What We're Getting Wrong About Wellbeing in the Workplace

In the midst of evolving workplace cultures, many companies have proudly added "Wellbeing" to their roster of employee benefits. The intention is commendable – after all, who wouldn't want to work for an organization that cares about its employees' health and happiness?

But let's pause and reflect. Amid the sea of wellbeing initiatives, many of which are genuinely brilliant (I mean – Online Art Therapy, anyone?!?!), a crucial question remains largely unanswered: 

Why do so few employees actually take advantage of these offerings? 

The answer, while multifaceted, often boils down to a simple, yet profound reason: Time – or, more accurately, the lack thereof. Or even more pointedly, the guilt associated with taking time for oneself in a high-performance culture.

It's becoming clear that the traditional approach to employee wellbeing – treating it as an optional 'perk' that employees can choose to engage with – is missing the mark. If companies are sincere in their commitment to the wellbeing of their team members, these efforts need to transcend the realm of 'additional benefits' and become ingrained in their organizational DNA.

Here's the hard truth about wellbeing: While we all aspire to lead healthier, happier lives and are generally aware of what it takes to achieve this, countless obstacles stand in our way, with "lack of time" leading the charge. And this pervasive issue hints at a deeper, systemic problem within our approach to work and wellbeing.

For wellbeing initiatives to be truly effective, they must be seamlessly integrated into the overall people strategy, the daily routines and how a company manage their operations. It’s time we transition from treating employee wellbeing as a nice-to-have 'perk' to embedding it as a non-negotiable staple within the organizational being. Wellbeing must evolve from being a discretionary option to a fundamental, mandated aspect of our work life, mirroring the importance we place on other critical job functions.

Wellbeing initiatives must not only be available but ingrained in the very fabric of the operational and cultural frameworks. This means fostering an environment where self-care is not merely encouraged but demanded, comparable to other job responsibilities. It's about recalibrating our understanding and approach to work, ensuring that practices promoting physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing are as integral to our workday as meetings and deadlines.

To catalyze a meaningful shift towards this new paradigm, here are three strategic approaches companies can start adopting:

1. Institutionalize Winning Ways of Working

Redefine your organizational culture to recognize daily self-care habits as non-negotiable components of your professional routines. Elevate self-care to the same level of priority as client meetings and project deadlines, underscoring its role in driving personal and organizational success. Foster a culture that champions growth through challenges that enhance physical movement, mental fitness, and emotional wellbeing, thereby cultivating a workplace that thrives on collective and individual growth.

2. Embed Wellbeing into Performance Metrics

It's crucial to extend the concept of performance beyond traditional business outcomes to include personal growth and excellence. By integrating self-care and mental fitness into how performance is evaluated, companies can ensure that taking care of one’s health is not just recommended but seen as a vital contributor to professional development and success.

3. Lead by Example

Leadership involvement in wellbeing programs sends a powerful message. When executives actively participate in and advocate for these initiatives, it sets a tone that prioritizes health and wellbeing across all levels of the organization. This can inspire a more engaged participation from the entire workforce, embedding wellbeing into the core of corporate culture.

By reimagining your approach to wellbeing in the workplace, we challenge the status quo and foster an environment where taking care of oneself is not just a matter of personal choice but a critical component of professional excellence. It's time for organizations to lead by example, demonstrating that true success is achieved not in spite of prioritizing wellbeing but because of it.

Are you a forward-thinking leader eager to cultivate a work environment where employees don't just work, but truly flourish? Do you aspire to shape a culture where the enthusiasm for Mondays matches the excitement for Fridays? If you're nodding in agreement, it's time for us to connect. Let's make it happen together.