Staying on the right side of wellness

Lots of chatter in my world this week about “ wellness”.

Wellbeing at work, personal wellness, how to stay well.

In the world of work, wellness is a hot topic.

Creating healthy places to work.

Keeping people well and happy.

So many good intentions.

But so many ticked boxes.

As a leader, if you fail to get the basics right, your people won’t give two figs for your “wellness strategy”.

And by basics I mean things like;

Making time to have regular check-ins with them that are about them, not you.

Making sure you’re clear on what a fair wage is for the work they do.

Letting them have their holiday time as actual time away and not expecting them to “ be available on email for emergencies”.

Recognising and creating family friendly and inclusive policies that support everyone during key and critical moments in life.

Paying better than legislation on peoples pensions and holiday.

Not crashing people’s diaries because your time is more important than theirs.

Giving decent feedback when things are good or maybe not so good. 

And doing this regularly and consistently so people have clarity and know where they stand.

Treating people with kindness and respect when you speak to them.

Asking how they are. 

Saying thank you.

Just being a decent human.

As a leader, if you cannot do the basics, you are simply not leading.

You’re just being tone deaf and disconnected from how to get the best from the people you are charged to take care of.

And people are sick of it.

Literally sick.

We can do better in our workplaces.

And we need to start right now.