Thrive Well’s Post

Addressing Staff Burnout! A Call for Better Health Prioritisation In today's fast-paced work environment, it's easy for employees to become overwhelmed. Staff burnout is a growing concern, often fueled by relentless workloads and insufficient support. But amidst the hustle, prioritising health shouldn't be an afterthought—it's essential. At The Health Engine, we understand the critical link between well-being and productivity. Ignoring health needs not only impacts personal well-being but also affects team performance and overall organizational success. Here's how we can tackle burnout together: Encourage Open Conversations: Create an environment where employees feel comfortable discussing their stressors and seeking support. Implement Wellness Programs: Invest in initiatives that promote mental and physical health services to fitness incentives. Foster Work-Life Balance: Support flexible work arrangements and encourage regular breaks to help staff recharge. Prioritising health isn’t just a benefit it's a necessity for sustainable success. Let’s work towards a healthier, more productive workplace.

𝘽𝙚 𝙒𝙚𝙡𝙡, 𝙇𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙒𝙚𝙡𝙡: 𝙈𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙡 𝙒𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙗𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙨 𝙖 𝘽𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙎𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙜𝙮 This morning’s event, organized by the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in Singapore and WorkWell Leaders at the Estonian Embassy in Singapore's business hub, was encouraging on a number of levels. For one thing, members of 8 chambers formed the audience. A nice piece of collaboration. Thank you Lisa Ferraton. For another, there was a time, just after the Covid-19 pandemic, when mental wellbeing and mental health were seen as standalone issues businesses need to manage. What is really encouraging is the conversation is moving more and more to seeing mental wellbeing as a symptom of workplace culture. If your workplace culture is toxic, it follows people’s mental wellbeing will suffer leading to physical and mental illnesses, absenteeism, lower productivity and underserved customers. Given that, on one estimate, Singapore loses SGD 16 billion a year in lower productivity because of employee absenteeism due to ill health; isn’t it time more businesses focused on the cause – workplace culture - rather than simply trying to address some of the symptoms? To do so takes courageous leadership from everyone in a business. It starts with caring. If senior leaders care about themselves, their team members and their business, it is easier to be courageous. So, train and retrain every people manager to ensure the lived experience of every team member is equally good. Do that with clear values and behaviours to demonstrate your values, co-verified by and part of everyone's KPIs from the board down. Add appropriate interventions to help the abused and the abusers when people do not live up to the agreed values and behaviours. Make sure interventions are applied to everyone regardless of seniority and revenue generation. This takes real courage but if you practice it, you will achieve psychological safety and trust for everyone. The results of positive workplace culture are positively transformational. Mental wellbeing will improve while rates of mental and physical illness will fall. Retention will increase as will productivity. Customers will be better served and your business will thrive. Everyone's home life will benefit too because people will be less stressed. Why wouldn't you want these outcomes? Anthea Indira Ong Nele Cornelis European Chamber of Commerce, Singapore (EuroCham Singapore) Irish Chamber of Commerce, Singapore BLCC Singapore DutchCham (Dutch Chamber of Commerce Singapore) SwissCham Singapore CEEC.sg: Central and Eastern European Chamber of Commerce (Singapore) Singapore International Chamber of Commerce National Council of Social Service (NCSS) Li-San Tan Sujata Tiwari Uttam Kripalani Patrick Lai Sharon Lim Kelly Toh #positiveworkplaceculture #positiveoutcomes #betterhealth #happyteams #happycustomers #commercialsuccess

I can't count the number of conversations I've had where the employee experience is at the core of an organisations priorities. Yet, a crucial component of this experience often doesn't receive the attention it truly deserves—mental health.   Mental health is the silent engine behind productivity, engagement, and satisfaction at work. When employees flourish mentally, companies witness a surge in creativity and a drop in turnover rates. Conversely, if mental wellness is overlooked, the fallout is tangible - diminished morale, increased absenteeism, and a muted culture.   So, what binds mental health and employee experience so tightly together?   Supportive Work Culture: A culture that fosters open conversations about mental health not only de-stigmatises these discussions but also builds trust. It's about nurturing an environment where emotional well-being is as critical as meeting KPIs.   Resource Accessibility: Empowering employees with mental health resources—be it counselling, workshops, or wellness programs—signals that an organisation genuinely invests in its people's holistic well-being.   Work-Life Balance: Promoting balance isn't just about flexible hours; it's about respecting personal time, reducing burnout, and acknowledging life beyond the office walls.   Recognition & Appreciation: Simple acts of acknowledgement can significantly lift spirits and mental well-being, making individuals feel valued and seen.   Leadership Example: Leading by example is potent. When leaders openly prioritise their mental health, it paves the way for others to feel comfortable doing the same.   We're more connected than ever before—not just through technology but in our shared experiences as human beings striving for fulfilment and happiness in our careers. Organisations that embrace this connection and actively work to enhance the mental well-being of their employees are not just doing good; they're also doing smart business.   Let's start a conversation about mental health in our workplaces, normalise seeking support, and collectively understand what is your #HRIdentity.   Archana N. KPMG Australia R U OK Day.... every day!

In 2024, 77% of employers reported an increase in mental health issues among their employees. As leaders, are we doing enough to prioritize their well-being? When employees are healthy and happy, businesses flourish. But neglecting employee well-being can lead to higher turnover rates, lower morale, and declining productivity. I’ve advised founders who’ve seen massive improvements in retention and performance by implementing these practices: 1. Accessible Mental Health Support Offer counseling services, mental health workshops, and stress management tools to ensure your team can seek help when needed. 2. Flexible Work Arrangements Hybrid models and customized schedules empower employees to balance their personal and professional lives effectively. 3. Wellness Programs Incorporate mindfulness sessions,running programs and nutritional guidance to promote overall health. 4. Recognition and Motivation Celebrate wins, both big and small, to boost morale of employees. 5. Open Communication Channels Allow employees to have honest conversations by creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels heard and valued. Investing in employee well-being is essential for building a sustainable, high-performing organisation for long term. How is your business supporting employee well-being? [employee, well being, support, organisation, honest, workplace, culture, business, start-up]

𝐅𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐮𝐧𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐲? According to TELUS Health's latest Mental Health Index released in June 2024, 42% of workers in Singapore are grappling with this issue. What's more concerning is that their mental health scores are more than 24 points lower compared to their motivated counterparts and over 11 points below the national average. The reasons contributing to this lack of motivation are: #1 𝐅𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐝: A substantial 26% of workers attribute their demotivation to feeling undervalued in their roles. #2 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐞𝐬: Nearly 19% of respondents report being distracted by personal challenges, impacting their ability to stay focused and productive at work. #3 𝐓𝐨𝐨 𝐌𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞: Another 19% find it difficult to cope with frequent changes in the workplace with lack of clarity in their roles and job function. This can contribute to employees feeling anxious and insecure about their job security. #4 𝐁𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐨𝐦 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐓𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐬: Approximately 13% express dissatisfaction with repetitive or unchallenging tasks. #5 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐠𝐮𝐞𝐬: About 9% cite interpersonal conflicts as a barrier to motivation. Since 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐝 is the most common contributor to lack of motivation at work, addressing this issue is pivotal for organisations. While salary increases and promotions are significant, there are nuanced ways leaders or managers can enhance employees' sense of being valued: 💡 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤: Implementing a culture of regular constructive feedback, giving acknowledgment for achievements, both big and small, can bolster morale and job satisfaction. 💡 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭: Taking the time to listen empathetically to employees' concerns and challenges demonstrates genuine care and fosters a supportive environment. 💡 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐬: Following through on commitments and promises promptly builds trust and reinforces credibility. 💡 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧-𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠: Including employees in decision-making processes empowers them and signals that their opinions are valued. This can range from team meetings to strategic planning sessions. 💡 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐥-𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠: Offering comprehensive employee assistance programs like EAP counselling, flexible work arrangements, and initiatives that promote physical and mental well-being can improve overall job satisfaction and retention. Let's strive to create workplaces where every team member feels valued, supported, and motivated. What else would you add to the list? #EAPCounselling #WorkplaceWellbeing #Workplacementalhealth Connect with me, Sylvia Tan for topics on mental health, trauma and improving workplace mental wellbeing. Image Credit: Canva AI Generator

Breaking the Silence: Challenging the Productivity Narrative The modern workplace is making people sick, yet we continue to blame individuals for their inability to cope. With 2.8 million people currently out of work due to long-term sickness in the UK (projected to increase 53% in five years), we're facing a critical moment in workplace health. Robert Whitaker's research reveals how our current approach to mental health often perpetuates rather than solves workplace distress. Consider these concerning statistics: • 55% of employers report declining employee performance • Only 28% recognise flexible working as a solution • Just 27% prioritise improved communication The evidence is clear: • Traditional wellness programmes aren't working • Resilience training isn't addressing root causes • Mental health first aid alone isn't enough The real crisis isn't about productivity or sick days - it's about our collective failure to create psychologically safe workplaces where people can speak up before reaching breaking point. As Brené Brown emphasises, "Vulnerability is not weakness; it's our greatest measure of courage." Yet how many workplaces truly embrace this principle? Let's challenge conventional thinking: • What if investing in preventative wellbeing isn't a cost but an investment? • What if we prioritised human connection over constant connectivity? • What if we measured success by employee wellbeing rather than just productivity metrics? The solution starts with honest conversations and brave leadership. Are you ready to challenge the status quo in your organisation? Share your thoughts: How could we reimagine workplace wellbeing to create lasting, meaningful change?

👍🏼👍🏼 Companies such as Red Bull and Deloitte are increasingly recognising the importance of nature-based wellbeing practices as a component of Corporate Wellbeing Programmes. 💪🏼Research into patient care within the NHS has found that positive employee wellbeing is linked to better patient outcomes. ✨ Investing in workforce wellbeing shows that companies care, that the workforce’s wellbeing needs are understood and that mental and emotional health is taken seriously. But there are also a myriad benefits for you as an employer too. 🥴 Poor workplace wellbeing can lead to Increased absenteeism and also increased presenteeism Psychological issues such as burnout, anxiety and stress Lower productivity Staff conflict Poor work-life balance 💯 Advantages to Improving Workforce Wellbeing: A reduction in absences An improvement in the retention of staff Improvements in employee health Elevated workplace morale Improvements in productivity 🌲 Advantages to Increasing Connection with Nature: It has also been shown that increased nature-connection can lead to increased environmental awareness where people recognise the wellbeing benefits of nature and then do more to protect it. ✨Increased connection with nature can bring: Improved organisational, workforce and environmental resilience through opportunities to engage with nature in a meaningful way A recognition that you have a nature-positive culture in your organisation amongst employees and outsiders Away for your organisation to respond to the climate emergency and contribute to positive and beneficial responses 💕DO YOU AGREE?? COULD YOU BEAR BEING AWAY FROM YOUR SCREENS FOR A HALF DAY OF ACTIVITIES THAT CONNECT YOU AND YOUR TEAMS TO A DIFFERENT LEVEL?

The modern workplace is evolving at an unprecedented pace, with technological advancements and shifting societal values reshaping how we work and interact. Yet, one crucial aspect often gets overlooked amidst the hustle and bustle—mental health. It's no secret that stress, burnout, and other mental health issues are on the rise. In fact, according to the World Health Organization, depression and anxiety disorders cost the global economy an estimated $1 trillion per year in lost productivity. It's clear that mental health isn't just a personal issue; it's a workplace issue. Steps to Improve Mental Health in the Workplace Leadership Involvement: Leaders should set an example by openly discussing mental health and encouraging others to do the same. This helps create a culture where employees feel safe to speak up. Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Offering EAPs or similar resources provides employees with confidential support for mental health issues. Training and Education: Providing training on mental health topics and how to recognize signs of stress or burnout can equip employees and managers with the tools to respond effectively. Flexible Work Arrangements: Offering flexible work options can help employees manage their mental health needs more effectively. Regular Check-Ins: Managers should regularly check in with their teams to discuss workload, stress levels, and overall well-being. By making mental health a priority and encouraging open conversations, workplaces can become healthier, more productive, and more inclusive. It's time to reimagine the way we approach work and create environments where everyone can thrive.

"Prioritizing Mental Health: Why Sustainable Success Depends on Supporting Employee Well-being" It's deeply concerning to see the toll that excessive pressure to meet targets can take on employees, who sometimes feel overwhelmed to the point of despair. This highlights a crucial issue within many workplace cultures—where the drive to meet expectations often comes at the expense of mental well-being. No objective or target should ever come before the health and welfare of individuals. Sustainable success is built on the foundation of healthy, motivated, and well-supported teams. For example, companies like Microsoft have introduced wellness programs and flexible work policies to support their employees' mental health. These initiatives have not only improved employee well-being but also contributed to higher productivity and innovation. It is imperative for organizations to foster environments where mental health is a priority, offering support systems that allow employees to thrive both personally and professionally. By encouraging open dialogue around well-being and ensuring that employees are valued beyond their performance metrics, companies can achieve long-term success that benefits both the workforce and the business. A balanced approach benefits everyone.

𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗲𝗲 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗯𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘆'𝘀 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘁. But many have lost focus. How to boost health and productivity in 5 steps. During COVID, mental health and wellbeing were top priorities. Now, many companies have shifted their priorities, but the impact of prolonged social isolation and remote work continues to quietly take a toll. 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝘆 𝗶𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀: 1. 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆: A workforce of tired, stressed-out employees isn't useful for anyone. Promoting health and wellbeing ensures sustainable productivity and job satisfaction. 2. 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀: Fear of job loss and other stressors continue to impact mental health. Implementing strategies to build resilience can help mitigate these effects. 3. 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗗𝘆𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗰𝘀: A focus on wellbeing fosters better team dynamics, increasing collaboration and overall performance. 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗜𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀: AI isn't here yet to solve these issues, and without addressing mental health and wellbeing, we risk having a burnt-out workforce. As professionals, it’s crucial to prioritize our own health and that of our teams to maintain productivity and job satisfaction. 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗯𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 1. 𝗘𝗻𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝘀: Ensure team members take regular breaks to recharge. This can prevent burnout and maintain productivity. 2. 𝗙𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Create an environment where employees feel safe discussing their mental health and wellbeing. This openness can lead to better support and resources. 3. 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸-𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲: Encourage flexible working hours and remote work policies that allow employees to balance their personal and professional lives effectively. 4. 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝘀: Introduce programs that promote physical and mental health, such as fitness challenges, meditation sessions, or mental health days. 5. 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁: Offer access to mental health resources, such as counseling services, and ensure employees know how to utilize them. Join my LinkedIn Live next Thursday to explore way to energize yourself and your leadership.. Sign up here: https://lnkd.in/eX-HHHW2 Or DM me if you'd like to learn more. Repost if you think someone in your network will find it valuable. P.S. How do you promote health and wellbeing for yourself and n your workplace? Comment below!