Addressing the three biggest concerns in business today

As the year builds momentum, workflow picks up and with that comes the potential need for longer days at work, more travel and increased levels of associated stress (‘stressful events’ if you have read my previous blogs). Many of the business owners and leaders I am working with are highlighting the huge workload they are faced with right now. Possibly the sign of a normalising world post COVID? With these increased demands on time, output and performance there are three key areas to note and address as a business owner or leader of a team.

Mental health:

• Mental health in the workplace is important to address because it can impact an employee’s productivity, job satisfaction, and overall wellbeing. Too often the expectations placed on team members are unrealistic and can lead to breakdown or burnout.

Burnout:

• Burnout is the feeling of being overworked and/or overwhelmed (for an extended period of time). From a business perspective it can lead to high turnover, decreased productivity, and increased levels of presenteeism. Addressing burnout involves promoting work-life balance, reducing workload or implementing more effective processes and systems and providing resources and education around stress management.

Work-life balance:

• Not sure a ‘balance’ is ever achieved, but the key point here is ensuring as an employer or leader you encourage your team to not live in the office. Have time with friends and family, remain active and implement healthy habits. This all feeds the avoidance of the above two.

Tips to start implementation:

Mental health:

• Build a culture and invest in resources that educate and support the adoption of healthy practices such as breath work, meditation and clean eating. A JP Coaching workshop or group presentation is a great way to provide them with the tools and guide them through the implementation and adoption of these daily practices.

Burnout:

• I encourage you to review your processes and systems. Just because “that is the way we have always done it”, does not mean it is the best way to continue to do it. Technology and processes have evolved and advanced.
• Encourage your team to take breaks: Understand the Pomodoro technique. A highly effective way to remain focused and energised throughout a day. Pomodoro technique: 25 minutes on (work) and 5 minutes off (rest)

Work-life balance:

• Lead by example: Take time away with friends, family, for healthy experiences (massage, yoga, retreats, workshops & fitness). This will encourage and support the team with their time investment in these areas. Bring these experiences into the workplace. Build a culture around the importance of balance and wellbeing. A team will look to the business owner or leadership for support, guidance and re-assurance.

Additional considerations:

• Zinc: Improve your overall wellbeing
• Magnesium (deeper dive required into the types of magnesium, but let’s pause here): Cortisol reduction, aids with better sleep and relaxes muscles.
• Meditation: Time for mindfulness, time to be present, time to rest and reflect.