The grace and beauty of a swan gliding on still waters...

What could be more peaceful?

The image, of calm control, can often belie the frantic paddling going on below the surface! How often do we try for the same image for ourselves, to be that swan? Our social media portrays happy, carefree and close to perfect lives, filled with joy. Visually, we put on a 'brave face' to all but a few. We portray ourselves at work as independent, capable people that can manage everything  that comes our way. But really, how true is all of that?

Professional Wellness at Work is well and truly in the spotlight

What would you change if you could? 

The post-pandemic years have been challenging times for many of us, one way or another, and with workplace absenteeism at a record high right now, we are seeing reports showing strong links between the two. Although, to me it would seem that the pandemic was merely a catalyst, bringing the state of our physical and mental ill-health to this rather alarming point a few years earlier than if the pandemic had never happened.

Having lunch at our desks isn't a new thing. Taking all our annual leave would still not be a priority to most. Mobile phones would still have moulded us into the 'always on' culture that we find ourselves in, and now, working through illness is even easier since the working from home thing has become acceptable. (And adding these people into the absenteeism figures would send them sky rocketing even higher!) So why do we do this to ourselves? Why do we need to be gliding graceful swans when in reality we are quietly drowning? 

I don't know about you, but my life tends to have a lot more of this going on than my Facebook page lets on!

A famous quote from Steve Jobs is

'Your work fills a large part of your life

and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work.

And the only way to do great work,

Is to love what you do.'

Steve Jobs

And I would add, 'in an environment you love to be in'.

If the workplace could nurture and support our physical and mental well-being, in an appealing environment, overall happiness will improve. Productivity will improve.

Companies who value employee well-being are usually rewarded with higher morale, higher productivity, improved retention and lower healthcare costs. Employees alike, benefit from less time off sick, and a positive work culture that leads to more personal satisfaction, less anxiety and professional growth. 

So how do we get to this?

Stress, burnout, and exhaustion are key components for long term illness and society has almost made it a badge of honour to be in this state, while at the same time, it seems that all people truly strive for is a happy healthy lifestyle. You only have to glance at the numerous wellbeing magazines and online articles that vie for our attention on helping us to find happiness. 

Maybe this month during the chaos of deadlines, (because this time of year always seems to be particularly busy,) we can take a few minutes to draw breath and take a look around us. Have you noticed someone at work that may be struggling?

4 Things for Professional Wellness

Well, obviously this list could be a lot longer than just three things!

But I personally have found that just a few changes at a time seem to make changes more manageable.  

As a bit of a nature nerd, I have found the rather bland, four walled, corporate environment to be a rather soul sucking sort of place, with artificial lighting and beige walls. Even the cavernous, modern office, with huge windows seems dark and dreary without overhead artificial lighting. As an antidote, even if you can only manage ten minutes, try to get outside. Have your deserved lunch break, turn off your phone and see what the weather is doing.

Will the world end if you turn off your phone for just ten minutes?

When it comes to team building events, why not suggest something different, like Forest Bathing?

Forest Bathing will not only create a fabulous opportunity to strengthen the team, it can also enhance participants creativity, productivity and focus! It's a great way to level the work relationship playing field and very often creates an opportunity of getting to know the team from a completely new perspective, in the calm and tranquil environment of the forest. It isn't a hike, more of an amble, through serene forest environments, giving people the chance to slow down, relax, and unwind, creating time to reflect, pause for a breath and reconnect with nature in a very gentle but powerful way. 

We spend many hours at work. If the environment is toxic and we don't give ourselves a chance to switch off on a regular basis, then we can only expect to survive for so long. Make your time away from the office count, however that works for you; doing a hobby, getting outdoors, spending time with friends and family, because time away will often help you find the energy and enthusiasm to tackle the work load and create a much healthier, happier professional workspace that everyone can benefit from.