Pursuing Personal – and Professional – Wellness

Once viewed primarily as a space for productivity, the workplace has evolved into an environment where holistic well-being needs to be a cornerstone. After all, it's where we spend a significant portion of our lives, where we pursue our ambitions, and where we seek our purpose.

That’s why a recent out-of-office email reply from a colleague captured my attention. The automatic email was full of apologies – for being out of the office, for not responding immediately, for taking some time away. I was puzzled, to be honest; I wondered why this person felt the need to apologize so profusely.

Unfortunately, this is an all-too-common reflection of our current workplace culture, which often demands that employees be available 24/7. This can create a lot of stress and anxiety, as people feel like they must be always “on.”

Most organizations understand that employees’ mental and physical health is essential to their success. But it can be easy to neglect wellness when we’re juggling the demands of work, family, and personal commitments. That's why it's so important to make time for self-care.

From the subtle changes in our daily routines to the overarching culture of our workplaces, self-care leaves an indelible mark on the way we function, innovate, and thrive in today's demanding world.

Beyond the mental and physical health initiatives your organization may offer its employees, you must prioritize taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional health. Not only will this help you stay sharp, focused, and productive, but it will also reduce your risk of burnout, stress, and anxiety.

Here are a few tips for making time for self-care:

• Set boundaries. It's important to set boundaries between your work life and your personal life. This means not checking work emails or taking work calls outside of work hours. It also means taking breaks throughout the day to relax and recharge.
  
• Get enough sleep. When you're well-rested, you're better able to handle stress and make sound decisions. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
  
• Eat a healthy diet. Eating healthy foods gives you the energy you need to power through your day. Focus on eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
  
• Exercise regularly. Exercise is a great way to reduce stress, improve your mood, and boost your energy levels. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
  
• Spend time with loved ones. Social support is important for your mental and emotional health. Make time for activities that you enjoy with friends and family.
• Take time for yourself. This could mean reading a book, taking a bath, or going for a walk. Whatever you do, make sure it's something that you enjoy and that helps you relax and de-stress.

Taking care of your wellness and mental health is an investment in your future success. By making time for self-care, you'll be better able to handle the challenges of work and life, and you'll be more likely to achieve your goals.

In addition to the tips above, here are a few specific things that leaders can do to promote wellness and mental health in their workplace:

• Create a culture of psychological safety. Encourage your team to present their true selves at work, without fear of negative consequences. When there's a high level of psychological safety in your organization, there is a culture of inclusion. People feel safe to speak up, to offer ideas, and to ask questions.
• Offer mental health resources. This could include providing access to counseling services, mindfulness classes, or stress-management workshops.
  
• Make sure employees have access to healthy food options. This could mean providing healthy snacks in the break room or offering discounts at local gyms.
  
• Encourage employees to take breaks. It's important for employees to take breaks throughout the day to avoid burnout.
  
• Set a good example. As a leader, it's important to model healthy behaviors. This means taking care of your own physical and mental health and setting a good example for your employees.

By taking these steps, leaders can help to create a healthier and more supportive workplace for everyone. However, it is not always easy to prioritize yourself and self-care when there are competing priorities and multiple deadlines, but consider this:

• Wellness is contagious. When you take care of yourself, you set a positive example for your employees. This can help to create a healthier and more productive workplace.
  
• Wellness is essential for resilience. As a leader, you will inevitably face challenges. When you are well, you are better able to cope with stress and adversity.
  
• Wellness is a journey, not a destination. It takes time and effort to maintain a healthy lifestyle. But it is worth it, for your own sake and for the sake of your team.

Now if you are still not sure what to write in your out-of-office reply message, here are some funny inspirations so you do not feel too guilty about being away:

• I’ll get back to you when I return to civilization.
• I know I’m supposed to say that I’ll have limited access to email, but...
• The bad news is that I’m out of office. The good news is that I’m out of office.
• I am currently out of the office and probably chilling on the beach. Enjoy your work week.

As our professional lives become increasingly demanding and fast-paced, the need for a holistic approach to well-being has never been more critical. By fostering a culture that values self-care, organizations can not only empower their employees to thrive but also reap the rewards of a more engaged, loyal, and innovative workforce.

But remember that self-care is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It encompasses a spectrum of practices and approaches, and it should be tailored to individual needs and preferences. The responsibility for nurturing self-care within the workplace doesn’t rest solely with management; it is a collective endeavor that requires commitment and cooperation at all levels.

Prioritizing self-care as an essential component of our professional lives enables us to create workplaces where “well-being” is not just a buzzword; it is a lived reality.

Looking to establish a more balanced work culture? Check out Skillsoft’s course library for courses on topics such as mental health awareness and psychological safety.

We see you. And we can help!