Where to start with Workplace Wellbeing:

Amidst today's fast-paced world, numerous wellbeing initiatives often fall short and we are left wondering why mental health stats at work are higher than ever. The simple reason is that the relentless flow of tasks and meetings presents a genuine challenge for employees to prioritise well intentioned activities like wellbeing webinars, mindfulness practices, or even accessing their Employee Assistance Program (EAP) when in need of extra support. It can be a challenge with the myriad of systems and information they have to navigate. This continuous overload of work, combined with the rapidly changing global landscape, can take a toll on their emotional and physical wellbeing, all while the expectation doesn't go away, for them to perform and even excel.

Now, don't get me wrong, I don't want to downplay the value of wellbeing initiatives. In fact, at Kuutch we have a bunch of them and we're all about promoting their use as part of a comprehensive wellbeing strategy. These initiatives are essential for raising awareness and contributing to various aspects of wellbeing and a sense of belonging. Yet, we can't ignore the rising mental health challenges in the workplace and it's my take that this calls for a more strategic, whole-business approach to give employees the support they need.

Everyone's wellbeing is affected by everything going on in the business, not just what's in the wellbeing strategy document. Wellbeing has risen in importance, leading to more resources and more roles. But in becoming more important, it has also become more distinct, more separate. Wellbeing isn't something you can separate out. It's (w)holistic - hence why at Kuutch we emphasise the (w). It covers the whole of the business and the whole of every person, and you should reflect this in your approach and strategy. It's affected by everything and should be at the basis of business goals, that's why it isn't having an impact.

"Wellbeing isn't a choice; it's the core of success. When you invest in your people and prioritise their wellbeing, you unleash their full potential, creating a thriving and prosperous organisation."

A truly (w)holistic wellbeing strategy is the key to building a more sustainable and profitable business. It recognises that wellbeing isn't confined to wellness programs or occasional team-building exercises. It's a philosophy that should permeate every corner of your organisation, enabling personal choice and touching every employee's life in meaningful ways.

But how to begin?

Where to Start with a (W)holistic Wellbeing Strategy:

1. Assessment: Begin by conducting a comprehensive wellbeing assessment. Dive deep into not only the physical and mental health of your employees but also the cultural, environmental, and process-related factors affecting their wellbeing. All businesses have frustrations and some may not be so obvious to spot, so make sure to cover them in your assessment, as they all have an impact on our wellbeing.
2. Define Wellbeing: It isn't a one-size-fits-all concept, so it's crucial to define what it specifically means for your business. What principles are going to steer your approach, and how do they connect with your core values? This knowledge acts as your guiding star in shaping a well-rounded strategy. For people to truly resonate with your vision and enhance your wellbeing culture, they need to be inspired by it. This is where Company Spirit comes into play. It's about creating an environment where everyone feels they belong, can be themselves, and know their contributions are genuinely valued.
3. Make it inclusive: Wellbeing is everybody's business. Form a task force, by including representatives from all departments, and employee groups across your organisation. This approach provides a 360-degree perspective on how wellbeing can be integrated into every facet of your business and brings in diverse ideas and perspectives, and creates advocates and champions for your wellbeing strategy and initiatives.
4. Assess Workload and Processes: Examine them critically. Are employees overloaded, leading to stress and burnout? Can you streamline inefficient workflows? Addressing these issues is fundamental to wellbeing. Many organisations fail to make the link between their operational processes and their employees' wellbeing, often overlooking the significant impact these processes have on overall wellness.
5. Cultivate a Supportive Culture: Wellbeing also depends on the culture you nurture. Create an environment where employees feel supported, can voice concerns, and where empathy, kindness, and respect are the norm. An inclusive culture is a cornerstone of wellbeing, fostering a sense of belonging so finding ways to promote connection, and build relationships and communities, among employees is a crucial aspect that prioritises wellbeing.
6. Training and Development: Invest in training and development opportunities that empower employees. This includes programs to enhance personal and professional skills, helping individuals thrive both in and outside of work. Instead of zeroing in on development areas, shift the focus to celebrating their progress journey. Direct attention towards developing and leveraging their strengths instead.
7. Empower Line Managers: Give line managers the skills and confidence to discuss wellbeing. They play a crucial role in directly supporting their teams' wellbeing and should be equipped to have meaningful conversations about it. This includes up skilling in areas like emotional intelligence and self-awareness through coaching. Wellness Action Plans are a great way to help structure crucial conversations and build stronger relationships, for managers who don't feel so confident.
8. Reimagining Workspaces: Revamping the Office for a Modern Era. In today's changing work landscape, the office plays a new role as a hub for collaboration and inspiration. It's not just for work anymore, it's where teams gather to innovate. This shift urges us to rethink the traditional office setup, saving focused work for home and embracing a new vision. Upgrade your office with comfy workspaces, lots of natural light, green plants, and areas for teamwork and relaxation. This method sparks creativity and builds stronger team connections, showing your strong commitment to wellbeing and a deep sense of belonging.
9. Work-Life Integration: Lots of organisations say their people are disconnecting, but leaders often don't show it themselves. This leads to everyone waiting for constant email notifications and working super long hours. To fix this, promote a good work-life balance, make expectations clear, let managers create flexible agreements, and set an example, even in small ways, like sharing working hours in emails. When leaders show the way, it demonstrates permission and lets everyone else do the same.
10. Communication and Feedback: Create open channels to actively listen to your people using tools like Officevibe , anonymous chat channels for feedback. But don't just listen, take action to demonstrate your commitment to their wellbeing. Regular feedback and conversations are crucial for understanding evolving wellbeing needs. In your internal communications, always consider wellbeing and being trauma-informed. Signpost support at every opportunity and ensure people grasp your vision and their role, fostering a sense of belonging and engagement.
11. Measure and Adapt: When it comes to measuring wellbeing, flexibility is key. You need data that can adapt as circumstances change and an ever-evolving world, means staying connected with your workforce is crucial. Regular chats are a must. You might also consider adding wellbeing technology like Hapstar to the mix, offering a corporate happiness dashboard for quick insights into how your people are feeling. As you journey through this process, concentrate on three key aspects: your people (sickness records, surveys, and referrals), metrics (like healthcare costs and training uptake), and insights from your managers and other sources. Set up a system to keep things on track, using data and feedback as your guiding lights.
12. Leadership Alignment: Make sure your leaders truly get the importance of investing in wellbeing with research and insights. It's not about a one-size-fits-all solution; it's about weaving wellbeing into your business goals and operations. Use a wellbeing framework, covering physical, social, financial, and emotional aspects, and encourage your leaders to champion it. Remember, wellbeing is personal, but it affects every aspect of your business. Nurture a culture that says, "Wellbeing matters here." And when it comes to your leaders, they should lead by example. Encourage them to be open, self-aware, and committed to wellbeing. Let them know it's okay to talk about it. After all, it's the key to a happier and more engaged workplace.
13. Celebrate Achievements: Recognising and celebrating milestones and successes in your wellbeing journey is more than just a feel-good exercise; it's a powerful tool for growth and improvement. Sharing good news stories, acknowledging how individuals have positively impacted their colleagues, and reflecting on past achievements can provide valuable insights and motivation. By connecting these celebrations to your organisation's purpose and aligning them with your wellbeing goals, you reinforce the importance of wellbeing in your workplace. Much like a project evaluation, it helps your team to keep improve and evolve, contributing to a culture of continuous growth and support.

Wellbeing: The Heart of Success

Investing in wellbeing enhances not only your employees' lives but also your business's bottom line. A (w)holistic wellbeing strategy can lead to increased productivity, reduced absenteeism, improved employee morale, and enhanced creativity and innovation.

According to the Deloitte 'Future of Wellbeing 2022' report, 49.78% of Directors have reported improved business performance from focusing on Wellbeing.

Moreover, when employees feel valued and supported in their well-being, they are more likely to stick around in your organisation. This results in lower turnover and fewer expenses related to hiring new staff. Fostering a positive company culture makes the workplace safer and more productive, leading to real benefits that can boost your business success.

Making wellbeing an integral part of your organisation's DNA is not a choice - it's crucial for success. By prioritising your people and not sidelining wellbeing, you build the groundwork for a healthier, happier, and more engaged workplace.

And if you need some help, we're not just about pointing out the direction, here at Kuutch , we're passionate about fostering a culture of wellbeing across businesses. Our mission is to empower your organisation to thrive in a healthier, happier, and more engaged workplace. Whether you're looking to develop a wellbeing strategy, enhance your policies, equip line managers for crucial conversations, run a corporate day, or explore the benefits of surveys, perks, and technology, we're here to support you every step of the way.

So if you're eager to take that first step towards a healthier, happier workplace, follow us for more insights or get in touch with us today.

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Hello! As founder of 'Kuutch' and a dedicated advocate for wholistic wellbeing, I'm always excited to connect with like-minded individuals. If this article resonated with you or you're eager to dive deeper into the world of workplace culture and wellbeing, I'd love to chat!

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Bio: With early career experiences of a toxic workplace, bullying and subsequent burnout that deeply affected her health and well-being, Samantha is dedicated to partnering with businesses to create inclusive workplaces that enhance belonging, performance, and growth. Samantha's extensive background as a Wellness Coach (ATCP/CCW), Meditation Teacher (Dip BSoM), Reiki and Positive Psychology Practitioner, combined with her senior leadership roles across various sectors and her expertise in projects, operations, and commerce, brings a wealth of diverse experiences to the table. As the founder of Kuutch, a wellbeing consultancy, she champions the integration of ancient and modern wisdom, emphasising people, planet, and prosperity, guided by an alchemy of Science and Spirit to nurture a high-performance culture. Eastern medicine and spirituality have played a significant role in her personal healing journey and in her ability to thrive despite these life-changing health challenges.