For many years, companies have given lip service to the idea of wellbeing in the workplace. For example, “a healthy workforce is a productive one”. But to reduce wellbeing to a handy way to enhance profitability is missing the point.
To take a broader perspective… today we’re witnessing a steady rise in stress, anxiety and poor health – thanks to a ‘perfect storm’ of inter-related factors (to do with stress, limited exercise, poor posture, poor diet, and limited nutrients).
And the workplace is one of the primary settings where we can address this.
My own working life bears testament to the ‘gaping hole’ that is so widespread in most corporate thinking… and to the difference that the right blend of health interventions can make.
As an interpreter who’s worked internationally for many years, I have witnessed first-hand how extreme stress can dramatically impair both the performance and wellbeing, of my colleagues.
It became clear to me that, for all the extensive training that interpreters receive, the most fundamental piece of training was missing. I saw a pivotal unasked and unanswered question.
“How can I stay calm and energised in the most stressful and challenging situations?”
I realised that there was scope for my lifelong interest in a holistic approach health (embracing breath work, nutrition and movement) to make a real difference to my colleagues.
That is what prompted a series of interactive talks at conferences around the world. Whereby I was supporting other interpreters to achieve the very things they most needed.
One way I have termed this is ‘resilience in the digital age’. As I see it, there has never been a greater need for such holistic education and interventions in the workplace. After all, a recent report[1] has shown that:
> Mental ill health is the main cause of long- term absence (followed by stress) in the public sector, and is among the top causes of short-term absence.
> 72% of organisations in the public sector have experienced an increase in reported common mental health conditions over the past year, compared with 53% of private sector organisations.
> The top three causes of stress-related absence are Workloads (62%); Management style (43%) and Relationships at work (30%).
Clearly, to create an upturn in profits and profitability, there’s a need to create a downturn in stress and anxiety.
Personally, I am looking to work with organisations who want to create a culture where individuals can truly thrive and where anxiety and illness are minimised… and who are ready to take a stand to protect and optimise their long-term wellbeing of their staff.
To learn more about ‘Stress Management for Busy Professionals’ – as a ‘Lunch & Learn’ session, as a webinar or as a bespoke nine-week programme – please get in touch.
NB: Corporate work is a major part of what I do. And I also run bespoke workshops for small groups of individuals.
[1] These stats come from a CIPD survey completed in November 2018.
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