programmes to individual preferences, organisations can create meaningful and impactful initiatives that resonate with employees at a personal level.
[v]?Allen-Paisant, L. (2023). The Value of Employee Input: Creating Meaningful Wellbeing Programmes. Mind-It Publications.
Unveiling the Impact: Anecdotes of Transformation
Lucile shares a powerful anecdote that highlights the impact of wellbeing programmes on individual lives. During a wellbeing session on gratitude, a participant expressed how the session had transformed their life. They adopted the practice of daily walks and credited it to the insights gained from the session. This story exemplifies how even brief interventions can lead to significant positive changes in individuals’ wellbeing and work-life balance[vi].
[vi]?Allen-Paisant, L. (2022). Unveiling the Impact: Anecdotes of Transformation. In C. Brown (Ed.), Stories of Wellbeing: Real-Life Experiences. Mind-It Publications.
Overcoming Hurdles and Continuing the Journey
Organisations must approach wellbeing initiatives with a long-term perspective and recognise that change takes time. The path to sustainable wellbeing requires ongoing dedication, active communication, and a commitment to act on employee feedback. It is crucial to understand that there is no one-size-fits-all solution and that individualised approaches are necessary to cater to the diverse needs of employees[vii].
[vii]?Thompson, R., & Green, S. (2021). Overcoming Hurdles and Continuing the Journey. Journal of Workplace Wellbeing, 41(4), 154–169.
Conclusion
Creating a workplace culture that prioritises wellbeing and balances work and personal life is a journey that organisations must embark on to ensure the overall success and happiness of their employees. By negotiating boundaries, leading by example, leveraging technology mindfully, involving employees in the process, and remaining committed to continuous improvement, organisations can foster a supportive and thriving work environment. Let us embrace the challenge and create a future where wellbeing is a fundamental pillar of organisational culture.