Well-being At Work
A study done by the Global Wellness Institute showed, 76% of people reported struggling with their wellbeing. As the stress from work and life continues to grow and affect our everyday health, workplaces must continue to put a greater emphasis on employees' physical and mental wellbeing. It's about feeling comfortable, healthy, and happy in your workplace. Wellbeing is multidimensional, dynamic, and personal. Meaning it's not a one size fits all. Having a work environment that helps with creativity, innovation, inclusiveness, and joy are what employees need to be truly successful.
Busy days, long working hours, and no time for a break
However, with only 9% of the global workforce having access to some form of a wellness program at work, you can't wait for them to put a strategy together before you look after your well-being. It’s important to start taking a little responsibility for your wellbeing. With busy days, long working hours, and no time for a break, it can be challenging to feel happy and fulfilled at work. You can't produce high results, feel confident, or be present throughout each day if you aren't putting yourself first.
Put yourself first
Where should you start? Start with something small and easy to accomplish. For example, bringing healthy snacks to work, so when you get hungry you know you have something available. Then continue to try new things and see what fits you best. Determine what matters most to you. That could be having a good work-life balance or maybe its finding opportunities for growth and development? It's difficult to measure well-being and happiness, but small changes here and there can go a long way. So for those of you not in the 9% here are 5 ways you can improve your wellbeing.
5 Tips For Workplace Wellbeing
Balance
Get a schedule and stay organized. Regularly assess whether your work input is in balance with your personal life. Don't forget to make time for family and friends. Employee burnout is on the rise and 52% of adults are feeling stressed at work.
Change your environment
Make your office or desk space personalized to you. Add things that bring you joy. It could be as simple as adding photos of family, friends, or pets. Try putting bright colors on your desk. A study by the University of Technology Sydney discusses how plants can reduce stress levels. Add plants to your space.
Get sufficient breaks during work
“Sitting is the new smoking”. Find time during the day to take breaks and get up and move, your mind and body will thank you later. As little as 5 minutes of exercise per working day has been shown to improve physical well-being.
Rest and recovery
Long-term stress, sleepiness, or underdevelopment does not fall under only occupational well-being. The national sleep foundation says, “sleeping less than 6 hours each night is one of the best predictors of on-the-job burnout”.
Healthy eating
The first thing you can do is make sure you stay hydrated. Secondly, focus on having a balanced diet. Try to avoid eating at your desk and eating fast food. Mix up your lunch routine by walking to lunch now and then to get in some exercise.
