Proactive Workplace Wellnes

"I wish I could get people to be more proactive in taking care of their well-being," a manager told me recently. "I want them to stop and take a break when they need to, go for a walk, talk to someone, or take a day off. But they are so focused on getting the work done that it's hard to get them to do it."

Over the last couple of years, the idea of being proactive about your well-being at work has gained traction. There are things we can do as individuals and things organisations can do to support people's well-being. But there is just so much to do.

And when we are overwhelmed with work, we get locked in and can't see our way off the treadmill. I can get stuck trying to get everything done ... but it's never done. There is always more. But getting the important stuff done matters—including taking care of your health and well-being.

Our tendency to keep going means managers may need to step into the breach, at least in the short term. Once the spell has been broken, it's easier to maintain healthy habits.

Not all managers will feel the same as the manager I spoke to.

The poor manager would rather we keep working, getting more and more done until we burn out, and they avoid thinking about managing our work and our long-term health.

The average manager knows it's a good idea but still has a list of their projects you need to get through before they do anything about it. Excellent idea, but it is a little inconvenient right now.

The great manager encourages us to do great work, but not at the expense of our well-being. Coaching and conversations can help us regain control as they demonstrate valuing long-term success, quality work and ideas, and their people.

#wellbeing #leadership #overwhelm