Well-being at work should be more than a simple checkbox exercise

Everyone is talking about well-being at work right now, but it's essential that businesses do more than just purebred.

We spend a large part of our lives in our workplace, so it is extremely important that we feel well and healthy during our stay. Although people can be very good at looking after their well-being outside of work, it is important to make sure that it does not interfere with work.

However, it is not only the responsibility of employees. As we move away from the terribly unhealthy attitude of maximum productivity and work until you give up, companies are beginning to pay more attention to the positive image they have to be "pro-wellness" .

However, in much the same way that a positive movement occurs, companies desperately try to tick a box to prove they are "one of the good ones". The box selection exercise is essentially about staging a show rather than putting in place concrete processes that will improve the situation. This happens with diversity and inclusion, with meaning and purpose, and now with well-being at work.

So, what exactly is well-being at work? According to Kemp Technologies' Niamh McNamara, this is a term that encompbades everything from promoting employee health and fitness to good mental health. "It also means creating a good office culture where people like to come to work, have good working relationships with colleagues and not be afraid to have a little fun while at work," she says. declared.

McNamara added that it is extremely important that companies take ownership of well-being at work and not leave it to employees. "At the end of the day, your employees are your business. Without their knowledge, skills and talent, your business would not be where it is today, "she said. "Taking responsibility for the well-being of your employees is one way to show your appreciation for the commitment and hard work of your employees."

At Kemp, McNamara said the company took his well-being at work very seriously with benefits such as free health care for staff and their spouses and dependent children, quarterly welfare payments and clbades with a local fitness monitor in Limerick.

The company also organizes a wellness day every year, as part of the National Wellness Day at Work (April 12). This year, it includes a range of activities such as the distribution of healthy snacks, fitness and a self-monitoring station.

Promote well-being at work

Ms McNamara said that one of the main trends that she had noticed was the increased importance given to mental health and mindfulness. "There is a lot of talk about promoting positive mental health among employees. In fact, Kemp sent me on a mental health first aid course run by Mental Health First Aid Ireland towards the end of last year, "she said. "I am now a Kemp mental health helper, which means that if someone is struggling with mental health issues, he can come to me with confidence to talk about his difficulties and I can help him get the support he needs. "

It is important for all businesses to remember that it is not enough to pbadively promote well-being at work or simply offer health care packages. The image is much bigger. "Companies need to start thinking about different wellness initiatives that they can offer to employees and that cover a range of these different factors. It does not have to be expensive, it just has to show that you care about the well-being of your employees. Employees appreciate the little things, "said McNamara.

Employers must do more to support their employees, but employees also have a role to play. McNamara said it was important to use the proposed facilities, whatever they are. In addition, if you need something that is not offered, talk to your employer and see what he can do. The best way to help a company improve is to tell them what you want and the best way for companies to implement the initiatives and benefits that their employees really want is to ask them.