The Power of Prioritizing Wellness in the Workplace
There’s so much power in prioritizing wellness in the workplace including the fact that it promotes an overall positive work environment. Promoting wellness in the workplace includes but is not limited to, providing access to life coaches, having an open-door policy for questions and concerns, and fostering an active and inclusive workplace.
However, the responsibility of prioritizing wellness in the workplace isn’t solely an employer’s. Employees, contractors, and entrepreneurs also share this responsibility.
Being a project manager in any industry or capacity requires a different level of professional commitment. This is because of the high-stress nature of managing projects; especially with corporate, high-visibility projects. And sometimes it’s really hard to prioritize wellness when you’re faced with competing priorities and tight deadlines.
But, As women in project management, we know all too well how important it is to advocate for our well-being, set boundaries, and find balance in our personal and professional lives.
The Power of Prioritizing Wellness in the Workplace is expressed in the following 4 points.
Supports overall well-being.
Your overall well-being encompasses both your mental and physical health. By prioritizing wellness in the workplace, individuals can achieve a better work-life balance that allows them to allocate more time to both physical activities and personal endeavors that provide fulfillment in life.
If you’re an employee working in corporate America, definitely ask leadership about EAP and see what options are available.
According to a study done by pewresearch.com, at least half of workers actually enjoy the work they do. This is a good thing, but to prevent workplace burnout, it’s important to set boundaries for yourself by prioritizing wellness and taking advantage of the opportunity to live a more well-rounded lifestyle.
Asya Watkins
2. Increased productivity and performance.
I don’t know about you, but I do my best work when I feel mentally and physically in shape. There’s something about going for a run or brisk walk that makes you feel like you can conquer the world. This can be extremely helpful for project managers. Although most PM roles are not as physically taxing as it is mentally, keeping good physical health supports overall health and happiness.
Taking the time to do yoga or any light exercise a few times a week can reduce can improve memory and decrease depression according to studies by the CDC. This will naturally improve performance at work.
3. Increased sense of belonging.
We all want to feel that the work we are doing is being valued. But not just the work we do, we’d like to know that employers care about the overall well-being of their employees. If you’re an entrepreneur in project management, the same applies. When wellness is prioritized, individuals can experience a greater sense of care and belonging.
4. Improved engagement among colleagues.
I work alongside a team based in another country where holidays are frequent and it’s clear that wellness and work-life balance is prioritized. These are some of the most brilliant and pleasant people I’ve worked with. When wellness is prioritized, a more inclusive and thoughtful work environment for individuals to thrive is inevitable.
By, Airess Rembert, PMP, Member of Women Of Project Management & Blogger at The Nerd Bae
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