WAYS TO BE WELL WHEN THE WORKDAY CHANGES
“During a time of uncertainty, our team is truly rallying to be both responsible and resourceful. People still need our support.” – Katy Tombaugh, Founder & CEO, Wellness Collective
As you well know, what has unfolded over the last several weeks with COVID-19 is unlike anything we’ve recently experienced, and it’s very quickly changing the workday, community gatherings and impacting businesses and industries of all varieties.
We believe in the power of wellness practices NOW more than ever.
More specifically, what people need now, more than ever, is to feel supported, to feel connected and to feel safe. As an employer and as a leader, it’s possible to support people in this way.
Being mindful in all business practices has never been more important. Communicating mindfully, rather than adding to the fear and chaos, is powerful and supportive.
Here are just a handful of ways we can work together to better support your teams' health and happiness during a difficult season:
Shift to (or add) virtual programs that support health and well-being. Fitness classes, mind/body classes, mindfulness experiences, integrative health education, health coaching, a gratitude challenge, nutrition programs, training & development and much, much more can all happen virtually! Virtual workouts will boost mood, energy and outlook – INSTANTLY.
Prioritize healthy habits. Outstanding attention to hygiene and environmental cleanliness is something we should practice all year long. The current situation with COVID-19 reminds us that clean environments, excellent nutrition, adequate sleep and consistent exercise set the stage for greater health.
Teach people how to strengthen their immune system. Disease management, daily self-care and the basic healthy habits above are (unfortunately) still not common practice for all people or families.
Give people a safe space for support. Together, we can support people physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually and environmentally. This could manifest as a confidential coaching session, virtual support groups or just (literally) a quiet space where daily meditation or self-care can take place.
Collectively care for your community. People are being impacted financially and there will likely be an increased need across many non-profits and community organizations. We can come together to volunteer or fund-raise in the months ahead and create a positive mass impact within our communities.
Create a culture of wellness by showing how much you care. Send electronic communications to your teams reiterating the many ways to be well. Share all the resources currently available through your benefits as well as any new ones you’re putting in place. Provide encouragement around self-care and ways for people to connect virtually through health and wellness programming. Adopt open dialogue that really prioritizes health as a top value and priority.
Develop Well Leaders. Your leadership has the power to influence and model healthy habits – again, across all domains of wellness – mind, body, spirit and environment. Look at supporting your leadership with training and development specific to health and wellness – including everything from health basics to emotional intelligence, positive psychology, mindfulness and stress mastery/resiliency.
We’re here for you – not only to problem-solve, but to win with wellness. It’s possible for us to stay connected through all of this and to continue working toward greater health and happiness – both individually and organizationally.
Author: Katy Tombaugh