Part Two Workplace Wellness – Taking Responsibility
In Part One which we published a couple of months ago, I highlighted that although organisations play a major role in staff’s wellness, individuals should also take responsibility for their personal wellbeing. We all have areas in our lives that require “work”. The challenge is we don’t always know where to start. Often, we would rather sweep the problem/challenge under the carpet than face the “dragons” in our lives. I use the word “dragon” intentionally as these challenges have the potential to become monsters that can steal our joy and sap our energy. If not dealt with, these “dragons” can affect our health, sometimes to the extent where we suffer from anxiety, sometimes ending up living on tablets to control our emotions. This is far from ideal.
I recently watched a podcast where Dr Stephen Blackwood, the founding president of Ralston College, Savannah, Georgia and Dr Iain McGilchrist, psychiatrist, author and former Oxford literary scholar were discussing why people of all ages are experiencing mental health issues. One of the biggest problems facing society is the increase in suicide, especially among young people and predominately young men. These are complex issues and there are no easy answers.
When asked why this is happening Dr McGilchrist’s response was quite enlightening. Without going into detail he mentioned that to experience meaning and fulfilment in life we need to experience harmony in three core areas:
- Social Cohesion – a sense of community, building shared values, friendships, and facing common challenges together. Some interesting studies have been done in this area and the research has shown that people who are part of a process of building a sense of trust, hope and reciprocity find a deeper sense of purpose and joy.
- Nature – this is not about saving the planet and it’s very different to the “environment” but rather a deep appreciation for nature i.e, sunrise, sunset, the beauty of creation, walking in the mountains, sitting next to a stream, We come from nature and we will return to nature.
- Spirituality – we have thrown the baby out with the bathwater. Old cultures and beliefs are being eroded to our detriment. What do we end with up once we have got rid of our beliefs? A void…
Social media, media, gaming, TV, etc. have been eroding social cohesion and family values for decades. These very same forms of escapism are a poor substitute for all of the above. These three points sound simplistic and maybe even idealistic but they are imperative for us to experience a level of joy and fulfilment. The good news is that we can engage all three if we wish. It might mean making some important decisions, but it’s possible.
You might well ask, has this to do with workplace wellness? The point I am trying to make is that we can’t blame everyone else, including our place of employment for our emotional well-being. That being said, businesses can do a lot more to assist their staff by improving working conditions and by providing support. I will highlight these in Part Three.
