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Every month in Connect magazine, ViewPoint puts forward a key question facing one of the island's main industry sectors - and then a group of leading practitioners give their take on the answer, and what it means for Jersey.
This month, they were asked to discuss how to make sure your team works hard, but also has their wellbeing at work properly looked after.
"Your people are your most important asset. The stronger, more engaged and more motivated they are, the more power they will put behind driving your business forward. To help employees work to their full potential and perform at the highest level, it is crucial that businesses invest in the physical and mental wellbeing of their employees.
"Wellbeing is no different from other aspects of a successful business – it needs focus, drive, perseverance, planning and execution. This can be difficult to achieve within the constraints of everyday business, but with expert help and support, it can be achieved. Every business is different, and every wellbeing strategy should reflect this. It shouldn’t be over- complicated. It shouldn’t take focus away from the core business function and it shouldn’t get in the way of people doing their jobs. It should be well thought through. It should be relevant, and it should be personal.
"Start by asking your people what’s important to them. They’ll tell you, if you ask. Then analyse HR data to look for trends in negative behaviour, performance and absence. These will steer you in the right direction and give you KPIs to measure your wellbeing ROI. Create your strategy and find the right solutions to support it. Then brand it, and map out a calendar of events and initiatives. Communicate clear business practices surrounding wellbeing and embed them throughout every layer of the organisation. This is your template that you’ll update every year.
"Embed wellbeing into the culture of your business and watch that ROI, and your business, fly."
"Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management (CGWM) is driven by an unwavering commitment to building lasting client relationships. This mission would be impossible without our staff, who help us succeed on a daily basis. We believe an active lifestyle is a key contribution to our team’s wellbeing.
"The overarching theme for all our CSR activity across the Crown Dependencies is #cando. The definition of ‘can do’ in the Oxford English dictionary is, “…having or showing a determination or willingness to take action and achieve results,” and this is an ethos we believe we should all adopt. As well as having a #cando attitude at work, we extend this philosophy to our team’s wellbeing because there’s a proven link between physical activity and better business performance.
"This year, we’ve been encouraging our offices to take part in our #cando staff challenge which will result in a charity donation based on the number of miles completed. Now halfway through, we’ve collectively walked, cycled, run and swum over 55,061 miles. We’re tracking our progress across the globe, and it’s been amazing to see the difference ten minutes can make to the distance we’ve covered as a team and our wellbeing. Coming back to my desk I feel energised and focused, and I’ve enjoyed seeing where this challenge has led my colleagues, some are participating in marathons abroad and another cycled to Paris.
"I, and CGWM, firmly believe that exercise is for everyone. It doesn’t matter whether you are a novice or a professional athlete, you #cando it!"
"Promoting health and wellness in the workplace can increase productivity and reduce absenteeism, and with a reported 5,000 working days lost each year in Jersey through work related stress 1 , we believe companies have a shared responsibility towards the wellbeing of their staff, to ensure that they remain happy and motivated at work.
"A work/life balance is increasingly important; we hear this from our employees and it’s a key theme when we talk about working at Moore Stephens. Our embedded flexible working practices enable this, our culture of flexi-time supports our staff in achieving a balance between work and external responsibilities. Similarly, technology enables a more adaptable approach with the ability to work remotely. Such working practices can aid in boosting employee morale and engagement; we want our employees to feel happy in what they do and feel they’re set up to succeed in, and out, of the office.
"We encourage colleagues to look after themselves and each other. Our ‘Moore Wellbeing’ programme invites visiting experts to share tips and techniques on eating well, resting well and moving well – The 2018 programme involved sessions on nutrition, mindfulness and essential oils; we played golf, hosted in-house yoga practice, took walks and enjoyed a healthy picnic in the park - a chance to come together.
"Such initiatives combined with an active social club, bringing colleagues together and build relationships, help us work and grow together more successfully in the workplace and create a positive impact on people’s mental and physical wellbeing, so they can be the best version of themselves."
"Indeed, it is possible but it needs a careful and considered approach if we are to maximize productivity and outcomes, whilst maintaining vibrant healthy and happy employees. We need to:
"The reality is that healthier employees work harder, stay in their jobs longer and take less sick leave. When an organization demonstrates commitment to the complete well-being of all employees, everyone wins."
This article appeared first in Connect magazine, you can read the latest issue here.
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