If Wellbeing is holistic, where we fail?

In the past few months, I've embarked on a transformative journey, one that has fundamentally reshaped my understanding of health and wellbeing.

Instead of viewing health through the narrow lens of physical fitness, I've come to embrace a holistic approach, recognising that true wellbeing encompasses mental, emotional, financial, and even spiritual dimensions.

It's astonishing how interconnected these aspects are—how a peaceful mind can boost physical vitality, how emotional resilience can foster mental clarity, and how financial stability can alleviate stress and enhance overall life satisfaction.

This journey has taught me that health isn't just about gym sessions or a balanced diet; it's about nurturing every intrinsic dimension of our being. And I found a sentence that is driving my behaviour:

"Health is not the absence of diseases or pain, is the ability to function well"

Mental and Emotional Wellbeing: These are the pillars that support every other aspect of our health. Practices like mindfulness, meditation, and therapy have been instrumental in helping me achieve a balanced state of mind, allowing me to approach challenges with clarity and composure.

Physical Wellbeing: While it's often the most visible aspect of health, physical wellbeing goes beyond aesthetics. Regular exercise, drinking enough water, a nutritious diet, and adequate sleep form the elements that keeps our bodies functioning optimally.

Financial Wellbeing: This is perhaps the most overlooked dimension of health. Financial stability provides the foundation upon which we can build our lives. It's not just about having money; it's about having the peace of mind that comes with financial security, the freedom to pursue our passions, and the ability to handle life's unexpected challenges without undue stress.

Spiritual Wellbeing: Whether it's through religion, philosophy, or personal introspection, finding a sense of purpose and connection to something greater than ourselves can be incredibly grounding and fulfilling.

But how that connects with Work and Leadership?

The Employee Journey in a Company

The journey of an employee within a company is a complex and multifaceted experience, beginning from the very first day and continuing until their departure.

This journey can significantly impact their engagement, productivity, and overall satisfaction. Understanding the various stages of this journey and the behaviors that influence it is crucial for creating a positive work environment.

1. The Early Days: Onboarding and Initial Impressions

The initial phase of an employee’s journey sets the tone for their entire experience. Effective onboarding programs are essential to integrate new hires into the company culture, provide necessary training, and establish clear expectations.

A welcoming and supportive onboarding process can foster a sense of belonging and confidence.

However, if the onboarding is disorganised or if new employees feel unsupported, it can lead to confusion, frustration, and a sense of isolation. Early negative experiences can create a lasting impression that may affect the employee's engagement and performance.

2. Growth and Development: Building Skills and Careers

As employees settle into their roles, opportunities for growth and development become critical. Access to continuous learning, professional development programs, and clear career progression paths are vital.

Employees who feel they are growing and advancing are more likely to stay motivated and committed to the organization.

Conversely, a lack of growth opportunities can lead to stagnation and disengagement. Employees who feel undervalued or see no future in their current roles are more likely to seek opportunities elsewhere.

3. Recognition and Reward: Valuing Contributions

Recognition and reward systems play a significant role in maintaining employee morale and motivation. Regular feedback, acknowledging achievements, and providing appropriate rewards help employees feel valued and appreciated.

This positive reinforcement can enhance loyalty and job satisfaction.

In contrast, a lack of recognition or unfair reward systems can lead to feelings of resentment and dissatisfaction. Employees who believe their hard work goes unnoticed or unappreciated are more likely to disengage and underperform.

4. The Exit: Leaving the Organization

The way an organization handles employee departures is equally important. Exit interviews, smooth transitions, and maintaining positive relationships with departing employees can reflect well on the company and preserve its reputation.

Former employees who leave on good terms may become brand ambassadors or even return in the future.

On the other hand, poorly managed exits can leave lasting negative impressions. Disrespectful or abrupt terminations can damage the company’s reputation and deter potential future hires.

People Experience on Steroids: What Employees Truly Want

Creating an exceptional employee experience requires going beyond the basics. Employees today seek workplaces that not only meet their professional needs but also support their personal well-being and development.

Here’s what people truly want at the workplace:

1. Meaningful Work and Purpose

Employees want to feel that their work has a purpose and contributes to something larger than themselves. They seek roles where they can make a meaningful impact and align with the company's mission and values.

2. Flexibility and Work-Life Balance

Flexibility in work hours and the ability to maintain a healthy work-life balance are top priorities. Remote work options, flexible schedules, and understanding of personal commitments can greatly enhance employee satisfaction.

3. Inclusive and Supportive Culture

A workplace culture that values diversity, inclusion, and support is crucial. Employees want to feel respected, included, and free to be themselves without fear of discrimination or bias.

4. Opportunities for Growth and Development

Continuous learning opportunities and clear career progression paths are essential. Employees desire environments where they can grow their skills, advance their careers, and achieve their professional goals.

5. Recognition and Appreciation

Regular recognition and appreciation for their hard work and contributions are important. Employees want to feel valued and acknowledged for their efforts and achievements.

6. Financial and Job Security

Competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and job security are fundamental. Financial stability and security in their roles are key factors that contribute to overall job satisfaction.

7. Autonomy and Empowerment

Employees seek autonomy in their roles and the ability to make decisions. Empowering employees to take ownership of their work fosters innovation and a sense of responsibility.

By understanding and addressing these needs, companies can create a work environment that not only attracts top talent but also retains and motivates their employees, leading to a more engaged, productive, and loyal workforce.

We are struggling at high level

But while many of us are making strides in personal wellbeing, there's a glaring disconnect in the workplace.

The latest Gallup State of Work report paints a damning picture of leadership today.

The bottom line? Leaders are failing to take their people seriously. It's 2024, and yet, too many leaders are stuck in the past, ignoring the profound truth that employees are not just cogs in a machine.

They are individuals with unique needs, aspirations, and voices that demand to be heard. The Gallup report highlights a crisis of disengagement, driven by leaders who overlook the human aspect of their teams.

Why are we tolerating leaders who can't see beyond their spreadsheets?

The data is clear: organisations that thrive are those where leaders listen, empathise, and act on the genuine needs of their people.

It's time to challenge the status quo and demand leadership that prioritises human connection and holistic wellbeing.

Closing Reflection

This journey has illuminated a vital truth: true health and wellbeing extend far beyond the physical, encompassing mental, emotional, financial, and spiritual dimensions.

Leaders need to understand how those 5 dimensions are affecting their people and how they can help.

Similarly, creating an exceptional employee experience requires a holistic approach that addresses these varied needs.

It's time for leaders to wake up and realize that their people are their greatest asset. By fostering an environment that supports holistic wellbeing, companies can cultivate a more engaged, productive, and loyal workforce.

Let's not settle for less. Our wellbeing—and the future of work—depends on it.

And a couple of questions to you:

• What resonates more with you when talking about holistic wellbeing?
• What can you do to be a change master?
• If you have to pick one thing to start, what would you do?

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