Being Well at Work
Urban Eco Aug 4, 2015
by Janette Ward
Hello Urbanites,
I hope that you are well, this month I would like to share with you about being well at work.
Studies show that work is generally good for our health. As well as a financial reward it gives many of us self-esteem, companionship and status, although a review commissioned by the Department of Work and Pensions (G. Waddell and A.K. Burton 2006) states that it is dependent on the nature and the quality of the work undertaken.
Urban Eco Aug 4, 2015
by Janette Ward
Hello Urbanites,
I hope that you are well, this month I would like to share with you about being well at work.
Studies show that work is generally good for our health. As well as a financial reward it gives many of us self-esteem, companionship and status, although a review commissioned by the Department of Work and Pensions (G. Waddell and A.K. Burton 2006) states that it is dependent on the nature and the quality of the work undertaken.
While the benefits of work greatly outweigh the disadvantages, work can also be bad for your health. According to Government figures, two million people in any one year suffer an illness they believe has been caused or made worse by work (‘Choosing Health’ White Paper). This can take the form of stress, anxiety, back pain, depression and increased risk of coronary heart disease.
Every year 3 in 10 employees experience mental health problems, according to the charity Shaw Trust.
Workplace bullying and harassment can seriously damage your health and well being, it is very common and can take many forms. Statistics from nobullying.com estimate that bullying disputes in the UK cost approx £120 million annually and that workplace bullying accounts for approx 19 million sick leave days annually. The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) has written 2 guides (one for employees and one for employers) to help recognise and tackle bullying and harassment, for more information check out www.acas.org.uk/publication
Things that can support your wellbeing at work include:-
The Mental Health Foundation state the importance of a Work-Life Balance, this includes speaking up when work expectations and demands are too much, prioritising, taking proper breaks, being aware of the cumulative effect working long hours and ensuring that you draw a line between work and leisure.
Your workplace can help in various ways:- a) by promoting the message about work-life balance to individuals in the workplace b) by developing policies that acknowledge the association between work related stress and mental health c) encouraging a culture of openness about time constraints and workload d) giving better training to managers so that they can spot stress, poor work-life balance and its effects on the individual and e) allowing staff to attend counselling and support services during work hours. Under the Equality Act 2010 employers are required to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ to jobs and workplaces for disabled workers.
If you are struggling at work at the moment, there are a number of things you can do:-
Whether you are an employer or employee facing the challenges of stress at work, like absenteeism etc we offer our ‘Being Well At Work’ course. It increases staff resilience, productivity, morale and attitude, with improvements in employee loyalty and retention. The course topics include:-
We can tailor the workshop or course to your team or organisations needs.
If you are interested in finding out more please contact [email protected] or check out www.circleswork.co.uk
Every year 3 in 10 employees experience mental health problems, according to the charity Shaw Trust.
Workplace bullying and harassment can seriously damage your health and well being, it is very common and can take many forms. Statistics from nobullying.com estimate that bullying disputes in the UK cost approx £120 million annually and that workplace bullying accounts for approx 19 million sick leave days annually. The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) has written 2 guides (one for employees and one for employers) to help recognise and tackle bullying and harassment, for more information check out www.acas.org.uk/publication
Things that can support your wellbeing at work include:-
- doing a job that you enjoy, that fits with your values, feels meaningful, where you are able to make a contribution
- opportunities for growth, where you are recognized and respected and able to use your initiative
- being able to work towards achievable goals and feeling listened to and valued
- looking after yourself, ensuring you have breaks and holidays
- it also helps when managers know their employees, give consistent feedback and practice open communication.
The Mental Health Foundation state the importance of a Work-Life Balance, this includes speaking up when work expectations and demands are too much, prioritising, taking proper breaks, being aware of the cumulative effect working long hours and ensuring that you draw a line between work and leisure.
Your workplace can help in various ways:- a) by promoting the message about work-life balance to individuals in the workplace b) by developing policies that acknowledge the association between work related stress and mental health c) encouraging a culture of openness about time constraints and workload d) giving better training to managers so that they can spot stress, poor work-life balance and its effects on the individual and e) allowing staff to attend counselling and support services during work hours. Under the Equality Act 2010 employers are required to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ to jobs and workplaces for disabled workers.
If you are struggling at work at the moment, there are a number of things you can do:-
- perhaps consider talking to someone, your manager, someone from your HR department, a friend, colleague or a helpline.
- take some time for yourself, to reflect on what you need.
- check to see if your lifestyle is supporting your wellbeing for example having a routine, drinking water, eating nutritious food, doing some regular exercise, a good sleep routine, regularly do things that you enjoy and having supportive, nourishing relationships
- learn about your triggers and early warning signs and create action plans to manage your challenges.
Whether you are an employer or employee facing the challenges of stress at work, like absenteeism etc we offer our ‘Being Well At Work’ course. It increases staff resilience, productivity, morale and attitude, with improvements in employee loyalty and retention. The course topics include:-
- Managing Stress At Work By Recognising Triggers and Early Warning Signs And Creating Action Plans
- Creating A Work Life Balance
- Developing Resilience
- Job Fulfilment
- Developing Coping Strategies
- Managing Change
- Identifying Values, Strengths, Skills etc
- Being A Competent Effective Worker
- Conflict Resolution (Non-Violent Communication)
- Confidence And Assertiveness
- Time Management
- Managing Crisis
- Creating A Wellness Toolbox
We can tailor the workshop or course to your team or organisations needs.
If you are interested in finding out more please contact [email protected] or check out www.circleswork.co.uk