In the pursuit of fostering a healthier workplace culture, LearningWell understands the importance of prioritising wellbeing. Embracing the NHS initiative, the ‘5 Ways to Wellbeing,’ provides a practical framework for individuals and organisations to promote self-care and resilience.
So what are the 5 Ways to Wellbeing?
Taking Notice:
Mindfulness of the self and present moment experiencing lays the foundation for improved wellbeing. Remind yourself to take notice of your thoughts and emotions. Understand the triggers for stress and anxiety. Embracing mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing or brief meditation moments, can cultivate a positive outlook on life.
Ideas for ways to introduce mindfulness in the workplace include;
- Daily Mindful Moment: Incorporate a daily mindful moment into the work routine. Encourage employees to take a few minutes to focus on their breath, centering themselves in the present moment. This can be done individually or collectively as a team.
- Gratitude Wall: Set up a gratitude wall in a communal area. Encourage team members to write down something they’re grateful for each day and pin it to the wall. This visual representation fosters a positive atmosphere and helps individuals take notice of the positive aspects in their work environment.
- Virtual Wellbeing Challenges: Implement virtual challenges that prompt participants to notice and appreciate their surroundings. This could include photo contests capturing moments of beauty, small wins, or moments of calm during the workday.
Connection with Others:
Building meaningful connections in the workplace contributes to a sense of value and belonging. Whether through one-on-one interactions or group settings, finding the right balance is key. Engage in team-building activities, participate in workplace social events, or simply initiate friendly conversations. These connections foster a supportive atmosphere and enhance overall wellbeing.
Ideas for ways to introduce connection in the workplace include;
- Coffee Break Connect: Schedule short virtual coffee breaks or casual catch-ups, allowing team members to connect in an informal setting. These moments can strengthen social bonds and provide an opportunity for colleagues to share experiences and insights.
- Buddy System: Establish a buddy system where team members are paired up for mutual support. Buddies can check in on each other regularly, providing a sense of connection and creating a supportive network within the workplace.
- Team Building Challenges: Organise quick team-building challenges that encourage collaboration. This could include virtual escape rooms, quick problem-solving exercises, or collaborative projects that enhance the sense of connection among team members.
Getting Active:
Physical activity is a powerful tool for maintaining positive mental health. It doesn’t require marathon running; simple, enjoyable activities suffice. Studies show that being active improves mood, reduces stress, and enhances overall mental resilience.
Ideas for ways to introduce physical activity in the workplace include;
- Desk Stretches: Promote short desk stretches or exercises that employees can easily incorporate into their daily routine. Share simple routines that can be done at the desk to alleviate tension and boost energy levels.
- Walking Meetings: Encourage walking meetings for small group discussions. This allows team members to get active while engaging in productive conversations. It can be done outdoors or within the workplace, depending on the setting.
- Fitness Breaks: Introduce quick fitness breaks during the workday. Provide access to short workout videos or encourage employees to follow a quick exercise routine. This promotes physical activity and contributes to improved mood and focus.
Giving Back:
Contributing to social and community life is a profound way to boost happiness. LearningWell encourages workplace involvement in community initiatives or charitable activities. Engaging in acts of kindness, whether big or small, not only benefits the community but also enhances individual and collective wellbeing.
Ideas for ways to introduce a culture of giving in the workplace include;
- Volunteer Opportunities: Facilitate volunteer opportunities or charitable initiatives that employees can participate in during work hours. This could include virtual volunteering, organising donation drives, or supporting local community projects.
- Skills Sharing Sessions: Encourage employees to share their skills and knowledge with colleagues. Organise informal sessions where individuals can offer quick workshops or share insights, fostering a culture of giving back within the team.
- Random Acts of Kindness Board: Create a digital or physical board where team members can anonymously share or acknowledge random acts of kindness they’ve experienced or witnessed. This promotes a culture of giving and appreciation within the workplace.
Learning:
Continuous learning and personal development play a vital role in boosting self-esteem. Set achievable learning goals, whether acquiring new skills or expanding existing ones. LearningWell’s workplace training programs can provide valuable tools and insights, fostering a sense of accomplishment and control over personal and professional growth.
Ideas for ways to introduce a culture of learning in the workplace include;
- Lunch and Learn Sessions: Host regular “Lunch and Learn” sessions where team members can share insights, new skills, or interesting facts. This creates a culture of continuous learning and provides opportunities for personal and professional development.
- Book Club or Article Sharing: Start a workplace book club or article-sharing platform where employees can recommend and discuss books or articles related to personal or professional growth. This encourages ongoing learning and knowledge exchange.
- Skill Swap Sessions: Facilitate skill swap sessions where team members can briefly share or teach a skill they excel in. This provides a platform for collaborative learning and encourages the development of a diverse skill set within the team.
By integrating the ‘5 Ways to Wellbeing,’ LearningWell envisions a workplace where individuals are not only productive but also resilient and fulfilled. Prioritising these values contributes to a positive workplace culture, where each team member feels valued, connected, and empowered to embrace their journey toward improved wellbeing.