As employers, we are constantly looking for ways to improve employee wellbeing. One of the most prominent barriers to achieving this goal is employee burnout – a condition that is characterized by emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by heavy workloads, high expectations, and the ever-blurring lines between our work lives and our personal lives.

However, with the recent rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace, this does beg the question: can technology be the key to reducing workplace stress, or does it risk adding to the pressure?

We know that workplace stress is at an all-time high. According to a report by the American Psychological Association, over 75% of employees experience daily stress related to work, with many citing unrealistic deadlines, lack of control, and poor work-life balance as the primary culprits.

So how does AI fit into all of this? Well, AI has the potential to revolutionize the way businesses operate and, if implemented correctly, can help alleviate some of the most prominent stress triggers in the workplace:

• Automating Repetitive Tasks – administrative burdens often contribute to employee burnout, and so it can be smart to invest in AI-powered tools that can handle repetitive, time-consuming tasks like scheduling meetings, processing invoices, and responding to routine emails. By automating these processes, employees can focus on more meaningful and engaging work, reducing cognitive overload and frustration.
• Smart Workload Management – AI-driven project management software, such as Asana and Trello, have the capabilities to analyze workloads and redistribute tasks more efficiently. These systems can provide real-time insights into employee capacity, preventing burnout by ensuring workloads are balanced.
• Enhanced Employee Support and Wellbeing – AI-powered mental health chatbots and virtual counsellors, such as Wysa and Woebot, offer employees 24/7 emotional support, guiding them through stress management techniques. Additionally, companies such as Alula Technologies offer detailed, personalised insight on mental wellbeing and stress levels through their VivaScore product, which can give employees tailored advice best suited to them and alert employers to which employees are struggling with stress.
• Work-Life Balance through AI Scheduling – one of the most significant contributors to burnout is a lack of work-life balance. AI-driven scheduling tools can optimize meeting times, reduce unnecessary interruptions, and suggest better time management strategies. For example, Microsoft’s Viva Insights provides employees with data-driven recommendations on when to take breaks and how to structure their workday for maximum efficiency.

However, it is important to note that while AI presents significant opportunities, it is not without risks. Employees may feel uneasy about being monitored by AI, raising concerns about privacy and surveillance. Additionally, an over-reliance on AI could lead to depersonalization in HR, where human empathy and intuition are crucial ingredients to the human resource function. It’s therefore essential that AI is used as a supplement to – and not a replacement for – genuine human support and interaction.

As organizations introduce AI into the workplace, it is HR who will play a pivotal role in supporting these new co-worker relationships between humans and technology. As Melissa Swift describes in her book Work Here Now, HR will be ‘couples counsellors’ for humans and technology, coaching employees on how to successfully interact with newly integrated tech in order to optimize its (and their) abilities.

If you would like to discuss how we can help your company choose the best AI tools to help manage and prevent employee burnout, as well as be the ‘couples counsellors’ for your employees and new technology, please get in touch with us today!

In Shakespeare’s As You Like It, the character Jaques famously declares, “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players”. In other words, all of us are, to some extent, putting on an act when interacting with the world around us.

This is particularly resonant in the modern workplace, where employees often feel the need to adopt a professional persona that aligns with company culture, industry expectations, and leadership styles. But to what extent is this workplace persona necessary? And how does it impact employee wellbeing, performance, and authenticity?

A workplace persona – a cultivated version of oneself tailored to professional settings – serves various purposes. It can help with maintaining professional boundaries, navigating workplace dynamic, and even building credibility for someone’s own personal brand. Whatever the reason, it has always been well-known that the workplace has a set of pseudo-expectations that many of us will adhere to because there is a certain ‘way’ to be an employee. And the numbers speak for themselves when it comes to this phenomenon: a survey by Workhuman found that 73% employees claimed to have a ‘work personality’ that was different to how they interacted with family or friends.

While professionalism is undeniably important for employers, the pressure on employees to sustain a rigid workplace persona can be exhausting and, in some cases, detrimental to mental health. Employees who feel compelled to mask their true selves for extended periods may experience emotional fatigue, reduced job satisfaction, and even burnout. This phenomenon, known as ‘surface acting,’ occurs when individuals suppress their genuine emotions in favor of expected workplace behaviour, which can inadvertently lead to creativity and innovation being stifled.

The key for both employees and employers is to strike a balance between professionalism and authenticity. Encouraging a psychologically safe environment where employees feel comfortable expressing themselves without fear of judgment can improve morale and ensure that creativity and innovation – two things that require the courage to take risks – remain a top priority in your business.

Flexibility in workplace norms, such as hybrid work models or relaxed dress codes, can also contribute to a more authentic and comfortable environment. When employees feel supported in being themselves (while still maintaining professional standards) they are more likely to remain engaged and committed to their roles.

The world of work is indeed a stage, but employees shouldn’t feel like actors reading from a script. While a workplace persona can facilitate professionalism and collaboration, it should not come at the cost of authenticity and wellbeing. Organizations that recognize and respect the balance between professional expectations and individual identity will ultimately foster a healthier, more productive workforce.  

If you would like to discuss how we can help your organization strike the perfect balance between professionalism and individualism, please get in touch with us today!

In today’s fast-paced economy, financial stress is a silent but powerful force affecting the workplace. In a 2024 survey, 60% of employees claimed to worry about money at least once a week.

As an HR professional, I’ve seen firsthand how personal debt can impact employee well-being, productivity, and retention; while financial struggles may seem like a personal issue, the reality is that they have a direct effect on the workplace. Employers have an opportunity – if not an obligation – to support their workforce in navigating financial challenges.

When employees are burdened by debt, their stress levels rise, leading to reduced concentration, increased absenteeism, and even mental health struggles. Research shows that financial anxiety can significantly hinder job performance, with employees spending hours of work time worrying about their financial situations.

Forward-thinking employers are shifting their approach to financial wellbeing by offering meaningful benefits and resources. Traditionally, organizations have provided pension plans, health insurance, and bonuses, but there is now a greater need for direct financial wellness initiatives. Here are some effective ways companies can assist employees in managing their debt:

• Financial Education & Coaching – workshops, webinars, and one-on-one coaching can equip employees with budgeting skills, debt repayment strategies, and long-term financial planning tools.
• Access to Responsible Financial Products – instead of leaving employees to rely on high-interest payday loans, employers can partner with financial wellness platforms that provide access to affordable credit options and budgeting tools.
• Earned Wage Access (EWA) – one of the most impactful solutions is giving employees control over their earnings. This is where companies like Wagestream are leading the way. By allowing workers to access a portion of their earned wages before payday, Wagestream helps employees avoid costly overdrafts, late fees, and predatory lending.
• Debt Repayment Assistance – some businesses are offering employer-sponsored student loan repayment contributions or direct payroll deductions for debt payments, making it easier for employees to stay on track.
• Workplace Savings Programs – encouraging employees to build an emergency fund through automatic payroll deductions can provide long-term financial security and resilience against debt accumulation.

Supporting employees in managing their debt isn’t a charitable initiative – it’s a business strategy that yields tangible benefits. Financially secure employees are more engaged, motivated, and less likely to seek alternative employment due to money-related stress. Companies that prioritize financial well-being programs also build stronger employer brands, attracting top talent in competitive job markets.

By integrating financial wellness into workplace benefits, employers can create a culture that fosters stability, productivity, and loyalty. And with innovative solutions like Wagestream, we have the tools to make financial freedom a reality for our workforce.

If you would like to discuss how we can help embed financial wellness strategies into your employee benefits, please get in touch with me at therese@orgshakers.com

Many studies have shown that employee happiness is linked to their productivity – the most famous of these studies citing that employees are around 13% more productive when they feel happy at work.

Employee happiness seems to be becoming a rising concern to employers; only a few months ago did Chinese company Pang Dong Lai make history by introducing ‘unhappiness leave’, a new form of paid time off where employees could now request an additional 10 days off if they were not feeling happy. Whilst this indicates care for their employees’ mental wellbeing, it doesn’t actually get to the root of the problem…that is, what is making them unhappy in the first place?

This is where having some real-time data around the happiness of your employees would be so beneficial. But how could an employer go about obtaining this? How does one ‘measure’ happiness?

Traditional methods of assessing employee well-being – such as annual surveys or exit interviews – are often outdated by the time they are analyzed. What employers need is real-time tracking which will allow them to gain insights into the current mood and morale of the workforce, enabling proactive interventions before issues escalate – and foregoing the need for unhappiness leave in the first place.

One of the most effective ways to track employee happiness in real time is by leveraging technology-driven tools that are specifically designed for this. For example, let’s take a look at a platform pioneered by Matt Phelan – the Happiness Index.

The Happiness Index measures employee sentiment by focusing on two key areas: Happiness (emotional wellbeing) and Engagement (purpose and motivation). Employees provide regular feedback through simple pulse surveys, and the system aggregates and analyzes this data to identify trends and areas for improvement.

By utilizing AI-powered sentiment analysis, the Happiness Index provides real-time insights, allowing HR teams and leaders to track fluctuations in employee wellbeing. In a nutshell, it helps businesses understand what’s working and what’s not, based on genuine employee sentiment rather than blind guesswork.

There are then multiple ways that this data on employee happiness can be used for the betterment of your business:

• Enhancing Workplace Culture – data on employee happiness helps businesses identify what contributes to a positive workplace culture. If employees report feeling stressed or disengaged, initiatives can be implemented like wellness programs, flexible work arrangements, or leadership training to improve workplace dynamics.
• Reducing Turnover – real-time happiness tracking allows organizations to spot signs of disengagement or dissatisfaction early. When employees consistently report low happiness scores, the underlying issues of this can be investigated and corrected to avoid the loss of top talent.
• Boosting Productivity and Innovation – as evidenced above,employees who feel happy and engaged are more likely to be productive and innovative. By continuously monitoring happiness levels, organizations can adjust their work environment to encourage peak performance (for example, redesigning office spaces to make them more complimentary to hybrid working).
• Personalizing Employee Experience – just as businesses personalize customer experiences based on data, real-time employee happiness tracking allows employers to tailor experiences for their workforce. Whether through customized learning and development opportunities or individual wellbeing support, organizations can create a more employee-centric workplace.
• Strengthening Leadership Effectiveness – leadership plays a crucial role in shaping employee happiness. By using real-time feedback, managers can gain insights into how their leadership style affects their teams and use this to adapt their management techniques.

Ultimately, investing in employee happiness isn’t just about making work enjoyable – it’s about fostering a sustainable and high-performing organization. Tools like The Happiness Index provide employers with the insights they need to make data-driven decisions that help to ensure sustainability, as well as improve the livelihoods of their teams.

If you would like to discuss how we can help unlock employee happiness in your organization, please get in touch with me at andy@orgshakers.com

‘Sorry, not feeling 100%, need to leave the meeting’ was a text that Vicky Gooden had to send her boss who was sitting across the room one Monday morning where the president of the organization she worked for was hosting his weekly all-staff meeting.

This was because on numerous occasions, although more typically around the time of her period, Vicky was in so much pain that she was unable to physically remain for the whole duration of the meeting and would excuse herself to escape to the nearest bathroom and sit on the floor, doubled-over in pain, rocking back and forth until the feeling subsided.

This is the reality for many women who are currently living with endometriosis.

Endometriosis is a chronic medical condition that affects roughly 10% of the global population – this is equivalent to 190 million women and girls. As witnessed by Vicky’s own experiences, it can cause severe pain, fatigue, and other debilitating symptoms which can oftentimes affect a woman’s ability to work.

Despite its wide prevalence, endometriosis remains widely misunderstood in professional environments, which can in turn lead to unnecessary challenges for employees who have this condition.

So, what are some tailored support strategies that employers should be using to help support those staff who suffer with endometriosis?

• Flexible Working Arrangements – as evidenced from Vicky’s own story, flexibility is key when it comes to supporting those with endometriosis. Employers need to understand that this is a chronic condition that can flare up anytime (but especially around the time of one’s period) and reassure employees that it’s okay for them to work more flexibly to accommodate their health needs…even if this means having to step out of a meeting midway through. This is so important for employers to be offering, as currently 55% of those grappling with endometriosis find themselves frequently absent from work, and so having flexibility can be paramount to ensuring their wellbeing whilst also allowing them to work at their optimum.
• Adjusting Workload and Expectations – employees with endometriosis may have fluctuating productivity levels, and so those employers who promote task prioritization, adjust workloads accordingly, or offer job-sharing opportunities can help employees manage their responsibilities without feeling overwhelmed. This does not mean having lower expectations of someone’s capabilities just because of their endometriosis, it just means having the right reasonable adjustments in place for them to work with their condition rather than trying to work around it.
• Educating Managers and Teams – many managers and colleagues may be unaware of the severity of endometriosis and its effects on daily life – some of them may have never even heard of the condition altogether. Conducting awareness sessions or including information about endometriosis in wellness programs can foster empathy and understanding within the organization. As well as this, ensure that managers are trained in compassionate leadership and how to handle health-related accommodations.
• Enhancing Leave Policies – standard sick leave policies may not be sufficient for employees dealing with chronic illnesses like endometriosis. Implementing menstrual leave, additional paid sick days, or allowing employees to take unpaid leave without fear of repercussions can help them manage their health more effectively.
• Provide Access to Resources – offering access to Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), mental health support, and workplace accommodations such as ergonomic chairs or rest areas can significantly improve an employee’s ability to manage their symptoms while working. Additionally, companies can explore healthcare benefits that cover treatments and specialist consultations for endometriosis.

Endometriosis is a real and challenging condition that affects millions of workers like Vicky on a day-to-day basis. As employers, it is our duty to ensure that all employees, regardless of their health conditions, are given the tools and flexibility they need to thrive in the workplace. By implementing tailored strategies, employers can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for those living with endometriosis.

A healthier workplace benefits everyone, and investing in employee wellbeing is always a step in the right direction. If you would like to discuss how we can help you create and implement these tailored support strategies for those employees with endometriosis, please get in touch with me at therese@orgshakers.com

A couple of years ago when I was at the hospital, the doctor noticed that my heart rate would drop quite significantly and wanted to do further tests. However, I assured him that this was quite normal for me and showed him the data that my health ring had been measuring for the past couple of years.

After taking a look at it, he agreed that there was, in fact, nothing to worry about, and was able to send me on my way.

It was then that I realised what a revolution health technology was becoming.

Not only did I now have instantaneous access to various points of real-time data about myself, but I was able to use this data in medical settings to make my health checks more efficient and informed.

This got me thinking – is this the future of the modern workplace? Should companies be considering the reality of taking health insurance to a whole new level, and actually ensuring the health of their employees by offering them access to a product that can measure their health diagnostics?

Well, that’s how I came to discover Alula Health’s new product VivaScore.

VivaScore offers revolutionary technology when it comes to tracking employee health, as it’s specifically designed for employers to be able to turn workforce health data into actionable insights that will help drive better business decisions. It uses a cutting-edge facial scan that takes no more than 30 seconds to complete, and from this is able to offer instant insights on things such as blood pressure, cardiovascular risk, stress, and even mental wellbeing.

Employers are then able to track their company’s health as a whole through the insights received, and can use these data points to start guiding prevention and intervention services if needed. They can also use ‘nudges’ to help encourage their employees towards better health.

VivaScore offers employers a sense of insurance over the health of their teams, as well as a much more detailed and tailored insight into how they can actually best support their workers on an individualised basis.

I know how difficult it can be to truly support the wellbeing of every single employee at all times – people are complex, and their needs can be even more complex, and so it can be challenging for an employer to devote the time and energy needed to each individual person. But now, with a health tracking app like VivaScore, employers will be able to see instantly who needs health support, whether this be from something physical, or something mental. And with more than two-thirds of employees feeling stressed at work, there is no better time for employers to have access to a tool that can tell them who is stressed and how to help reduce this so that they can continue working at their best and feel their best.  

And what’s even better, being able to offer a service like VivaScore as an employee benefit will help companies stand out to employees. With the rise of health rings, Fitbits, and Apple Watches (as I said, I’m a health ring wearer myself!), it’s become trendy for people to invest in AI-based health technology – so those companies offering access to it as a benefit are likely to prevail as the most attractive ones to work at.

To find out more about VivaScore and the future of employee wellness, be sure to attend our upcoming webinar where we discuss how to transform employee wellness with myself, the CEO and Chief Medical Officer at Check4Cancer Professor Gordon Wishart, as well as Managing Director of Alula Health Simon Spurr and Head of Sales and Growth at Alula Health Jon Cooke on Tuesday 4^th March at 3PM UK time.

In the meantime, if you have any burning questions about VivaScore and its impact for your company, feel free to shoot me an email at therese@orgshakers.com

Eating disorders can often be a taboo topic in the workplace, laden with misconceptions that prevent employers from addressing them effectively.

However, these disorders are more common than many realize, affecting around 1.25 million people in the UK, and almost 30 million in the US.

Contrary to the stereotype that eating disorders mainly impact teenage girls, adults are more frequently affected, with 25% of sufferers being men. This means that it’s quite likely some employees may be silently struggling, leading to increased absences and decreased productivity.

Identifying employees at risk can be challenging since many with eating disorders do not appear visibly underweight. While anorexia is often the most recognized eating disorder, others such as bulimia, binge eating, and ‘Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED)’ can be more easily concealed.

For HR professionals, understanding the signs and knowing how to respond is crucial. Here are some symptoms that may indicate an employee is dealing with an eating disorder:

• Anxiety and Stress Around Food: This can manifest as reluctance to eat with others, obsessive calorie counting or exercising, constant eating, or avoiding looking at their own image (e.g., preferring to keep their camera off during meetings).
• Social Withdrawal: Employees might avoid social situations, particularly those involving food and drink, to maintain control over their diet.
• Need for Routine and Stability: Individuals with eating disorders tend to be perfectionists and may struggle with sudden changes, which they cannot predict or plan for.
• Increased Absences: Eating disorders can compromise the immune system, leading to more frequent health-related absences.

When these signs are coupled with changes in productivity and engagement, it’s important for the employee’s line manager to address the issue. The best approach is to set up a one-on-one meeting, focusing on the employee’s performance rather than directly diagnosing them with an eating disorder. This helps to avoid making the employee feel accused and allows them to lead the conversation, which can help bring the issue to light naturally.

How HR Can Support Employees with Eating Disorders

If it becomes apparent that an employee is struggling with an eating disorder, it’s essential to reassure them that the goal is to support, not judge. Here are steps HR professionals can take:

1. Open a Dialogue: Encourage an open and compassionate conversation about their performance and well-being without making assumptions.
2. Provide Resources: Signpost the employee to helpful resources such as a GP or specialized support organizations like as Beat (UK based) or the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA, US-based).
3. Implement Supportive Policies: Develop and implement policies that promote mental well-being in the workplace. This may include flexible working hours, access to mental health professionals, and creating a supportive culture.

Addressing eating disorders in the workplace is not just about improving productivity but also about fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. By challenging the taboos and providing the necessary support, HR professionals can make a significant difference in the lives of their employees.

If you would like to discuss how we can help boost productivity through the implementation of policies around mental well-being in your workplace, please get in touch with us.

The start of a new year often brings a surge of enthusiasm fuelled by ambitious resolutions. Employees will enter January with fresh goals, heightened motivation, and the determination to transform their personal and professional lives.

As February rolls in, that initial spark can begin to dim; those resolutions that someone set out to achieve may have started to slip away, and suddenly they find themself feeling deflated as reality settles back in. Change is a great thing, and goals are important to set, but if these goals are not realistic (as many resolutions tend to be!) then this can result in feeling disappointment, frustration, and emotional fatigue.

Emotional Health Awareness Day presents a timely opportunity for employers. Rather than viewing it as a day off or a wellness checkbox, it could be considered a strategic moment for employers to engage with their teams through thoughtful check-ins – essentially, mini coaching sessions that can reenergize your employees, acknowledge their efforts, and support their emotional wellbeing at a time in the year where they may be coming to terms with the reality of resolutions. Here are some of the best ways employers can achieve this:

• Reframe Emotional Health Day as a Focus Opportunity – communicate that Emotional Health Day isn’t just about rest; it’s about reflection and growth. Encourage managers to schedule brief one-to-one check-ins leading up to or following the day. These conversations should be supportive, judgment-free spaces to discuss how employees are feeling and what they need to be at their best.
• Focus on Progress, Not Perfection – many resolutions falter because individuals set overly ambitious targets without recognizing the incremental progress they have already made. During these check-ins, guide the conversation towards what employees have accomplished so far. Celebrate those wins and help them reframe any perceived ‘failures’ as learning experiences.
• Use Coaching Techniques to Empower Employees – employ basic coaching techniques to make these sessions impactful:
  • Active Listening: give your full attention, showing empathy and understanding without immediately jumping to solutions.
  • Powerful Questions: ask open-ended questions like, “What’s been working well for you so far this year?” or “What’s one small change you can make to feel more aligned with your goals?”
  • Goal Recalibration: help employees set realistic, achievable short-term goals.
• Normalize Emotional Ebbs and Flows – remind yourself and your teams that emotional highs and lows are a natural part of life, especially when striving for personal growth. Destigmatizing these fluctuations fosters a psychologically safe environment where employees feel comfortable with their vulnerability and asking for support.
• Provide Resources and Ongoing Support – don’t let the conversation end with a single check-in. Share resources such as access to Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), workshops or mindfulness apps that can help employees build their emotional health arsenal. As well as this, ensure your regular one-to-one conversations include a focus on what all employees need to be at their best throughout the year to maintain healthy, high performance as part of a supportive culture.

Emotional Health Awareness Day can be a catalyst for meaningful dialogue and personal growth within your organization. By intentionally using this time to connect with your team, you not only support their emotional wellbeing but also strengthen engagement, resilience, and overall job satisfaction. In doing so, you create a workplace where employees feel valued – not just as professionals, but as whole people. If you would like to discuss how we can help support you in offering wellbeing check-ins and mini coaching sessions to your team members, get in touch with me at joanna.tippins@orgshakers.com

It has recently been confirmed that from the 6^th April 2025, employees will be entitled to 12 weeks of paid leave if their baby requires neonatal care.

Delving into the nitty gritty of the new Neonatal Leave law, employees will be entitled to this from day one of their employment, and the employee must also be one of the baby’s parents or intended parents (in regards to surrogacy), and the baby must be born after the 6^th April 2025 for this to qualify.

In terms of the neonatal care itself, it must have taken place or begun within the first 28 days of birth and care must continue for a period of at least seven continuous days – so this could still be potentially disappointing for those parents who discover health issues that require neonatal care after the first few weeks of their child’s birth.

Before the passing of this law, the reality for many parents of sick or premature babies has been having to juggle this emotionally strenuous circumstance with ensuring they either have enough paid leave to take off work or in fact go to work whilst their child is in neonatal care. But after consistent advocacy from non-profit Working Families, the Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Bill was able to take shape, and is finally coming to fruition later this year.

This new law is paving the way for companies on a global scale to consider the realities of parenthood and make conscious efforts to amend their policies to include the offering of leave in the event of a premature birth. According to the World Health Organization, 13.4 million babies are born prematurely every year, and so it’s important for employers to be reflecting this reality into their maternity and paternity leave policies.

Whilst countries like Canada, Croatia, and Finland do offer the extension of maternity leave in the case of a premature birth or a poorly baby, the UK is the first country to pass a specific bill which addresses neonatal care and views it as a separate entitlement.

For the US, the passing of this new law may be a call to action for many American employers who are not offering neonatal care leave as a part of their benefit packages. With the majority of the workforce now made up of Millennials and Gen Z – both of which are either already parents or nearing the age of becoming parents – a benefit like this may prove very attractive and important for the younger generations in the workforce.  

If you are a company that would like guidance in creating a neonatal care leave policy, please get in touch with us today.

How was January for you?

As the new year begins, it is common to feel a bit of a slump after the festive period packed with traditions, colorful lights, and good food.

This feeling, known as the ‘January Blues’ or the ‘Winter Woes,’ refers to a general decline in mood, lethargy, or even a sense of depression during the first month of the year. If December brings a rush of adrenaline, January is when the reality sets in.

For most people, this feeling fades as they get back into the routine. However, for some, it can linger due to factors like financial stress exacerbated by the holiday season or the struggle with seasonal affective disorder (SAD)  during the winter months.

For this reason, employers aiming to re-engage employees often use the ‘Winter Woes’ as an opportunity to focus attention on their wellbeing strategy. This makes a great deal of sense – but it is important to maintain and build upon this momentum rather than let it wane as the year goes on.

And, let’s be honest, we can all be a bit guilty of this at this time of year! Some of us will have signed up for that new gym membership and started taking part in Veganuary only to discover that these resolutions quickly fizzle out. Suddenly the gym membership is just another card cluttering your wallet – and no amount of carrots and hummus can stop you daydreaming about cheeseburgers!

The corporate version of this is a phenomenon known as ‘Wellbeing Washing.’

‘Wellbeing Washing’ occurs when companies express their commitment to mental and physical health but fail to demonstrate this consistently through their actions and practices.

And it’s more common than you might think. Indeed, one study found that more than a third (35%) of businesses are perceived by their employees to be wellbeing washing.

To avoid this pitfall, consistency and clarity are key. Wellbeing has gained significant importance on the corporate agenda, especially in the post-pandemic era. Employers must ensure that their efforts to support the physical, mental, social and financial health of their workforce are consistent throughout the year.

While happy, healthy workers naturally contribute innovative thinking and productivity, a study by Mind found that 60% of employees believe that employer-led wellbeing initiatives would increase their motivation and the likelihood of them recommending their company as a great place to work.

So, in the same way employers should be committing to redouble their wellbeing efforts as they move through January; as we begin February they should be committing to maintain that effort through the year ahead.

If you would like to discuss how we can assist your business with its wellbeing strategies, please get in touch with us.

I think it’s safe to say that most of us have suffered through a breakup in our lives. Whether this be a relationship ending, navigating a divorce, or dealing with a ‘situationship’ gone sour, it’s no secret that breakups are a challenging and distracting time.

In spite of this, what we tend to see in many workplaces is a taboo around the topic.

Despite the fact that these occurrences will have huge impact on an individual, it can feel somewhat awkward and inappropriate to discuss this at work due to its personal nature.

Yet, the reality is that 79% of employees said that a relationship breakdown had an impact on their ability to work. And what’s even more interesting to note is that more than half of these respondents (57%) claimed they did not receive the required support from their employers, ultimately resulting in almost one in ten leaving the company within a year.

From this, it’s clear that how employers support those staff members going through the breakdown of a relationship can be instrumental to minimizing the effect it has on productivity, engagement, and retention rates. This is why having tailored support strategies in place can help to make a real difference. So, here are some strategies that employers should consider:

• Fostering a Culture of Empowerment – the culture of an organization plays such a vital role in helping employees feel comfortable, safe, and like they belong. If employees feel that they can bring their authentic selves to work, they will be much more likely to share when they are going through such an emotionally difficult time. Their workplace should make them feel empowered when they express vulnerabilities like this, and ultimately this will ensure that employers can begin offering proper support to those staff members.
• Impact on Mental Health – 60% of employees said that their breakup caused stress, anxiety, or depression, and a further 23% had to take sick or unpaid leave as a direct result. Your mental health is undoubtedly affected when you go through such an emotional experience, so it’s important for managers to be trained to recognize the warning signs of an employee struggling and to signpost them correctly to their Employee Assistance Program, where they can seek counselling support to help them. However, it’s also important for employees to express that they are struggling as this helps speed up the process of getting the correct support!
• Offering Flexibility – flexibility can be so crucial for employees during this time. With the potential for having to rearrange childcare schedules, or having to find new accommodation, a relationship breakdown can leave an employee needing that flexibility as they find their feet. It’s worth reviewing the company’s policy around compassionate leave as well, and whether this should be applicable for those going through this.   
• Updating Employee Benefits – it’s important for employers to assist with the administrative changes that may have to be considered with a breakup. For example, health insurance may have to be updated to remove certain claimants depending on the context of the split, or updating beneficiary plans accordingly to accurately reflect the current situation. However, employers need to approach this with a level of care in mind and communicate with the employee to find the best time to sit down and do this.
• Reassuring Employees – reassurance can go such a long way when it comes to struggling with a breakup. I know from firsthand experience that being made to feel like an inconvenience or a burden when going through a breakup just makes you feel worse, and for me it ultimately led to my resignation. Ensuring that people managers are trained appropriately so to avoid the prospect of making an employee feel like an inconvenience whilst they navigate this new chapter in their life is so vital for managing the overall impact it will have on the individual and on the wider business.

Productivity levels always ebb and flow, and this is natural. Our personal lives can sometimes overlap with our working ones, and it shouldn’t be the norm of employees to compartmentalize their personal struggles whilst at work. Employers who can recognize the humanness behind their employees are the ones that are going to be most in tune with their workforces, ultimately fostering a sense of loyalty amongst their people that will be hugely profitable in the long run.

If you would like to discuss how we can help design and implement tailored wellbeing strategies for breakups, please get in touch with me at brittany@orgshakers.com

In the workplace, digital communication has become a staple. Emails are now sent in favor of phone calls, instant messages have replaced the slow back-and-forth of physical meetings, and having all of our work needs condensed onto apps on our phones means that we are always contactable at all times of the day.

However, too much of anything isn’t always good, as all these technological advancements do come with a price: ping fatigue.

‘Ping fatigue’ is a type of mental exhaustion which is brought on by constant notifications from work-related tools such as email, instant messaging apps, task management systems and calendar reminders. Employees are battling with a tsunami of pings all throughout their day that can lead to feelings of distraction and overwhelm that ultimately hinder their productivity and wellbeing – even though the goal of these time-saving services is to make life easier. And the lines become even more blurred when we consider remote and hybrid working arrangements, as the boundaries between work and home can sometimes start to blur in an unhealthy way that can make it hard to know when to truly switch off and silence those pings.

Interestingly, cognitive research has found that it takes an average of 23 minutes to refocus after an interruption. In other words, each new notification can actually end up disrupting an entire workflow, even though it is intended to be a gentle ping reminder. With micro-tasks constantly beckoning workers for their attention, this results in employees spiralling into a perpetual state of multitasking that will increase the likelihood of errors and stress.

So, what can employers be doing to help mitigate this rising ping fatigue?

• Establish Clear Communication Protocols – set guidelines for when it’s acceptable to send messages or initiate meetings (for example, only during specific hours or with expectations for a delayed response outside of work hours), and encourage teams to establish specific times in the day for deep work without interruptions. During these designated hours, employees could disable their notifications so that they can focus without feeling pressured by incoming messages.
• Limit Notification Settings – employers should advise employees to customize their notification settings across different platforms so that they only get alerts for critical messages. This could look like prioritizing direct messages over group chats to help minimize interruptions, or setting your applications to ‘do not disturb’ during focused work hours.
• Promote Mental Wellbeing – encourage employees to take regular microbreaks throughout the working day, as this has been proven to help with the management of stress. If employees actively set aside little pockets of time to take a moment for themselves away from their avalanche of pings, this can really help towards the management of their mental wellbeing.
• Provide Awareness Training – make an effort to educate employees around the impacts of ping fatigue, and offer workshops or training sessions on managing notifications, time management, and setting boundaries when digitally communicating.

Ping fatigue is becoming increasingly common in workplaces around the world. Although digital tools have transformed the way we work, they have also introduced new challenges for employers and employees alike. However, when used strategically, and with an emphasis on high-quality work and well-being rather than constant availability, these tools can help organizations foster a healthier and more fulfilling environment for everyone. If you would like to discuss how we can help foster this environment through mitigating ping fatigue, please get in touch with us today!