Remember the days when workplace bonuses included the option of a gym voucher, and Fridays were often about boozy lunches that rolled into evening sessions?
Well that was my experience in the world of agency PR back in 2005!
That gym voucher was about the extent of workplace wellness. Some 15 years later, things have certainly evolved as employers realise the need to do more to reduce employee sick days and lost revenue from absenteeism.
My last foray into the world of corporates was in 2019 where the employer offered 15 minute monthly massages. This is probably the best ‘perk’ I ever experienced regards workplace wellness. This brought (very) temporary relief to aches and pains, and momentarily eased stress. Then it was swiftly back to the grind.
Wellness programmes re-vamped
Now even more so, having healthy people in your workplace isn’t something employers can take for granted. There’s a new kind of sickness in town: Covid-19 burnout.
“The sheer length of the pandemic, and the yo-yo effect of good news followed by bad news, are stressors that have worn people down.”
This week I connected with a high profile UK cancer organisation about offering online Guided Shiatsu Sessions as part of their workplace wellbeing programme. It was really impressive hearing about what the organisation has been offering their people throughout the pandemic – online yoga, workshops on coping with seasonal challenges such as SAD, and meditation for menopause. Such a variety!
Their people are like many office workers: mostly sedentary, responsible for others, time-poor, want to improve their health but confused about where to start.
I’ve created my signature class – “Your Holistic Power” – to support people just like this. Easy acupressure, Shiatsu touch for the self, stretching, breathing and shaking helps people get in touch with the body (known as embodiment) and tune into what they need.
The session is shared around three ‘golden nuggets’ – the power of the Micro, the power of the Point, and the power of You!
Get in touch if you’d like to know more!
So tell me – what does your workplace offer? What would you like to see available to you?
Hit REPLY and let me know if you’re reading this in my Go Slow Friday Letter! (If you’re not, you can get your free weekly dose of wellness here.)
