Executive PA Australasia Issue 1 2021 | Page 31

WELLNESS
for the sake of fuelling their body to work harder . But more often than not , people have no idea the importance of staying hydrated and putting the right foods in their body . Get a nutritionist into the office and educate the company as a whole . While it will benefit employee performance in the long run , it ’ s also going to improve employee satisfaction at work and will help them lead a happier , healthier life outside of work , too .
w On-site classes . Like mentioned in the yoga option , if you have a spare office space then why not utilise it ? You can set up a fitness schedule that is flexible around working hours right next to employees ’ own office . This way employees can start , continue , or end the working day with a hit of endorphins and a limber body .

The Sunshine Coast ethos is wellness

The Sunshine Coast has one of the most sophisticated ranges of wellness experiences in Australia — probably spurred-on by the fact that the spiritual Glass House Mountains , which dominate the landscape , deliver earthly energy from their volcanic hearts . The region is a natural choice for companies wanting to rejuvenate and recalibrate .
Spicers Tamarind in Maleny and Spicers Clovelly in Montville are popular with board retreats and executive training groups , who seek out time together and time away . Exclusive use of Spicers Tamarind is well suited to groups of up to 22 people who can have their private villas and come together for wellness activities , team building , fine dining , meetings and executive training . Yoga classes on the lawn are a popular activity to start the day .
The largest hotel in the region , Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort , can provide their guests with a range of on-site activities including outdoor pool and spa , catamaran sailing and kayaking on the private lagoon , water sports , mini golf , stand up paddle boarding , Xperience segway tours , bike hire , outdoor fitness centre , Twin Waters Spa , plus nearby tennis court and 18-hole golf course .
Most Sunshine Coast event management operators offer a wellness component to corporate clients . After a recovery breakfast on the beach , First Class Functions suggest creating a mini triathlon involving Noosa ’ s Surf Lifesavers or a guided walk in the National Park . Groups can split between activities to try something new like surf lessons at Coolum Beach or stand up paddle boarding on the Noosa River .
Guests that want to get active before or after lunch , can take part in a specially created team building challenge with Noosa DMC in a ‘ Great Race Noosa Style ’ or ‘ Beach Olympics ’, perfect half day or full day specially created events to get the heart pumping . Ikatan Spa can take care of any aches and pains with massage and treatments in their rainforest setting , and for corporate groups they customise packages depending on the schedule and budget .
For corporate groups that prefer to get active together , there is a ‘ surf and cycle ’ activity option from the Ohana Group . Starting with a private hot breakfast on one of the region ’ s many beaches , groups then have the option of taking to the waves with private guides — suited for all levels of ability . After a cold pressed juice , healthy corporates can begin their cycle , either along the coastline or inland to rainforests , cane fields and boutique villages . www . sunshinecoastincentivetravel . com
w Wellness challenges . To inspire employees and executives to develop healthy habits , create some health , fitness , or even water drinking challenges . This makes it a fun experience that employees can participate in in a team or individually . Tracking these challenges could even make employees eligible for a health-related prize at the end of the month .
Mental health support While most of these benefits have been physically based , mental health support should be the number one priority at all times . Especially after such a trying year in 2020 , your company needs to be offering the adequate support to help employees take care of their mental health . Ensure that managers , EAs , executives and any senior figure is equipped to respond to mental health issues and that any adjustments to work are carried out . It ’ s also imperative that employees have access to counselling services , whether your company offers on-site sessions or is willing to reimburse employees for off-site support . Looking after your physical health is important , but your mental health is a major part of your overall wellness : make sure you and your workplace is making this a top priority .
Flexibility While all of these wellness benefits are great additions to the company wellness program , there ’ s one thing that is easy to implement and costs no money at all : flexibility . Being understanding of employees ’ needs and adjusting the business accordingly is paramount to looking after employee wellness . Whether that be allowing employees to take stress leave , extra time after a lunch break to recharge with a short nap , a walk outside , or quiet reading time , these small things are going to have the biggest impact on employee wellness .
Wellness is a mammoth concept with many different elements and factions to it . These are just a few simple , but effective , ideas to help your company kickstart their most effective corporate wellness program yet . While all of these suggestions will help improve your wellness , don ’ t forget the simplest way of connecting and supporting others : talking . Talk to your colleagues , your executive , anyone who you feel might be struggling . Even those who don ’ t seem to be — people are very good at hiding their true feelings . Taking the time to ask , “ are you okay ?” or “ how are you doing ?” can be all it takes to help . S
Issue 1 2021 | Chief of Staff 31