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How to maintain wellbeing as you return to the workplace
For many , coming out of lockdowns has meant a more consistent return to office life . While remote working has come with its own challenges , office work often means longer hours with a daily commute , more rigid working patterns , and less time for personal activities .
It ’ s important to remember that returning to the workplace does not have to mean giving up the wellbeing routines that have helped you through this stressful past year . In fact , it ’ s more important than ever to make wellbeing a priority as we transition . Experts at wellbeing platform
Gympass suggest the following :
w Acknowledge anxiety : It is important for employers to put a range of measures in place to help their staff transition back to the workplace , including signposting and giving access to stress and anxiety management solutions . Suggest your boss encourages meditation and deep breathing exercises , regular exercise , journaling , and most importantly talking to people . w Check in with yourself : Take time each day to make sure your physical environment and mental framework support your work and your mindset . w Set simple goals : It is easy to get carried away setting goals when you feel motivated , but life inevitably gets in the way . So set actions for yourself that you can do with little motivation e . g . I will exercise for 15 minutes , three to five times per week . w Make the journey count : Use the commute for simple wellbeing activities – mindfulness , meditation , stress relief . All you need is a set of headphones and your smartphone . w Water cooler wellbeing : Make the most of being part of the workplace community again and use those ‘ water cooler ’ moments ( a quick catch up over coffee , supporting a colleague who is having a difficult day ) for wellbeing . S
More to work than a big salary ?
A global survey of more than 4000 professionals has found that that work / life balance and salary rank equally as top criteria when looking for a new job . The study , by CEMS ( a Global Alliance of business schools , multinational companies and NGOs ) also revealed that professionals over the age of 35 rank the opportunity for work / life balance higher than salary .
Quick career progression and the chance to make an impact at an early stage also ranked highly . And whilst opportunities for global travel appeared in the top five criteria for the youngest respondents ( 19-25 ), it was far lower down the list for other age groups – they rated inspirational leadership further up .
Nicole de Fontaines , executive director of CEMS , said : “ Although salary will always be an important factor , work is not all about money . Achieving a good work / life balance and getting the chance to make an impact in a role is more important than ever , for employees of all ages .
“ It is important that organisations listen carefully to what professionals most desire from roles and act on this . This way , they can attract the most talented staff , benefit from the ambition of their people , encourage innovation and ultimately gain competitive advantage in an uncertain age .” S
10 Executive PA | Winter Issue 2022