We have seen so many people limp through December and January with health issues. Viruses seem to be getting more prolonged, and cause long-term tiredness and difficulties. Prevention is always better than cure, and employers and employees alike can do things to help themselves.

It's very hard for an employer to dictate how employees should look after themselves, but we do have some personal responsibility. We only have 3 axis of health we can play with as individuals and those are: sleep, food, and exercise. There are thousands of books written on these subjects and many podcasts. We particularly like Matthew Walker's book ‘Why we Sleep', and there are other similar books around. Having enough sleep and arranging to have enough sleep is critical. It is always strange how human beings sabotage themselves, too. Often, a little coaching does help too to centre oneself around these three axis. It always amazes us when people do a values exercise in a leadership development workshop and do not put health at the top of their priority list, as from health stems all other positive outcomes. 

Employers too can do an enormous amount by encouraging people, when appropriate and personally wanted, for example, flu vaccinations and making it easier for those who want them to have them in the workplace or to have time off to achieve them. Redrafting policies that establish good boundaries, but are compassionate and do not confuse compassion with weak management will stop time off for counselling, therapy, etc. Giving mental health the place it deserves alongside physical health in the workplace is imperative, as we still note, there is a reluctance to.

If you need support in drafting policies which steer the fine line between compassion and efficiency, or some team building around these three axis, please do get in touch.