Are your staff off balance and feeling yuck?

When I do seminars and workshops I am noticing an increasing number of people who are feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, off balance and generally yuck. And it seems that so much of the time we work hard to do our best yet we put our own wellbeing on the backburner. While this is definitely a personal issue, it is also a big workplace issue for both staff and management.

The walking and running and all the exercise that some people do definitely does something for work. When people get off their bike in the morning, or come back after a run or walk at lunchtime – they are refreshed and revitalized. Their energy levels are up and they feel good about themselves.

Some companies have “walking meetings”, netball teams, planning days combined with a fun outdoor activity, some offer classes like dance, yoga or stretch exercises. Some are lucky enough to have gyms. Some combine fun runs with charity events, golf days, rock climbing, or even provide massages. I have seen bikes provided in reception for staff to use at lunchtime or for meetings nearby, and some have time out zones. The results are usually happy, motivated staff.

How well are you and your organisation? What can be done about it at work?

Organisations need to:

• Offer health initiatives and activities.
• Encourage staff to be active.
• Be proactive about safety.
• Implement policies for work/life balance.

So how do we inspire and motivate people towards a healthy lifestyle? It can be at any level of the organisation, but ideally it starts at the top:

• Senior leadership teams.
• Managers, team leaders and supervisors.
• Policy makers.
• Boards and committees of management.

Managers need to develop policies and practices that maintain an appropriate work/life balance across the organisation. While many organisations are proactive towards safety, they should also promote health and wellbeing strategies, and develop a strategic approach to the inclusion of health initiatives within business planning.

Where to start? Begin reviewing the organisation’s approach to wellbeing, work/life balance and safety with any group of stakeholders.

Reviews and initiatives can begin with:

• Staff information sessions
• Team meetings
• Health and safety committees
• Health and wellbeing service providers
• Workshops and seminars
• Lectures and debates
• Coaching and mentoring sessions
• Induction programs

Do the leaders in your organisation:
1. Set positive examples and encourage staff to look after their health?
2. Offer health initiatives and programs?
3. Promote exercise?
4. Provide education for staff about safety, health and wellbeing in the workplace?
5. Discuss psychological wellbeing and what improvements are needed?
6. Incorporate work/life balance into its policies?
7. Provide flexible work arrangements, eg. staff sometimes working from home?
8. Manage excess working hours constructively?
9. Provide opportunities for staff to find a balance between family life and work life?
10. Evaluate impact of health and wellbeing initiatives?

So much more can be achieved if people in any organisation are fit, healthy and happy. We should create a healthy attitude in the workplace by providing health initiatives and activities; and by providing a safe and caring environment.

Eve Ash is the producer of the best selling “Wellbeing and Balance DVD” and a wide range of resources on best practice and communication skills – all available at www.7dimensions.com.au.