How can I improve the physical and mental well-being of my employees?

February 10, 2021

5 min read

^{By: Lucas Melman, CEO of Gympass Mexico}

“Health“It is probably the main desire, interest and engine of personal and business agendas in 2021. In an environment as challenging as the previous year, it is increasingly essential to know the new tools and platforms that allow compliance with regulations already established as NOM 35, as well as the recently approved reform for the regulation of teleworking.

One of the concerns we hear most at Gympass in the area of ​​Human Resources is how to support teams, especially since, according to a study conducted by the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), 85% of Mexican organizations do not have adequate conditions for its employees. to have a balance between their personal and professional life, which causes physical and psychological disorders.

One of the elements on which companies can rely is technology: bringing together integrated platforms in which employees find tools that allow them to achieve exactly that balance: from nutrition to adopting or deepening healthier lifestyles, fitness options or starting meditation practices to improve daily quality.

Let’s also consider that, according to information provided by Gartner Consulting, 41% of employees would be willing to continue with home office being the fact that before the pandemic only 30% worked remotely from time to time and that the circumstances themselves will be favorable for more and more people to join this way of working.

^{Image: Depositphotos.com}

We know how difficult the year is, so I would like to share with you five actions that can support you in addressing the concerns of work teams in early 2021.

1. Explore flexible schemes: Teams will most likely have different needs to achieve their goals. It is important to consider various policy design approaches that enable teams to reap the benefits of remote work as much as possible and to adequately meet their objectives. Remember that demonstrating flexibility is a long way to go to build support networks and value relationships for the benefit of all.
2. See wellness as an integrated concept. One of the main lessons that 2020 has left us is that physical well-being is just as important as emotional well-being, due to the impact it has on social skills, as well as the ease of proper concentration, empathy, idea generation. and teamwork. According to its own study conducted by Gympass at the regional level, 77% of users surveyed highlighted the importance of companies offering wellness solutions, however, only 34% of companies had an approach that included the emotional aspect and not just the physical.
3. Strengthen resilience: It is no coincidence that companies use phrases and images associated with the world of sports: “Eyes on the finish line” or “achieving market positioning is not a short race, it is a marathon”. Physical activity is an excellent teacher, so that both from the individual and from the formation of teams, we know our strengths, we improve our communication skills and it is an experience that can be capitalized in a positive way by both leaders and by the companies themselves.
4. Encourage collaborative environments: Collaborative work is an essential ingredient in all processes. In this new context, teams can be affected by the geographical barriers of remote and dispersed work; However, setting common challenges through physical activity or wellness on an integrated platform can be a catalyst for triggering strong conversations that allow them to remain creative, innovative and close.
5. Don’t forget about self-care. The Human Resources area was one of the areas that suffered the most wear in 2020. It is also important that those responsible for the optimal functioning of the teams be included in the physical and emotional care agenda, with exercise routines and monitoring of activities. either meditation, yoga and those applications for better sleep quality. Happy employees are not only synonymous with healthy people, but also with productivity, loyalty to the company, aspects that provide a healthier work environment.

Companies are one of the productive engines of any economy. I cannot forget that they are entities made up of people, who unite their efforts, talents, discipline and interests to achieve a common goal. To the extent that approaches are more comprehensive and measures are taken for the physical and emotional care of teams, there will be a positive impact that allows the development of potentials and capabilities to increase well-being, generating virtuous circles in the new dynamic. of the labor market.