There is proof that people who are engaged in their work, loving what they do and managing to keep a work-life balance, maintain better health. So how does one start to stay healthy in the workplace, and to ensure that your team does too?
A work environment that encourages well-being sees team members enjoying better physical health. Offering access to a gym, lunchtime team walks, fresh air, good nutrition and team-building that includes sport, is advisable. Better physical health translates into energy and a positive mindset.
There is a sense of well-being when people are working with their strengths and feeling confident and “in the zone”. If their competence equates to their challenges, there is a sense of homeostasis. Employees who feel that they matter, make more of a contribution.
If the organisation is large, a facility like an on-site crèche could contribute to well-being and contentment. It is in the interests of the leader to have staff who do not take sick leave unnecessarily.
Absenteeism is counter-productive and costs the organisation. So does “presenteeism” (being at work while sick). What about employees who are present but not actively engaged in their work because they are stressed or tired?
Research shows that on average only one third of a team is actively engaged. Stress and exhaustion are bad for the individual, bad for the team and bad for business. Illness can decrease productivity and morale and ultimately profits.
Why then, are companies not making more effort to ensure well-being? Well-being should be practised by the leader.
The leader should make healthy choices. One good choice could be to spend money on wellness in your business – for every rand spent you will get a good return on investment. Your work force will appreciate the support.
We live in a country rife with non-communicable diseases such as heart disease and depression. In developing countries, up to 15 percent of the population have depression and 80 percent of these people are left untreated. Surely both physical and emotional wellness is an entitlement, not a benefit?
* Jenny Handley is a brand, high performance and leadership specialist who offers individual consultations and team workshops.
** For information on Jenny’s books and courses visit www.jennyhandley.co.za. Follow Jenny on Twitter: Jenny_Handley and Facebook: Jenny Handley Performance Management
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