Fulfillment at Work: Breaking Taboos to Cultivate Well-Being in the workplace

Mental health and well-being in the workplace are no longer optional, but rather as the cornerstone of a successful business. In an era where productivity is paramount, it’s critical to recognize that mental health has a direct impact on well-being in the workplace. How can we create a work environment that promotes well-being? Here are some practices to consider.

Generate discussions.

It is by discussing the subject of mental health that the taboo will melt away. When leaders talk about mental health, a strong message is sent that it is okay to talk about it. The vulnerability of managers who share their experiences builds employee trust.

On the other hand, management could benefit from facilitated collective intelligence workshops to discover inherent biases that are lurking in the background. This workshop could even aim to determine the company’s strategy to improve well-being at work and create an action plan.

Facilitate the development of resilience.

Resilience is a muscle that develops. Resilience is a person’s ability to adapt and recharge in the face of adversity, stress, or life’s challenges. Cultivating resilience in the workplace includes creating strong social relationships, offering support to colleagues, and encouraging self-compassion.

Create a Psychologically Safe Environment.

Foster an open and harmonious communication culture where people feel comfortable sharing their opinions, ideas, and concerns. Compassion is taking action. Practice inclusion and celebrate differences.

Provide training.

Implement employee support programs, such as mental health awareness sessions and external support resources, to help employees cope with personal stress and challenges. We now know that psychosocial risks  are present in any work environment, even when working from home.

Listening to needs.

Recognizing that each employee has different needs and constraints is key to fostering well-being. Opening up a dialogue about what could be improved in the workplace pays off. Your wellness practices will be targeted and effective.

Finally, a lesser-known fact is the importance of integrating nature into the workplace. Research[1] has shown that exposure to natural elements, such as plants, sun, and greenery, can have significant effects on well-being, productivity, and energy.

By carefully cultivating well-being at work, just like taking care of plants, we can create a thriving environment where employees can thrive and perform at their best. Cultivating well-being at work also cultivates productivity!

[1] Mason, L., Ronconi, A., Scrimin, S. et Pazzaglia, F. (2022). Short-term exposure to nature and benefits for students’ cognitive performance: A review. Educational Psychology Review, 34(2), 609–647. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-021-09631-8