To build a team of productive, well-balanced individuals, holistic wellness must be encouraged and supported by employers while employees ought to take responsibility for adapting their lifestyles to achieve holistic wellness.
The year 2022 has been earmarked as the year of recovery as people slowly begin to heal from the scars of COVID-19.
Employers worldwide have recognised that employees returning to the workplace post-pandemic seem to be lacking motivation and creativity in the performance of their jobs. To revitalise the workforce, a focus on the holistic wellness of employees has taken centre stage.
What does holistic wellness encompass?
Holistic wellness is categorised into seven areas: mental wellness, physical wellness, emotional wellness, spiritual wellness, social wellness, occupational wellness, and financial wellness.
The focus on physical and mental wellness refers to the general health of a person’s body and mind – keeping the body and mind healthy and free from illness or acknowledging a sickness and seeking the necessary treatment timeously. Ensuring that the mind and body are healthy, results in us being able to accomplish our daily goals, make sound decisions and being open to learning new skills.
Emotional, spiritual and social wellness concentrates on individuals’ state of mind and sense of belonging. This includes their ability to socialise, maintain relationships, and recognise a Higher Being. While they understand that not all situations are within their control, they possess the ability to react positively to stressful situations and recognise that it is acceptable to seek assistance or support, if required. Likewise, individuals must be socially responsible by aiding those in need, both physically and financially.
Occupational wellness includes how stimulated an employee feels in their job, with a focus on creating jobs that are fulfilling and where individuals can pursue growth opportunities and career advancement. Job security and adequate remuneration are also key determinants.
Financial wellness encourages individuals to maintain steady income streams and save adequately. Attention is given to ensuring we do not overspend and maintaining a reserve fund for emergencies or other unexpected situations.
Why has holistic wellness become relevant now?
Earlier this year, we were fortunate to finally return to some ‘normalcy’ post-pandemic. Virtually all restrictions we became accustomed to over the previous two years were lifted. Although it was much anticipated and long-awaited, many of us were and still are (to a lesser extent) hesitant to return to our pre-pandemic way of life.
Hardly anyone we know can say they were left unscarred by the effects of the pandemic and the resulting lockdown we endured. From those who contracted the virus and bravely fought their way to recovery to those who selflessly nursed their nearest and dearest, risking contracting the virus themselves, and those who courageously admitted their loved ones to high-care facilities with endless hope that they would return in better health.
Many, however, succumbed to the virus. Families were left heartbroken and were forced to grieve in seclusion due to lockdown regulations limiting the movement of people and restricting numbers at funerals. Many families also felt the void of being unable to visit their religious institutions and the support they offered during their difficult periods, due to these being shut down temporarily.
Those who were constrained indoors, working from home for extended periods, faced their own challenges. Many struggled to live in isolation with minimal social interaction and a feeling of claustrophobia resulting from the restrictions of movement. Others tried to busy themselves with work, eventually leading to burnout and a poor work-life balance. First-time employees experienced frustration with limited exposure and training leading to boredom and a lack of motivation. These situations lead to depression and anxiety among employees.
Generally, the pandemic had a negative impact on the economy, resulting in many businesses folding. Many individuals were left unemployed and under severe financial strain with little or no savings. Some were even forced to secure expensive loans to support their families.
As employees began returning to the workplace, many returned distressed bearing the weight of the struggles of the previous two years, largely inhibiting their ability to perform and achieve, and severely impacting the businesses they serve. For this reason, holistic wellness in the workplace has become a priority. Employees are being encouraged to start focusing on all seven areas of holistic wellness to overcome the trauma hampering their performance and progress.
How are employees being encouraged to focus on holistic wellness?
Generally, employees are urged to address mental and physical health issues by visiting their healthcare practitioners. Employers have recognised the need to support their employees by providing sufficient time off for treatment as well as reduced workloads if needed until employees are able to return to working at a higher capacity.
Employers have also recognised the need to employ additional resources to address backlogs created during the COVID lockdown periods in order to reduce the pressure and stress on existing employees.
Whilst a four-day workweek is abuzz internationally, South Africans will need to investigate the suitability of that model, which depends on individual businesses.
Employers are also organising team-building and other social events for employees to encourage social interaction and increase staff morale.
Below are a few generally encouraged habits supporting holistic wellness:
- Slotting in some time for exercise at least three times per week
- Making healthier food choices (avoid junk food and over-indulging)
- Address physical and mental health-related issues promptly by visiting your healthcare practitioner
- Take time to nurture and stimulate your mind by reading books or articles of interest, taking a short course to enhance your knowledge in a related field or even pursuing your interest in a new field of study.
- Spend a few minutes in meditation each day
- Plan a day out with your family to spend quality time together
- Make time to catch up with your friends and family
- Setup budgets to maintain and evaluate your spending patterns
- Seek advice for your financial future and plan accordingly
- Manage your stress levels by taking regular breaks when you feel pressurized
- Try to ensure that you get sufficient sleep daily
Where to from here?
Employers are encouraged to become more mindful of employees’ mental health and general living conditions.
Management should be trained to identify holistic wellness matters and consider appointing a wellness officer. Employers should also be open to considering the introduction of four-day work weeks, where suitable, and a transition from managing time and material to focusing on productivity. Allowing employees flexibility in their work hours and allowing a hybrid work model will lead to higher levels of employee wellness.
Author
Nabeela Ally CA(SA) is the Tax Manager at Britz Blore and Associates Inc, Pietermaritzburg, and a member of SAICA’s Eastern Region Tax Sub-committee