Look after the wellbeing of your staff
WHEN people are well, they do well. This is a major reason for any employer or manager to have a wellbeing programme in the workplace. This is also supported by the facts and numbers. Most people spend up to half (and for some even more) their waking hours at work. We have a work life, a home life, a social life and an internal world. They are all inter-related. If we can learn how to meaningfully and sustainably be at our best in one area, we can more easily expand that to all areas.
With the economy rising and moving towards full employment, it is more important for employers to offer the best support and opportunities to their staff. 7 out of 10 employees are more likely to stay with an employer that is interested in their wellbeing. High staff turnover can be damaging and costly and affect overall performance often putting more stress on those that stay. Well-designed effective programmes are also shown to significantly reduce absenteeism, healthcare costs and compensation claims and more than cover their costs.
In 2014, more than 4 million working days were lost in Ireland due to absenteeism. The most common reasons were back pain and anxiety and depression. These are stress related.
Most wellbeing at work programmes focus on mental health, fitness and weight loss and nutrition. But it is not just about what is done in and by the organisation. For wellbeing programmes to meaningfully work they should enter into the heart and culture of the organisation and into the heart of everyone that works there. Management must walk the walk and bring wellbeing into their own lives and make staff wellbeing a priority day to day.
As Richard Branson says, ‘If you look after your staff, they will look after your customers. It’s that simple.’ This moves the discussion beyond the costs of poor health or even retention of talent. Happy and well-looked after staff make great Ambassadors for your business. They are more engaged and creative. They are more inclined to stay. They will be cooperative, kinder and more supportive of one another. Cooperative teams make one and one equal eleven. Valued employees take pride in what they do.
When people are stressed. it impacts on their physical and mental health. It affects their ability to concentrate and connect well with others. Multi-tasking and stress are shown to reduce creativity. Concentration, innovation and good communications are key considerations in maintaining our edge in this fast-paced world of global business, particularly in the sectors Ireland is strong in .
Ireland is now the 5th most competitive economy in the world. This is great news and a tremendous achievement for a small country such as ours. However, more than a half a million people are on anti-depressants. And other signs of high stress are all around us. If we want to stay there and enjoy the fruits of our hard work, we must look at finding and maintaining better balance in work and life.
If you don’t have a wellbeing programme and if stress, absenteeism, increasing healthcare costs and morale are issues, or if you simply want to improve innovation and be more competitive, having an effective wellbeing strategy and programme may be the answer.
This will help employees work more effectively. This will give them tools and know how and create a culture where they can more easily look after themselves. Your staff are your greatest asset. Look after yourself. Look after them. When they are well, they in turn will look after each other and your customers.
Age is a factor–the very young are more susceptible to colds and flu because their immune system is not fully developed. And as you age your immune system can weaken causing you to catch colds more easily. Some people will naturally have a weaker immune system than others. Poor sleep can also affect your immune response.
Signs that your immune system is struggling include catching colds and flu frequently. You may be constantly feeling under the weather. Or be the one that always catches tummy bugs especially when travelling. Maybe you get cold sores, sore throats, and coughs more often that your family and friends. Recurring thrush and cystitis can also be signs. And each time you catch a cold it can take longer to overcome it.
If you do get a cold make sure to get plenty of sleep as the body is working hard to remove the viral infection. Drink plenty of water, this will help keep the body hydrated and also help to flush away mucus which accumulates in the nose and throat.
Colds and flu are both viruses and can be spread easily and quickly so good hygiene is essential during breakouts. These viruses thrive better in cold temperatures, which is why we see more colds and flu in the winter months. A healthy diet, exercise, and a decent night’s sleep will help support your immune system.
Next week I will talk about remedies you can take to support and strengthen your immune system.