The benefits of walking meetings

In the modern workplace, many of us spend hours sitting at a desk and hardly moving. Finding ways to incorporate movement into our daily routines is essential for both physical and mental wellbeing. One innovative approach gaining popularity is the walking meeting. This simple yet effective practice involves taking meetings on the move, rather than sitting in a conference room or at a desk.

Here are some benefits of walking meetings and why they might be the perfect addition to your working day.

1. Boosts creativity and idea generation

Walking has been shown to enhance creative thinking. A study from Stanford University found that walking increased creative output by an average of 60%. The act of walking allows for free-flowing thoughts and can help break down mental barriers, making it easier to come up with new ideas and solutions. This is particularly beneficial during brainstorming sessions or when tackling complex problems.

2. Encourages physical activity

Incorporating walking meetings into your routine is a great way to add more physical activity to your day. Regular movement is crucial for maintaining physical health, reducing the risk of chronic diseases, and improving overall fitness. Walking meetings help combat a more sedentary lifestyle that many office workers fall into, promoting better health and wellbeing.

3. Improves mental health

Physical activity, including walking, is known to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. It releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. Walking meetings can provide a mental break from the usual work environment, helping to reduce stress and improve overall mental health. The change of scenery and fresh air can also have a refreshing effect, making employees feel more energised and positive.

4. Enhances communication and collaboration

Walking side by side with colleagues can create a more relaxed and open atmosphere compared to traditional seated meetings. This can lead to more honest and productive conversations. The informal setting of a walking meeting can help break down hierarchical barriers, creating better communication and collaboration among team members.

5. Increases productivity and efficiency

Walking meetings can be more efficient than traditional meetings. The act of walking can help keep discussions focused and on track, potentially leading to shorter and more productive meetings. Additionally, the physical activity can help participants stay alert and engaged, reducing the likelihood of getting distracted. This can lead to quicker decision-making and more effective problem-solving.

6. Reduces stress and burnout

The combination of physical activity, fresh air, and a change of scenery can significantly reduce stress levels. Walking meetings provide a break from the usual work environment, which can help prevent burnout. They offer a chance to clear the mind, relax, and return to work with a renewed sense of focus and energy. This can be particularly beneficial during busy or stressful periods.

Ways to implement walking meetings

Plan ahead
Choose a route that is safe and convenient for all participants. Ensure it is free from heavy traffic and has a pleasant environment.

Set an agenda
Just like a traditional meeting, have a clear agenda to keep the discussion focused and productive.

Keep it small

Walking meetings work best with small groups, ideally two to four people. This ensures everyone can participate in the conversation.

Be mindful of pace

Walk at a pace that is comfortable for everyone. The goal is to encourage movement and conversation, not to get a workout.

Use technology wisely

If you need to take notes, consider using a voice recorder or a note-taking app on your phone. This allows you to capture important points without stopping the walk.

The Impact of Ergonomics in the Office

Ergonomics is a crucial factor in the office that greatly influences the overall wellbeing and productivity of employees. It involves designing the workspace and equipment in a way that minimises physical strain and discomfort while maximising efficiency and safety. When implemented effectively, ergonomic principles can have a significant impact on reducing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders, enhancing employee morale and increasing work performance.

Research undertaken by the National Library of Medicine states that “Results of a systematic review of empirical evidence show that many aspects of (day)light, office layout/design, and temperature and thermal comfort have been proven to be related to many mental health indicators.”

Types of office ergonomics

• One of the key aspects of ergonomics in the office is the design of office furniture and equipment. Chairs desks, monitors and keyboards should be adjustable to accommodate different body sizes and working preferences. For example, adjustable chairs with proper lumbar support can help maintain a neutral posture and reduce the strain on the spine. Height-adjustable desks allow employees to switch between sitting and standing positions, promoting movement and reducing the risks associated with prolonged sitting.
• Workspace layout also plays a crucial role in ergonomics. Employees should have easy access to frequently used items, such as the phone, files and office supplies, to reduce any reaching and twisting movements. The layout should also encourage proper posture and movement patterns. For instance, placing the monitor at eye level and positioning the keyboard and mouse within easy reach can help prevent neck, shoulder, and wrist strain.
• Lighting and air quality are also important factors. Suitable lighting can reduce eye strain and fatigue and adequate ventilation can improve concentration and comfort. Natural light is particularly beneficial for our wellbeing as it helps to regulate our internal body clock and promotes a sense of connection to the outside world. Plants also help with this connection and in addition can improve air quality and create a more vibrant and pleasant working environment.
• Regular breaks and movement are essential components of ergonomic practices in the office because sitting for long periods and doing repetitive tasks can lead to muscle fatigue and discomfort. Office culture can help encourage employees to take short breaks to stretch, walk around, or perform simple exercises that can help prevent stiffness and promote circulation. Some organisations offer standing desks or treadmill desks as alternatives to traditional sitting workstations, and these can help employees to stay active while working. Walking meetings are also good for getting people outside and moving throughout the day and they provide a great boost for both physical and mental health.
• In addition to physical ergonomics, mental and emotional wellbeing are also crucial to a holistic approach to ergonomics. Stress management techniques, such as mindfulness, meditation and relaxation exercises, can help employees cope with work-related pressures and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Introducing such practices into the working environment can help foster a supportive working environment where employees feel valued, respected, and heard. This in turn can boost morale and motivation, leading to greater job satisfaction and productivity.

Ultimately, the impact of ergonomics goes beyond physical comfort and safety – it is about creating a workspace that promotes overall wellbeing and enhances the quality of work life. By prioritising ergonomics and investing in the health and happiness of employees, organisations can create a positive and sustainable work environment that benefits both individuals and the business as a whole.

Why Managers Should Make Themselves a Priority

In most industries, the role of management can be very demanding owing to the extra responsibilities not only for the company itself, but also the employees within the company. It might mean working additional hours, undertaking courses to improve, or hitting demanding targets. Often we forget that managers face difficult challenges on a daily basis and that they are still humans who may also experience mental health issues.

People in management positions can also feel intense pressure to appear strong, resilient, decisive and trustworthy at all times so that employees respect them. So, what happens when someone in management experiences anxiety, stress or even depression? They might feel that they can’t be seen to be ‘weak’ or buckling under pressure, which in turn could make any mental health issues they have more intensified.

“Put your own oxygen mask on before you help others”

You’ve probably heard this saying many times before if you’ve ever travelled on a plane, but the same philosophy can also be applied in this situation. While managers must take on the responsibility for employees’ wellbeing, it’s vital that they make themselves a priority before helping others. If they themselves are feeling drained and exhausted, then they’re unable to perform their role to the best of their abilities, which includes supporting others.

Ways managers can prioritise their mental wellbeing

• Increase their skills and knowledge on mental wellbeing in the workplace. Not only will this equip managers to assist their employees. but it will also help them understand what they can do to look after themselves.
• Recognise their own symptoms. Leaders are so busy trying to ensure everyone else is okay that they forget to notice when they show symptoms of mental health issues themselves. By looking out for signs of stress and reaching out to someone outside of the workplace, they can admit if they’re struggling and put practices into place. Early warning signs can include anxiety, poor sleep, weight change and intensified emotions. 
• Make time for exercise. Although most managers have a busy schedule, they should always make time for some form of physical exercise. Whether it’s going to the gym for an hour before work, taking a walk outside at lunchtime or even cycling to and from work, exercise can help stave off insomnia and symptoms of stress and depression. A study published by Science Direct concluded that “stress and the social situation at work are strongly linked to disturbed sleep and impaired wakening…and the inability to stop worrying about work during free time may be an important link in the relation between stress and sleep.”
• Confide in others. It's important for managers to ensure they have someone they can confide in about their worries whether it’s a trusted friend, family member, coach or mental health professional.
• Maintain a healthy diet. Working longer hours often causes people to neglect their diet, so they snack on convenience foods and spend less time preparing healthy meals. But the extra pressure of a busy schedule is even more reason to look after your physical health as well as your mental health. There are plenty of websites that feature healthy recipes that can be rustled up in no time, and foods such as fruit, nuts, raw vegetables and yoghurts are great for snacking on during work hours.

Why Truth Matters at Work

Many workplaces are complex environments where we spend a significant portion of our lives. Therefore, working with people that we trust is of great importance as it directly impacts both employee wellbeing and the overall culture of the workplace. By understanding why truth matters at work, we can appreciate its positive effects on our mental health.

Trust and transparency 

Truth acts as the cornerstone of trust within work environments. When employees feel they can rely on the information communicated to them, it strengthens their trust in leaders, colleagues and the organisation as a whole. 

A study published in the Harvard Business Review found that “employees in high-trust organizations are more productive, have more energy at work, collaborate better with their colleagues, and stay with their employers longer than people working at low-trust companies. They also suffer less chronic stress and are happier with their lives, and these factors fuel stronger performance.”

Psychological safety

This term refers to an environment where employees feel comfortable taking risks, sharing ideas and being their authentic selves. A study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology showed that truthful workplace communication encourages psychological safety, leading to higher levels of employee engagement, motivation and satisfaction. Honest interactions instil a sense of psychological safety by removing the fear of repercussions, allowing employees to think freely, and contributing to a positive work atmosphere.

Reducing stress

Work places that champion truthful and honest communication contribute to lower levels of stress among employees. When information is accurate and transparent, employees feel more in control of their work environment, resulting in reduced anxiety and improved overall mental health.

Meaningful relationships 

Honesty plays a key role in building meaningful relationships among colleagues. When we consistently speak truthfully, it gives us a sense of respect and openness and allows us to build trust and understanding with one another. Honesty at work also lets us collaborate more effectively and be more productive.

Ethical leadership

A commitment to truth also inspires the development of ethical leadership within organisations. Ethical leaders prioritise honesty and integrity, exerting a positive influence on their employees and creating a culture of trust. Employees who perceive their management as honest and truthful are more likely to have greater job satisfaction, motivation and emotional wellbeing. Truthful leadership sets the tone for the entire organisation, positively impacting employee experiences and performance.


In today's ever-evolving digital environment, the importance of truth shouldn’t be overstated. From honest and transparent communication to protecting the health and wellbeing of all members of staff, truth at work is vital for both personal and organisational success. By embracing truthfulness as a core value, we can create a culture that empowers employees, enhances job satisfaction and ultimately leads to a more fulfilled workforce.

Why Persistence Matters

Many great achievements in life don’t come easy so if you want to succeed in your job, you’ll need a certain amount of persistence. Perhaps you have targets or goals that you need to achieve to secure that much needed pay rise or promotion, or maybe you simply take pride in your work and want to do the best you can. Whatever sights you have set for yourself in your job, it will likely take a lot of determination and hard work to achieve your goals.

While the idea of ongoing persistence and dedication might overwhelm some people, remember that the effort you put into something makes the end result even more rewarding as it becomes of greater value.

Why is persistence important?

Rarely do our jobs take very little effort, and if they do it’s likely our work life will begin to feel unrewarding and unsatisfying. When we don’t have something to aim for or obstacles to overcome, we can become demotivated and unfulfilled. These kinds of feelings can cause us to lose our self-esteem and self-worth, making our lives feel less meaningful and over time this can impact our mental health. If we give up on a task at the first sign of difficulty, it can make us feel as though we’re not good enough or scared to attempt anything else in the future for fear of failure.

When we understand the importance of persistence, having goals at work can be exciting and motivating, making our role much more rewarding. Overcoming obstacles and challenges also allows us to grow and evolve, which has a positive effect on our mental wellbeing and can reduce anxiety and depression. In a study published by Psychology Today, it found that “People who refuse to give up on achieving specific goals and approach challenges with a positive outlook are at lower risk of clinical depression…generalized anxiety disorder… and panic disorder”.

Ways to be more persistent

Set yourself clear goals and understand why you want to achieve them so that you have a reason to be persistent. By knowing what you want to gain, you’ll become more resilient and determined to overcome any obstacles in your way.

Remain humble and accept that you might not always know the best way to achieve your goal. By listening to constructive feedback and learning from mistakes (which you will most likely make many times along the way), you accept that it’s all part of the process in getting to where you want to be.

Don’t be afraid of challenges because throughout history they have been a major part of many successful journeys. Imagine if Einstein had given up at the first hurdle!

Don't be afraid to change your plan. Try to be aware when something isn’t working and rather than continuing on a certain path just because that’s how you envisioned it, look at other options and try something new. Much of being persistent is about being flexible and knowing when to change your approach.


Once you have mastered the art of persistence, you’ll reap not only the material rewards, but you’ll have improved your mental health along the way.

Perfecting the Art of Patience in the Workplace

As the saying goes, “patience is a virtue” and it can come in particularly useful in the workplace. No matter what kind of job you do, at some point your patience will have been tested and as we well know, this can cause a great amount of stress and annoyance. Whether you’re waiting on someone to complete a task, queuing for the printer or sitting through a lengthy meeting when you have a pile of work to do, your patience can be tested to its limits.

What is impatience?

Before you can master the art of patience, it’s important to understand impatience and the effects it can have on our mental and physical wellbeing. When we feel impatient, we tend to become easily agitated and irritated, and this can stir negative reactions such as:

• Anger
• Restlessness
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Stress
• Frustration

If you find yourself becoming impatient regularly, these reactions can play havoc with your physical and mental wellbeing and over time they’ll not only affect your mood, but they can increase your levels of adrenaline and cortisol, making you more prone to heart disease, poor sleep and high blood pressure. In a study undertaken by associate professor of psychology at Baylor university, Sarah Schnitker found that people who are often impatient are more likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease, she goes on to say “Research shows that people who are more patient have higher wellbeing — more life satisfaction, hope, self-esteem, positive emotions in general. They seem to be able to pursue their goals with greater effort and have more satisfaction with their goal progress.”

How to become more patient?

To become more successful at work and to avoid the effects of the stresses that being impatience causes, you can learn to be more patient with a few simple exercises.

Breathe. When we feel impatient our breathing becomes shallower so by taking slow, deep breaths, we can start to relax a little and be more in control of our emotions, meaning we’re less likely to react irrationally.

Put things into perspective. Impatience can really blow things out of all proportion as we become more agitated and even angry in some instances. When we consider the importance of the situation, we often find that what we’re feeling stressed about is minor in the grand scheme of things. Also, remember that some things are simply out of our control and being impatient has no positive benefits and will only cause unnecessary stress.

Make use of the waiting time. We’ve all experienced the infuriating hold music when we’re trying to get through to a company on the phone but rather than sit there becoming increasingly irate, make use of your time and do something productive while waiting for the call to be answered.

Find a distraction. If you find yourself waiting around for someone else to complete a task or you’re waiting for your computer to update, do something that will take your mind off the situation. Maybe take an early lunch, go for a walk or catch up with a work colleague.

Pay attention to your body. Certain factors such as tiredness, hunger or dehydration can all play a part in making us feel less patient so to maintain an optimum mood, make sure you’re getting enough sleep at night, eat healthily and drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Do You Live Off Adrenalin At Work

If you have a tendency to seek out thrills and adrenaline-fuelled activities in life, such as skydiving, mountain climbing or race car driving for instance, you may also find that you crave an adrenalin rush at work. Although in some circumstances taking risks at work can pay off, it can also be an unhealthy addiction that can lead to overworking yourself, rivalry with colleagues, and physical and mental burnout. 

Initially you might find the adrenaline rush exciting and motivational but over time, it can impact your work and home life balance. In an article published by Science Daily, Haral Sitte of MedUni Vienna’s Institute of Pharmacology says that “Dopamine is a so-called messenger substance or neurotransmitter that conveys signals between neurons. It not only controls mental and emotional responses but also motor reactions…Adrenaline is a close relative of dopamine. However, serious health problems can arise if too little or too much dopamine is being produced. If too few dopamine molecules are released, Parkinson’s disease can develop, while an excess can lead to mania, hallucinations and schizophrenia.”

Am I living off adrenalin at work?

Do you find yourself continually staying late at work so you can get one more sale than your colleague? Do you take excessive risks that could jeopardise your job? Do you crave competition regardless of whether it damages your working relationships? If you answered yes to any of these types of adrenalin-seeking behaviours, then it’s likely you’re living off adrenalin at work.

There are many different reasons why people seek out adrenalin rushes and while they can make you feel excited and elated for a while, the pleasurable sensations can soon turn into boredom, anxiety and a feeling of emptiness once the adrenalin drains from your body.

Ways to overcome adrenaline addiction

Over time, adrenaline addiction in the workplace can have a negative effect on your mental health, your colleagues and the company as a whole. But if you want to kick the addiction, there are several ways to overcome it.

• Take regular exercise as this will release the same ‘happy hormones’ as an adrenaline rush and it’s less likely you’ll crave excitement from more dangerous or risky activities at work.
• Get plenty of sleep to ensure your mind and body are in tip-top condition, as this will help you to feel more in control of any addictive behaviours and urges.
• Eating a healthy diet will regulate your body’s blood sugar levels and you’ll be less likely to go in search of an adrenaline rush. Low blood sugar can make you feel less restless and agitated so you won’t feel as distracted or tempted to go in search of that adrenalin-induced sensation.
• If you’re hooked on adrenalin, the thought of meditation and other calming activities (such as mindfulness, breathing exercises, gentle yoga, tai chi) might fill you with dread, but once you’ve learned how to relax, it can actually be really beneficial and stave off any adrenalin cravings.

Why Employers Should Take a Holistic Approach to Wellbeing

Following the unprecedented effects of the pandemic, it’s now more important than ever for businesses to support employee wellbeing in the workplace. By taking a holistic approach to wellbeing, employers can help prevent absenteeism due to stress, anxiety and depression. And promoting good mental and physical health can also create a more positive work environment and better employee engagement. A study published by The Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health found that “the average employee takes seven days off sick each year of which 40 per cent are for mental health problems. This adds up to 70 million lost working days a year, including one in seven directly caused by a person’s work or working conditions.”

Ensuring that employees are happy at work also has a knock-on effect on their wellbeing in their personal lives. Having an effective wellbeing programme in place is mutually beneficial to both businesses and their staff and encourages everyone to thrive within their individual roles.

Benefits of taking a holistic approach

• Increased job satisfaction
• Reduced absences
• Higher engagement
• Increased productivity
• Better resilience to stress
• Positive working relationships
• Happier personal lives

To see greater benefits of holistic programmes, it’s important that they are embedded in the workplace culture and company management.

Ways to take a holistic approach to wellbeing

1. The first step any organisation should take is to create a strategy that incorporates how they aim to support employee wellbeing and what they want to achieve through taking a holistic approach. There are many ways that a holistic framework can be integrated into the workplace such as:
2. Offer support or counselling services for physical and mental health.
3. Encourage healthy day-to-day routines that include diet, sleep and regular breaks. Perhaps ditch the vending machine and opt for fruit and water instead, encourage breaks outside and limit the number of hours employees can spend at work at one time.
4. Undertake regular one-to-one meetings with employees to discuss their workload and wellbeing.
5. Consider introducing some flexible conditions for parents or carers, such as remote working or flexible hours.
6. Create an inspiring environment by introducing plants or flowers into the workspace, providing additional facilities for breaks, or having fresh interior design. All of these small adjustments are conducive to better wellbeing and productivity.
7. Make sure all employees are provided with all the resources they need to carry out their job successfully, whether that’s an up-to-date computer, comfortable desk and chair or specialist equipment relating to their role.
8. Encourage physical wellness by offering cycle to work initiatives, discounts for sport and leisure activities, or optional after-work classes such as yoga or Tai Chi.
9. Provide clear pathways for career progression and salary increases.

For more about employee wellbeing solutions, visit our website: https://www.firstpsychology-assistance.co.uk

Why a sense of purpose is valuable in the workplace

For many of us, we spend almost a quarter of our week working so when we’re doing a job without any sense of purpose, it can impact on our wellbeing. When we feel like we’re undertaking monotonous and repetitive tasks day-in, day-out, it can drain us of our mental and physical energy.

But a sense of purpose can mean different things to different people, depending on what motivates us or what gives us that feeling of fulfilment. Maybe you have an interest in a certain field that you’re passionate about and you want to feel as though you’re making a positive contribution towards a bigger goal. It’s these kinds of passions or interests that can influence our career choices in the first place.

Why do we need a sense of purpose?

Although you’ve probably experienced an unfulfilling job at some point in your life and you’ve craved for something more meaningful, there are also scientific studies that have shown how a sense of purpose can motivate us and create a barrier against stress and anxiety.

Some ways that having a sense of purpose can affect our health include:

• When there’s greater meaning behind the work we do it can minimise stress-related illnesses such as anxiety, stress, depression, and high blood pressure. In turn, this means that we are less likely to take sick days from work.
• By feeling like we are directing our energy towards something meaningful or a greater goal, we are more motivated and happier in our work. 
• Having an interest in or a reason for the work we do, gives us a sense of pride and encourages us to aim higher and achieve more. This means that we are more likely to be committed to our job.
• Time feels like it goes faster when we’re doing a job that we get enjoyment or satisfaction out of. When time drags it can make us feel resentful and anxious about going to work.

In The McKinsey Podcast, Naina Dhingra explains how through her studies, she has found that “about 70 per cent of people say they define their purpose through work. And, actually, millennials, even more so, are likely to see their work as their life calling. So what this means is that people are looking for opportunities in the work they do day-to-day to be actually contributing to what they believe their purpose is”.

From these findings it’s important that both employees and employers are clear about the purpose of the company and the staff roles within it. By ensuring there’s a clearer understanding of each role, employees will feel like they have a sense of purpose, and this will ultimately create confidence within individuals. Be clear about how each role contributes to the bigger picture of the company and its mission. This way all workers, regardless of how big or small they feel their role is in the workplace, will know that they are making an important contribution, and this will not only boost their wellbeing, but it can also significantly increase their motivation and levels of commitment.

Returning to work post lockdown

With furlough coming to an end, many people will be returning to the workplace and transitioning from working remotely post lockdown. Lockdown has affected people in many different ways, so it’s inevitable that there will be feelings of uncertainty surrounding this move back to a new normality.

Owing to the extreme fear and confusion that Covid-19 created, many people have suffered from mental health issues, which is totally understandable. Being kept away from close friends and loved ones, having to adapt to working from home or perhaps not working at all, and worrying about the consequences of catching Covid, is all a huge strain on both our mental and physical wellbeing.

How to stay healthy during the transition

Prior to returning to the workplace, it’s very likely you’re going to have some concerns, which may include:

• How clean and safe is the environment?
• Will people be social distancing?
• Will I be able to concentrate in a busier environment?
• How will I cope with a new routine?

These thoughts are quite normal but if you feel like you’re beginning to get overly concerned and it’s negatively affecting your mental wellbeing, there are things you can put in place to ease the worry and those feelings of anxiety and stress.

1. Speak with your line manager and any colleagues who have already returned to work. They should be able to reassure you of all the safety procedures that are in place.
2. Think about how going back to work will affect you regarding the commute times and the additional costs of this, and family commitments or responsibilities. If this is a concern, speak to your manager and see how they can help. They might allow for flexible working hours and have a car share or cycle-to-work scheme in place.
3. Get yourself into a good daily routine. Go to bed early and get plenty of sleep. Allow plenty of time to prepare yourself before you leave for work and make time for a healthy breakfast. Perhaps you could work out at the gym, go for a swim, or enjoy a morning walk. These types of exercises will boost your mental alertness and energy levels to put you in a more positive mood. A study published by the National Library of Medicine showed that “participants in randomized clinical trials of physical-activity interventions show better health outcomes, including better general and health-related quality in life, better functional capacity and better mood states.”
4. If you start to feel anxious once you’re back at work, try using a few coping methods to help you to stay calm. Practise breathing techniques or take a walk in the outdoors, both of which are great for helping you to relax, quieten the mind and focus.

If you still feel anxious, stressed or even depressed and it’s affecting your mental wellbeing, please seek professional advice.

You might also find these First Psychology resources helpful:

• Find out more and view our FREE webinar recording 'Supporting staff returning to work after lockdown' >
• Download our FREE pdf booklet 'Supporting mental health - a psychological toolkit for supporting staff returning to work after lockdown' >
• View our FREE covid19 wellbeing resources >

Stop defining success and start living

Setting goals can be a great motivator and can ignite a passion within us but when it starts affecting our mental health negatively, it’s time for a rethink. What’s important to you? What will this imagined success bring you that something else can’t? Do you strive for more money and material items to bring you status or admiration?

Some people measure success by wealth and the size of their home, while for others, a loving relationship, physical health or having children are more important. An article that featured in the Harvard Business Review, showed that success can be measured subjectively and objectively. While one might be seen from a status perspective, the other comes from an emotional outlook.

Often we set our goals based on what others expect of us or how we want to appear to everyone else. But by continually denying ourselves the things that bring us true happiness, we could start to experience negative emotions. Perhaps you spend all your time focused on work because you only see the end goal and forget that the journey to success should be equally as rewarding. If you neglect your wellbeing for too long, it can cause stress and poor quality of sleep which can lead to burnout.

All the time you spend striving to be successful, means that you’re missing out on other things that make you truly happy. Perhaps you love to go out with your friends or take weekend breaks but they’re being pushed to one side in order for you to continue on the road to success. If you keep neglecting the small pleasures that bring you joy, you’ll find yourself feeling anxious, stressed and maybe even depressed.

Ways to put yourself first

• When we’re so focused on a goal, we often lose sight of who we are so it’s important to remind yourself of your unique qualities. Make a list of all the things you love about yourself that aren’t related to an achievement of some kind.
• Often we define success by what other people deem important but this can sometimes set us on the wrong path and blur our own personal definition of success. Write down what you believe to be successful without being influenced by anyone else. You might find that your ideas are very different to what you first thought.
• By regularly practising self-love you’ll remind yourself of all your positive qualities. Positive affirmations are a great way to do this, and they can also help you appreciate all the great aspects of your life.
• Avoid spending too much time with people who impose high expectations on you. It’s easy to be drawn into other people’s ways of thinking but if it isn’t making you happy, then you perhaps need to let go. 

Although striving for success can give us purpose, if the journey is not fulfilling your needs, you need to start doing the things that make YOU happy. Make time for all the things that bring you joy whether that’s spending more time outdoors, doing something creative or enjoying a hobby.

It’s so important to put your mental wellbeing first so if you find yourself becoming out of sorts and unhappy, you might be forcing yourself onto a path that isn’t meant for you. By focusing on something that combines your true passion and strengths, the journey to YOUR success will become much more meaningful and rewarding.

Managing a flexible workplace culture

If the Covid-19 pandemic has taught us anything it’s that a flexible workplace isn’t only possible, but it is in fact, necessary. Many businesses realised the benefits of providing flexible working a long time ago and have therefore become accustomed to how this can be achieved. However, for those companies that are only now experiencing the structure of a flexible workplace, they may require some assistance to do so successfully.

The benefits of a flexible workforce

During the pandemic, we were advised to work from home if we could and businesses were encouraged to ensure their employees had this option if feasible. The fact that many jobs can be conducted from home has revealed how flexibility and homeworking can have both positive and negative outcomes.

The positive impact of a flexibility

• Single parents are less likely to require childcare if they have the option to work from home, rather than in an office or other relevant workplace. This can help alleviate some of the stresses that are associated with juggling parenthood and full time employment. 
• Employees with dependents such as elderly or ill parents can continue to work while caring for their dependents.
• Workers with ongoing health conditions could find it easier to work from home rather than have their illness exacerbated by daily commutes or inappropriate work environments.
• Flexibility promotes a culture of care which makes employees feel respected and valued which, in turn, has a positive effect on their mental wellbeing, thereby promoting workplace productivity. A review of productivity figures by HSBC revealed that flexible working is an incentive for increased productivity. 
• Being flexible in terms of part-time and home working increases the talent pool to individuals who couldn’t access roles because of their personal circumstances.

The negative impact of working from home

Although flexibility has its perks for both the employer and employee, working from home full-time can have a negative effect on staff:

• Loneliness – without the interaction with fellow work colleagues, homeworkers can feel lonely, isolated, and excluded.
• Isolation can lead to mental health difficulties – prolonged isolation has been linked to depression, impaired function, sleep deprivation, and even impaired immunity.
• Stress caused by the need to prove yourself – some people may feel pressured to increase their workload or targets because they are no longer working in the office. This can lead to working longer hours and not taking breaks in an attempt to prove yourself.
• Expectation of working even when ill – this expectation may be self-inflicted or come from employers.

Successfully managing a flexible workforce

It is important to create a healthy, flexible culture that meets the needs of the individual and the entire workforce to ensure mental wellbeing is not affected.

• Allow flexible working hours to accommodate employees with dependents or with health issues that require shorter working hours and flexible days to accommodate medical appointments. This can release the pressure employees feel from trying to cram everything into a set time period. Less stress decreases the likelihood of mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
• Make your expectations clear from the outset and encourage communication regarding workload. Clear guidance gives employees confidence that what they are achieving is what is expected, and it can prevent anxiety or feelings of underachievement.
• Organise online social opportunities for those working from home. This can also include weekly online meetings where teams can get together to discuss projects and ongoing work. Isolated working can lead to depression and loneliness so regular socialisation, even virtually, can help prevent this.
• Emphasise the need for homeworkers to take breaks rather than work through their lunch hour. Breaks are essential to ensure employees don't suffer from burnout which can lead to stress in the long term.
• Encourage discussions about mental health and make employees aware of places they can get support such as their GP and other health care professionals. Open discussions about mental health take away the stigma that is often associated with these kinds of difficulties. By approaching mental wellbeing right at the start there is a decreased chance that these problems will develop into more serious symptoms.

If you or your employees are struggling with the impact of working from home, you may benefit from a KeepWell Working From Home MOT, which has been designed to focus on the wellbeing and mental health needs of those working from home. Find out more about this service here >

Easing young people into the workplace

The transition from leaving school and going into full-time work can be a daunting prospect, especially for young adults who haven’t yet decided which career path they want to take. There’s an awful lot of pressure on children to have their future goals all mapped out by the time they leave school but in a more realistic world, they have barely got to grips with understanding themselves. 

Following a study published by the British Chambers of Commerce Workforce Survey, HRreview highlights the following findings:

“88% of businesses believe school leavers are unprepared for the world of work, in comparison to 54% of businesses that think graduates are unprepared for the workplace."

"More than half of businesses (57%) said a lack of soft skills, such as communication and team working, were reasons why young people were not ‘work ready’.”

What can you do to ease the transition?

As an employer, you have a duty of care for the wellbeing of all employees, regardless of their age. If you accept a young adult into your place of work, whether on a training scheme or in permanent, full-time employment, there are various ways you can help them adapt. 

Although the government does offer help to businesses that employ school leavers, and they will have been given career advice prior to leaving school, as an employer you can still contribute to their wellbeing.

Induction training

An induction is an essential part of the transition and gives the employee a better understanding of their role and what is expected of them. By being patient and allowing for mistakes during the process, they will feel comfortable enough to ask questions that will help them get ahead. 

Don’t micro-manage

As tempting as it may be to constantly check everything they are doing, try to give them some leeway to take responsibility for themselves. Hovering over someone and scrutinising their work on a daily basis can be intimidating and put them under more pressure. 

Offer training

As we saw from the BCC report, school leavers starting out in full time employment often lack soft skills so by offering ongoing training for their personal development, they will have the opportunity to develop skills such as communication and time management.

Make them feel valued

As an inexperienced employee, one of the scariest aspects is wondering whether they are doing their job properly, if their position is secure, and if their boss is happy with their work. By offering regular feedback, praising their efforts (even if they’re not quite up to scratch yet) and listening to how they are feeling will give them more confidence and motivate them to improve.

Offer incentives

One of the most difficult parts of the transition for school leavers going into full-time employment is getting used to working longer hours with less breaks and fewer holidays each year. To avoid absenteeism, lateness, and a lack of motivation, offer incentives such as days off in lieu or a monthly/annual bonus.

Integration

To make them feel like part of the team, plan social events so that they can get to know their colleagues on a more personal level.

Career progression 

Talk to your employee about career progression within the company, not only so they have something to aim for but also to make them feel more secure about their position in the company.