rach headshot by Pablo Creative

Article by Rachel Grunwell: Director of InspiredHealth, collaborating with businesses to inspire Kiwis to live healthy and happy. Award-winning writer. Magazine wellness columnist for Good magazine & Indulge magazine. Wellness expert often on radio. Yoga & meditation teacher, teaching de-stress skills to Kiwis to uplift performance. Qualified fitness consultant. Co-leader of health retreats at Rotorua’s Polynesian Spa. 

To learn learn mindfulness and de-stress techniques, find out more about attending a health retreat with Rachel at Rotorua’s Polynesian Spa click HERE.

Why Workplace Happiness Matters – plus 7 tips to reduce sitting time

Business leaders take note: Happiness in the workplace matters.
 
This fuels performance. So, it affects a company’s bottom line. It can also affect workplace retention and absenteeism and so much more…
 
Yes, happiness matters in financial terms.
 
But more importantly, how a company treats their staff is even more important.
 
If you lead people in business, ask yourself: What is my definition of success? Think about this. It matters.
 
Hopefully, you care about the health and happiness of others along the way. You need to care about who you are too and how you treat others to feel good about your success.
 
There’s research that says if you earn about a certain threshold, more cash doesn’t equal more happiness. So, care about what you do in this world and how you go about your work if it impacts on others. Then you will end up smiling and thriving.
 
Smart company leaders know that workers perform better when they are in a positive mood.
 
Wellness initiatives in the workplace can influence staff output. So, what are some smart company leaders doing about this?
 
Some let their staff go home early. Others offer flexibility with hours, so staff can juggle the work/life balance better. Other corporates give their staff yoga and mindfulness sessions to upskill. This can help staff feel more calm and happy. It can aid sleep and boost energy levels and mental performance. Yoga and mindfulness can be a support measure too for anxiety and depression. These two disciplines can help to reduce tension and lower blood pressure levels.
 
Other bosses organise regular health-related functions and guest wellness speakers.
 
Some companies promote walking or run groups. This gets their staff out into the fresh air and so they get a break to rejuvenate.
 
There are weekly fruit box gifts or drinks in some corporate companies. While, pets in the office has become a thing too in some more boutique-style places. If you pat a pet it can release feel-good chemicals in the brain, including dopamine and oxytocin. This is not a solution for some big corporate companies – I understand!
 
Fitness options and good food available at work is important too. – Food and fitness can impact attention span, alertness, absenteeism to fighting some diseases. Some companies support gym memberships. This financial support can help to break down barriers for participation. Healthier meal options on-site means staff are reaching for better kai. This helps staff to focus and think better. Good food fuels your mood.
 
A healthy workplace inspires the development of a healthy workforce, in body and mind.
 
We spend a lot of time at work. So, this can have a big ripple effect on wellbeing for communities.
 
At the end of the day, bosses cannot force staff to take healthier measures. But they can do their best to set up the work environment in a way to propel success.
 
By the way, what leaders do in the workplace is important too. If a boss walks the talk, it helps. So, if you are a boss.. then take a walk break during lunch to set an example that this is smart and supported.
Tips to Reduce Sitting Time:

Use a standing desk if you have the option. Standing gets your muscles working and burns more calories than sitting.

Use the stairs.

Cycle to work. Or walk to work if this is doable.

Do a 30-min gym workout at lunch time if your gym is close.

Go for a walk during a morning tea break or lunchtime to get out in the fresh air to re-set and de-stress.

Have a meeting outside in the fresh air, rather than sitting around a desk with colleagues. I even know one company that takes managers to a fitness class to do strategy sessions!

Take stretch breaks if you are sitting for long periods. Stand up and move around a little.

ends

Read Rachel’s blog: Executives Failing to Plan with self-health are Planning to Fail…

Listen to Rachel on radio talking about how to stay fit, well and healthy this Winter…