Shaking up the corporate world with health and wellbeing
- December 11, 2023
Wellness isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a holistic approach to life that should be seamlessly integrated into every aspect of our existence. Yet, despite its increasing prominence, wellness remains an afterthought in many spheres, particularly in corporate environments, seminars and events.
Imagine a world where wellness isn’t an add-on but ingrained into every corporate event, every meeting, every interaction. It’s a world where wellness isn’t an occasional yoga session or a superficial health tip; it’s a fundamental aspect of daily life.
Wellness in the corporate world
Unfortunately, many corporations approach wellness as a mere checkbox exercise, focusing on superficial, short-term solutions rather than holistic, sustainable practices. This slackness in acknowledging the importance of wellness has far-reaching implications, affecting employee productivity, satisfaction, and overall well-being.
What if every corporation took wellness seriously, integrating it into the very fabric of their culture? Imagine a corporate landscape where wellness isn’t a mere program but a fundamental part of the work culture, woven into every policy and every decision.
Imagine a corporate environment that promotes movement, incorporating short exercise breaks, guided stretching sessions, or even walking meetings to encourage more physical activity and combat the sedentary nature of corporate settings.
Ensuring access to mental health resources and relaxation spaces could also be invaluable. Stress often runs high in big corporations, especially in the financial and consulting world. By providing spaces for meditation, mindfulness, or even quiet corners for reflection can support the workforce in managing stress and maintaining mental balance.
When corporations prioritise wellness education, they not only invest in the physical health of their employees but also foster mental resilience and overall well-being. This isn’t just about offering gym memberships or sporadic health seminars; it’s about creating an environment that nurtures and supports employees’ holistic wellness.
Integrating wellness into events and summits
Incorporating wellness into summits, events, and corporate gatherings isn’t just about adding a few yoga sessions or handing out wellness pamphlets. It’s about transforming the entire experience, making every aspect conducive to better health and well-being.
One crucial element is the food offered during these events. Often, these gatherings are laden with unhealthy choices, contributing to participants feeling lethargic and unwell. By prioritising healthier, nutrient-rich food options—whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins—these events can offer sustenance that supports attendees’ energy levels and overall health.
Moreover, wellness education should be a core component. Workshops, talks, and seminars focusing on stress management, mental health, physical fitness, and healthy habits can empower attendees to make informed choices about their well-being. This education isn’t just beneficial during the event but provides lifelong tools for better health beyond the event.
Why Wellness is still not taken seriously
-Perception and prioritisation: Society’s perception of wellness still sometimes leans toward it being a luxury or an optional indulgence rather than a fundamental necessity. Many individuals prioritise immediate needs or work commitments over their well-being.
-Stigma and misconceptions: Mental health, a significant aspect of wellness, often faces stigma and misconceptions. This can discourage individuals from seeking help or incorporating mental health practices into their routines due to fear of judgement or lack of understanding.
-Industry fragmentation: The wellness industry is broad and fragmented. It encompasses various facets, from physical fitness to mental health, nutrition, and alternative therapies. This fragmentation can sometimes dilute the seriousness of the subject, making it seem like a collection of disparate practices rather than a holistic approach to health.
-Profit-driven approaches: In some cases, commercialisation within the wellness industry has led to the promotion of quick-fix solutions or products without substantial scientific backing. This can contribute to scepticism about the efficacy of wellness practices.
-Lack of education and awareness: There’s a dearth of widespread education and awareness about the holistic nature of wellness. Many people might not fully understand how various aspects of wellness are interconnected and impact overall health.
-The hustle culture: Some workplace cultures prioritise productivity over employee well-being. The prevailing societal norms might glorify a “hustle” culture that often disregards rest, self-care, and mental health.
-Access and affordability: Access to wellness resources, including healthcare, nutritious food, fitness facilities, and mental health services, can be limited based on geographic location, socioeconomic status, or other factors, creating disparities in wellness practices.
It’s time to break these taboos and age old perceptions. Addressing these challenges requires collective efforts to educate, normalise, and prioritise wellness as an essential component of a healthy and fulfilling life. It involves breaking down stigmas, promoting evidence-based practices, integrating wellness into daily routines, and advocating for policies that support holistic well-being for all.