How leaders can better support holistic wellbeing in their team

More than eight out of 10 employees are at risk of burnout this year, according to the ‘2024 Global Talent Trends’ report published by Mercer, a HR consulting firm.

The COVID-19 pandemic certainly contributed to the initial squeeze, however, that panic has now abated, and businesses are still losing employees faster than they can say, "HR, we have a problem."

The American Psychology Association’s ‘2023 Work in America Survey’, revealed that 57 percent of workers said they experienced negative impacts due to work-related stress associated with burnout, including emotional exhaustion, irritability and anger.

Brands such as Nike, Google and Apple have long been at the forefront of employee wellbeing.

Across the Pacific Ocean, the Australian Bureau of Statistics estimates that 1.3 million Australian workers changed their employer or the business they operated in the year to February 2023, maintaining the highest annual rate since 2012.

People change jobs for a variety of reasons, but knowing what we know about increasing stress in the workplace due to pressure to perform, heavy workloads and lack of resources, people are becoming more likely to hand in their notice in hope of finding some equilibrium.

The relentless pace of modern work culture, coupled with the immense pressure to achieve, forces us to reconsider what true success looks like, not just for the business but for the people who are enabling our businesses to grow.

It’s time to focus on whole life success

Brands such as Nike, Google and Apple have long been at the forefront of employee wellbeing, offering not only flexibility, co-working and ongoing education, but also days for rest and wellbeing.

Employees are holistic beings who live with all the complexities that being human brings.

It’s time to follow their lead no matter the size of the business and embrace a new paradigm – one that prioritizes employee success in and out of work. Whole life success suggests greater balance and allows time for the elements required for wellbeing.

If someone is thriving professionally, but they have no capacity to take a walk in the sun or hit the gym, no space for activities that enhance life and bring pleasure, or they must continuously reschedule medical appointments and forever miss important family events, the question must be asked about the true sustainability of this success.

Supporting people, not just careers

Although many people spend the majority of their waking time at work, everyone is so much more than their job. Employees are holistic beings who live with all the complexities that being human brings.

To ensure career success, the life that exists beyond the water cooler must also be considered, and the key considerations for holistic success might be simple and more delicious than they first appear.

Think about the Mars Bar’s timeless catchphrase: "A Mars a day helps you work, rest and play." It’s a memorable slogan, but when examined more closely, it’s also a philosophy for whole life success and ongoing wellbeing.

Imagine the three key elements of this treat as the essential ingredients of a fulfilling life: the nougat represents work, the caramel signifies rest or restorative activities and the chocolate embodies play.

Encourage your team to find a balance that includes not just hard work, but also ample breaks and joyful play.

Most adults are great at work and home, which leaves two essential components for wellbeing languishing on the shelf – many people need encouragement to become good at rest and play.

A relaxed and rested brain is more dynamic and effective, and a brain ignited through play solves problems more easily and engagement can be enhanced.

With your team, this might look like regular short breaks in a room designed for breathing or dreaming, or an invitation to a cup of tea outside in the sun. Play could be a weekly games challenge, a monthly team sport event or anything that invites the joyful parts of the brain to come online and explore.

Engage your crew in the discovery process. What do they consider restorative or playful activities? Then do more of that.

The responsibility lies with leadership to foster an environment where these elements are in harmony and model that first, then inspire it in your teams. We can’t be what we can’t see.

Encourage your team to find a balance that includes not just hard work, but also ample breaks and joyful play. By doing so, you’ll not only improve their wellbeing but also enhance productivity and foster a more positive workplace culture where people want to stay long-term.