Leading The Workplace Revolution: How to Unleash Wellbeing and Boost Success
There's pressure. The pace keeps accelerating. And we all face a choice: give in to the hustle culture and squeeze every bit of life from ourselves and our teams, or model a different kind of behavior, setting the standard for a balanced life. Where do you stand?
A startling 41% of workers worldwide experience work-related stress, 62% (!) are disengaged, and 58% report struggling as a life experience according the Gallup's State of the Global Workplace: 2024 Report. And managers are non only more likely to be stressed, angry, sad and lonely than non-managers.
That's an unsettling reality.
It's no secret that high levels of chronic stress can lead to burnout, decreased productivity, and employee turnover. Fostering a culture that values work-life integration and prioritizes employee well-being can result in a more engagement, motivation, loyalty, creativity—and impacts the bottom line.
What can we do?
“Example is not the main thing in influencing others. It is the only thing.”
Building a Culture of Well-Being: The Leader's Role in in Work-Life Balance
Research shows managers play a significant role in on-the-job stress levels, and those leaders who prioritize work-life balance not only improve their own wellbeing but also inspire their teams to do the same.
Leaders have the power to change the narrative for teams. One of the most powerful ways to do so is to walk the talk of work-life balance and make it safe for everyone to do so.
A leader's actions set the tone for the organization. Here are some key strategies inspired by Wharton Work's tool Working for the Weekends. These actions promote greater wellbeing for yourself and for those around you, no matter where you are in the hierarchy.
Unplug and disconnect. Set hard starts and stops to your own work day and work week — yes, that means enjoying time for yourself mornings, evenings and weekends. Share these experiences with your team to encourage them to do the same.
Separate work and personal life. Clear boundaries can help keep work from creeping over into family and leisure activities. Own your own limits and encourage teams to engage in quality time outside of work. This means not answering emails outside of work time.
Promote Flexibility. Foster a culture of flexibility within the organization that allows employees to customize their work schedules to accommodate personal priorities and leisure activities. Empower individuals to design their own schedules to align with their unique preferences and interests.
Communicate openly. Transparency fosters an environment where employees feel comfortable discussing their own struggles and seeking support. Share your own challenges and successes in maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Prioritize Self-Care. Demonstrate the importance of self-care by taking time for activities that promote relaxation and well-being. Whether it's a hobby, exercise, or spending time with loved ones, let your team see that you value and prioritize your own well-being.
Recognize and Reward Balance. Acknowledge and celebrate individuals who prioritize self-care and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Incorporate recognition programs or incentives that reward employees for taking proactive steps to maintain a balanced lifestyle and promote well-being.
Provide Resources and Support. Offer resources, such as workshops, seminars, wellness programs, or coaching that equip employees with practical strategies for work-life balance, stress management and holistic well-being.
Real-Life Success Stories
Don't underestimate the power of fixing your own wheelhouse first.
One of my clients, an upper echelon department head in an international tech company, transformed his own work-life balance by setting up clear boundaries and finding time management and prioritization tools that worked for him. Then he workshopped with his team to help them find their own best way of working, opening up to more flexibility and clear communication. The impact was so promising, he set out to spread best practices throughout the company.
Another client, a senior leader with a team of fifty, similarly implemented hard boundaries and recuperated her energy and focus. Then she blocked time on her calendar for uninterrupted strategic work with specific hours set aside to manage bids and emergencies. The number of fires she had to put out decreased dramatically because her team members felt empowered to resolve them on their own. Everyone's stress decreased.
Modeling a balanced, productive workplace contributes to creating an organizational culture that values wellbeing, improving morale, productivity and retention.
Gallup found that "70% of the variance in team engagement can be attributed to the manager." What else helps with engagement?
Building on-going relationships based on respect, positivity and understanding employees' personal strengths
Helping employees find meaning and reward in their work
Setting clear goals and priorities and providing guidance
Giving regular recognition, constructive feedback and accountability
Communicating more and clearly
Take Action
Are you ready to step away from the hustle-bustle pressure cooker approach and find balance? Start with your own wellbeing, then spread it to your part of the ecosystem you work in.
Download the playbook: Unlocking Productivity and Profitability through Wellbeing.
Reach out here to discuss how coaching can help you find the right steps to take for yourself and your team.
“Being a role model is the most powerful form of educating.”