Wellness In The Workplace (Especially When Your “Workplace” Is Your Living Room)

Many employers are struggling with the notion of workplace wellness for a number of reasons. As we continue to ride this lockdown rollercoaster in Australia, individuals and employers strive to maintain a sense of normalcy and carve out a “work-life balance” when there is very little “normal life” to be lived.

After finishing a conversation with a client, I was left sitting in my home office self-reflecting. We had spoken about the usual work-related items and then they had disclosed they had not taken a holiday since covid began. That would mean that their last respite and recharge from work would have been 18 months ago?! A full year and a half of just trying to get to the light at the end of the tunnel, of trying to re-book cancelled holidays and reschedule important family life celebrations like weddings, anniversaries, milestone birthdays, graduations, funerals, and even those once-in-a-lifetime trips.

EMPLOYEES HAVE NOT TAKEN HOLIDAY TIME IN HOPES LOCKDOWN WILL END “SOON”

I’d realised that this was not the only instance in speaking to clients and candidates in the financial services markets who have been largely insulated from the ravages of COVID in other sectors of the market. With gratitude for their job security and income protection, they threw themselves into remote working just trying to make it to the finish line when restrictions might lift, and life may return to a pre-COVID normalcy.

HOW EMPLOYERS CAN SUPPORT EMPLOYEES’ WELLBEING IN THE WORKPLACE

Having recently attended a SEEK webinar on attracting talent in the market utilising an effective EVP (Employee Value Proposition) we have found that fortunately, most employers do see a role for themselves in the health of their employees for the following reasons:

1. Healthy employees are more productive and have better overall wellness due to not being tired, out of shape or stressed.
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2. Healthy employees experience less absenteeism. Some employers have reduced their absenteeism by 40% with a good wellness program.
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3. Employers with a good wellness program usually have a good corporate culture which greatly improves their ability to attract and retain the best employees.

As the finish line to return to our normal lives and rhythms grows increasingly distant, organisations have continued to try to balance company policies to support vaccine uptake amongst staff, mental health day shutdowns that ask employees to focus on their wellbeing and EVP’s that support future flexible working to draw and maintain the best talent in the market.

At Kaizen Recruitment for example, we noted that we were increasingly spending too many hours in inertia in front of our desks and screens and have encouraged staff to get outside and support STEPtember.  An initiative that supports Cerebral Palsy whilst also acknowledging the importance of allocating time to unplug and recharge by utilising a walk in our local neighbourhoods.

6 TIPS TO SUPPORT WELLNESS WHILE WORKING FROM HOME

1. Set up routine and structure for your workday — create boundaries between ‘work time’ and ‘home time’. Some people in my network have illustrated that they set a routine as if they are going into the office, with a regular start time, and finish time, and a structure for their day. This will help you maintain a strong boundary between work and home life, minimise the possibility of work intruding into your family time, and help you switch off from work at the end of the day. Creating cues, such as getting changed into your work clothes at the start of the day, and out at the end, can help with this.

2. Create a specific place in your home where you work. Studies show that working from home can interfere with sleep, especially for people who find it difficult to switch off from work. Avoid working in your bedroom if possible. It will then become associated with being alert, awake and switched on.

3. Stay connected with co-workers and your manager by scheduling regular virtual or phone meetings. Because everyday encounters with colleagues don’t spontaneously happen when we’re working from home, we need to be proactive in organising meetings and social connection to maintain positive relationships. Staying connected with others will help to reduce stress levels, help you feel less isolated, and stay productive. It also helps you communicate with your manager or employees to keep them informed of what you’re working on.

4. Technology makes it easier to stay connected 24-7, but the downside is that it can make it difficult to switch off, and separate work and home life. Try a digital detox to help you switch off from work, so you can spend quality time with your family, or do the things you want to do.

5. Try and get outside at least once a day. Go for a walk, get some fresh air, and sunshine.

6. Focus on the silver linings in your life. Daily gratitude journals of highlighting even the smallest joys in life can help highlight the things in our own personal world that are still going well.

“HAVE PATIENCE WITH ALL THINGS BUT FIRST WITH YOURSELF” -St. Frances  De Sales

Working from home can have many benefits. It can enhance productivity, reduce distractions, decrease stress, improve work fulfillment, lower the time (and cost) you spend commuting, give you greater sense of control over your workday. But the importance lies in consciously striving to protect and enhance our mental health each and every day. And most importantly, as we continue to ride the COVID lockdown rollercoaster, we should give ourselves license to be gentle with ourselves and our colleagues as we all fight our own individual battles and strive to maintain a balance of wellness in our lives and our workplaces.

Kaizen Recruitment specialises financial services recruitment across funds management, wealth management, superannuation, investment consulting and insurance. We are based in Melbourne and Sydney. For assistance or further information please telephone our office at +61 3 9095 7157 or submit an online form.

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