1. Strong communication
Regular communication within teams is key to supporting wellbeing, including one-to-ones in a space away from distractions. Taking a colleague for a coffee can help them to relax and to feel like time has been created to listen and care for them. Not everyone is comfortable talking to their direct line manager, so clear sign posts of where to find further support should be displayed. Appointing a wellbeing buddy or champion can help to promote wellness and break down the stigma against mental health issues.
2. Good intentions
Setting good intentions at the start of the day and practising gratitude at the end can support daily wellbeing. Intentions can include ‘Let’s give great customer service today’ or sharing positive motivational daily quotes on a notice board. Practising gratitude allows you to focus on the achievements of the day, especially if it has been a busy or stressful one. We have approximately 60,000 thoughts a day and 80-90% of those are negative. Let’s at least focus on positivity at the start and end of each day.
3. Team activities
Connecting with your colleagues outside of the work environment can develop stronger rapport and promote mental and physical wellbeing. Every three months, organise an activity that everyone can get involved in. It could be a charity walk, bowling, axe throwing, a picnic in the park, water sports or a painting class - an activity where people can bond and have fun while doing something different or new. Companies can invest in activities that fit a certain budget to show they value and care for their team.
4. Physical challenges
Physical health is a vital part of maintaining physical and mental wellbeing, but also enabling better productivity and motivation too. The practice can invest in simple pedometers and have weekly challenges on who has done the most steps with prizes. Maybe teams can organise other daily challenges such as daily 30 second planks, or 10 squats or lunges etc and each month there can be small individual prizes or an overall winner. This activity encourages supporting and inspiring each other to stay fit and active.
5. Validation and care
Everyone likes to feel valued and appreciated; it helps promote confidence, self-worth and encourages personal and professional growth. Thank each member after the working day has finished and give personal praise. It is also important to do your best to accommodate individuals’ needs, such as leaving early for an appointment or childcare issue, because easing external pressures will positively impact the employee’s professional role.
6. Marking milestones
Show you care by celebrating employee birthdays and other milestones, like running a marathon, getting promoted, engaged or buying a house, with a cake, gift voucher or lunch treat. Creating a working environment where individuals feel like they are thought about, seen and heard is important.
7. Team feedback
Every person is different and how one person might benefit and feel supported with their wellbeing may be different to others. Ask team members in person or through anonymised surveys, if preferred, how they could be better supported and then hold a team meeting to implement any agreed changes. Taking the team’s views into account is essential for the whole practice’s wellbeing.
- Sheena Tanna-Shah runs a wellbeing company called Inspiring Success with her optometrist husband, Piyus Tanna
