Sign up for Workplace Wellbeing Day

In times of unprecedented challenge, change and uncertainty, our personal wellbeing is even more critical so we can build resilience and tap into our inner resourcefulness to handle what is currently happening and be ready to rebuild our lives, livelihoods and the economy in the future.

IBEC is hosting the 6th National Workplace Wellbeing Day on Friday May 1st.

According to IBEC, ‘Its significance is particularly important in this COVID-19 era, as the Irish workforce undergoes a mass shift to working-from-home and social distancing. There are an array of physical and mental wellbeing challenges that can affect staff working remotely. We urge employers to recognise their continued responsibility in looking after their people through these changes.’ IBEC

The additional challenges that people are experiencing is also showing up in calls to helplines like the Samaritans. Last week, ‘Ciaran Brennan of Samaritans Ireland told the Irish Mirror that coronavirus and related issues are now coming up in four out of 10 calls made to volunteers’. It is also reported that phone calls to the service have been ‘ longer and busier’ since the onset of the COVID19 outbreak.

There are many different options for what employers can do. Generally they come into 2 categories. They can offer supports to help staff reduce unhealthy stress and boost their resilience and they can also deliver programmes to support and boost wellbeing.

Different programmes may be more relevant in different organisations and staff groupings depending on the stresses, age profile and interests of the employees. Wellbeing is about being ‘ happy, healthy and comfortable’.

Some employers are offering online meditation and exercise classes through zoom or other social platforms. For those that are working in essential jobs, some employers are offering healthier food and programmes promoting positive nutrition. Some are giving gift packages including fruit and other healthy options.

And others are offering webinars on building resilience and giving employees tools and supports to relax more, work better from home and overcome the various challenges they experience during lockdown and whilst working from home. There are also courses on helping staff juggle parenting while working remotely which is presenting new challenges for many.

It is also a very good time to remind employees of the benefits of their Employee assistance programme (EAP) or even share information about the different general programmes available at this time related to mental health etc and to encourage positive resources to strengthen resilience and wellbeing.

The Government has a guidance on a range of areas including: looking after our mental health, coping at home, let’s play Ireland, staying active, healthy eating and cocooning. https://www.gov.ie/ en/campaigns/together/ Some employers are using it as a time to celebrate and recognise their employees and give thanks through gifts or recognition.

IBEC have highlighted the importance of connection and communication as many are experiencing greater isolation and loneliness as they miss out personal interaction with social connections, colleagues, clients and family.

‘Employers are still responsible for the wellbeing of their staff, even when working from home, and there are a number of steps they can take to improve employee wellbeing. Connection starts with communication, so don’t forget to reach out to your employees as they forge along during unprecedented circumstances.’

If you are looking for more ideas or want to participate, you can register and showcase what you are doing here: www.wellbeingday.ie

And for those that are self-employed, go online and have a look. There are many free wellbeing related initiatives you can tap into from the safety and comfort of your own home.

Calodagh McCumiskey designs and delivers bespoke wellbeing at work programmes to grow people and companies. She also offers regular meditation classes, personal development workshops and wellbeing consultations to help people thrive 053 9140655 | info@spiritualearth.com | www.spiritualearth.com