The season for transforming our wellbeing, is turning right before our eyes
In our welcome video, we talked about how an investment in mind and body wellbeing could lower our stress levels, whilst meeting the change and adversity we all face right now, with a healthier response. To help turn the tide, or chart whatever course we intend.
But why do we need to invest in our wellbeing, right now?
And why is it crucial for the organisations we lead and work for?
“Average wellbeing levels have reached the lowest levels since records began with happiness and life satisfaction declining and anxiety levels increasing UK wide”
The need is great and urgent
Wellbeing levels have reached an all time low
The pandemic has done little to improve our stress levels and anxiety - according to ONS, average wellbeing levels have reached the lowest levels since records began with happiness and life satisfaction declining and anxiety levels increasing UK wide.
Uncertainty and change
Constant change and uncertainty has become the norm. In work alone, there is everyday talk of returning to hybrid, going remote or the great resignation. It’s hard to know where we stand. And with the latest from Meta and Tesla grabbing our foreground attention, the climate crisis looms larger day by day in the shadows.
The effect on mental health
We are already in the midst of a mental health crisis - £45billion per year is the cost to UK business alone. And globally, the combined long term impact of the pandemic and the largely unmentioned impact of climate crisis on our mental health and emotional wellbeing, makes for an increasingly unhealthy horizon. This UCL study explains how eco-anxiety and climate grief are fuelling anxiety and mental illness, especially in younger people.
Businesses clearly benefit
Wellbeing investment returns 5:1
In the Deloitte and Mind 2020 report - Mental health and Employers: Refreshing the case for Investment - it was calculated that for every £1 invested in staff mental health, £5 is returned in reduced presenteeism, absenteeism and staff turnover. An impressive ROI for looking after your colleagues and teams!
Organisations have more choice
With the need so great, especially during the pandemic, the role of remote mental health support and therapy has only increased. And with the likes of Unmind, Spill and Sanctus (to name just a handful!) there are now more choices than ever.
Well supported individuals can self-care
The vast majority of us have the capacity to self-care and develop greater focus, happiness and resilience building habits. We just need the right support structures and tools to get us started. This doesn’t just save organisations money and resources in sick leave, it…
Increases focus, motivation and productivity and guards against burnout.
Secures the dedication and loyalty of your most talented people through genuine cultural and human investment.
Demonstrates a clear commitment to corporate social responsibility, which doesn’t just make you a role model - it also makes you a magnet for the talented people you need to grow your business or deliver your services.
Staff mental wellbeing investment: £ROI
We share our humanity in common
No immunity to the last 18 months
Every one of us has felt the impact of the pandemic, to varying degrees. Whether we have had direct experience of illness or loss through family, friends, colleagues, or community, OR we have just been part of the physical and multimedia rollercoaster of emotions, challenges and sacrifices; we’ve all been here together.
We share the same basic needs
None of us were magically transported into this world as ‘secure, confident and resilient adults’, and without reactivity to stressful situations. We all came out of this world. Different genes, families, cultures, life situations and privileges yes, but we all have the same fundamental needs - safety, food, shelter and sleep along with connection, security and belonging through relationships. All before we reach the more aspirational, through personal fulfilment, our goals, careers, hobbies, sense of purpose and so on. So if the fundamentals aren’t there, i.e., we are losing sleep, feeling psychologically insecure, unsupported or disconnected in life our work, we will be on shaky ground and vulnerable to whatever difficulties we face.
No one is immune to stress
And when it comes down to it, no promises of money, success, aspiration or accolades will protect our wellbeing (or those we care for) from the eroding waves of stress, which we are consistently subjected to in our modern lives. They take their toll, whether we are conscious of this or not. Knowing this, when we have the luxury of choice…
What can we do about it individually?
How can organisations empower their teams to make positive self-care choices, enabling staff to build self-confidence and resilience to change things for the better?
We’ll take a look at part of these questions in our next post, some helpful steps we can take, and where Waking Waves might support.
Thank you for reading today!
Please say hello@wakingwaves.com if you have any thoughts, comments or inspiring words to share!
Or get in touch if you have any questions about our current courses or coaching.
