An increasing number of companies are experimenting with a ‘Wellness Week’ which is a company-wide shutdown aimed at prioritising employee wellbeing. A concept that may have seemed impractical a decade ago is now a proactive approach-supporting the needs and expectations of today’s dynamic workforce.
The positive effects of rest on cognitive function and overall wellbeing have been demonstrated by numerous studies.
Gunjandeep Kaur, Director – Human Resources Model N India has shared insights on employee wellness and how organisations should take care of this.
Employees who take regular breaks, including extended time off, exhibit improved creativity, problem-solving skills, and decision-making abilities, suggests a report. This is because rest allows the brain to recover from stress and fatigue, enabling it to operate at its full potential when work resumes.
Maintaining employees’ mental, physical, and financial wellbeing is a sound business strategy. In recent years, organisations have enhanced their wellness programmes to better support and prioritise their employees’ overall health.
Examples of initiatives such as stress management programmes and reimbursement for fitness classes are just some of the ways businesses can invest in their employees’ wellbeing.
The current global corporate sector reports a rapidly rising rate of burnout. While many employees worldwide have invested in wellness programs, it is essential to recognise that burnout is not solely an individual problem.
Factors such as heavy workloads, lack of communication, and inadequate resources contribute to the negative impact on employee mental health and wellbeing. With burnout reaching unprecedented levels, leaders are questioning their ability to make a meaningful impact.
Proactive Initiatives
We marked our fourth annual Wellness Week in the first week of July. This transformative initiative involves a company-wide shutdown of its global workforce, providing employees a full week to step away from their work responsibilities and focus on their wellbeing.
This practice not only addresses the systemic factors contributing to burnout and stress but also reinforces their deep commitment to supporting holistic employee wellbeing.
Employee feedback consistently underscores the positive effects of Wellness Week on both morale and productivity. Many employees report that the extended break leads to heightened job satisfaction and enhanced performance upon their return.
Building a supportive company culture that prioritises wellbeing involves a concerted effort – employees must feel empowered to fully disconnect during their time off. To fully realise the benefits of Wellness Weeks, organisations should equip employees with resources and support that enable them to maximise their time away from work.
Evolution of Wellness Weeks
As the concept of Wellness Weeks gains momentum, we can anticipate further innovations and refinements in this area. Customised wellness programmes designed to meet individual employee needs may become more prevalent.
Ultimately, the success of Wellness Weeks hinges on a comprehensive approach that addresses both personal and organisational needs. By placing a strong emphasis on employee wellbeing, companies can foster a more engaged, productive, and resilient workforce. As organisations continue to evolve, embracing such forward-thinking strategies will be key to sustaining a positive and effective work environment.
This article was originally published on India Today.
