Note: Image shows the results of a survey during one of the workshops to describe how participants were feeling generally.
Agora #87
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It is imperative that we set up mental health resources for employees and to keep in mind that employee wellbeing touches on all aspects of working life.
The increased focus on employee mental health and wellbeing has seen progressive leaps in the conversation that were unimaginable 10 years ago. Even the most cynical manager has had to concede that the circumstances of the pandemic have raised the profile and importance of taking care of your employees.
The problem is not that there is a huge mental health problem, it is that we do not always know what to do about it.
Yoga on a Monday and Fruit on a Friday will not fix it. It goes way deeper than that.
Union Syndicale Fédérale has had the foresight to involve me in running a series of Wellbeing workshops in 2021 that covered a large range of topics where people would talk openly about their issues, feel heard and discuss the possible solutions. Wellbeing at work is a huge topic and the statistics show that the benefits are really tangible for any company that has implemented a Wellbeing strategy for their workforce.
For anyone coming back to the office, or adjusting once again to a hybrid life of working in the office, sometimes working from home or possibly abroad, still dealing with isolation, misunderstandings, stress from all directions, it is imperative that solutions are found moving forward.
Several factors contribute to an employee’s wellbeing and they can include:
- Physical health.
- Emotional health.
- Financial health.
- Psychological wellbeing.
- Social wellbeing.
The staff need to feel safe at work and need to know what they can do, to whom they can turn if feeling unwell or unsafe. It is imperative that we set up mental health resources for employees.
It is important to keep in mind that employee wellbeing touches on all aspects of working life, consequently it has a significant impact on retention, engagement, and the institution’s success.
We covered quite a lot of ground last year and covered topics such as Basic Wellbeing tools, Overwhelm, Positive Psychology, Bouncing back, Resilience, Looking at our strengths, surviving lockdown with a significant other, creating a Webbing action Plan, all well received and enjoyed by many participants.
In consultation with some of the members of USF it has been decided to continue with a series of Wellbeing workshops to cover some of the more sensitive issues brought to light during discussions on the topic that were partly revealed by the workshops last year.
The list of suggested workshops are as follows:
- Adjusting to the New Way Of Working (NWOW) as well as coming back to the office post pandemic.
- Gaining a better work / life balance.
- Setting boundaries and learning to say no.
- Dealing with toxic people and environments.
- Dealing with stress.
- Improve your time management.
- Improve your adaptability and resilience.
- Rebuild your confidence and know your strengths.
- Discover the key components of taking control of your life.
- Dealing with overload and setting priorities.
This is a non-exhaustive list and we welcome ideas other topics that you feel should be covered. Do not hesitate to contact your Union Syndicale representative to let them know.
Andy Whittle
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Andy is an EMCC Accredited and certified Life, Executive and Wellbeing coach. He is happiest when he can help people reach their full potential and thrive in today’s stressful world. He is also a well-known trainer and event host.