Employee engagement and the impact on Wellness Programmes

Wellness Coaching, which encompasses Nutrition & Lifestyle Coaching is a relative newcomer to the coaching scene.  Organisations are generally pretty well versed in the use of Executive and Performance Coaches and as useful and effective as these forms of coaching might be they often come with negative connotations for the individuals being encouraged to use them. 

Why is this?  Perhaps because this type of Coach is often called in to work with individuals who are struggling with personal performance or direction or where a Senior Manager or Team Leader is failing to connect with a team and drive the best performance. It is also probably true that many leaders or Senior Management perceive coaching support as an indication of some sort of failing, which is very far from the reality.   So whilst all forms of coaching require some ‘buy in’ from the individuals going through the process, Wellness Coaching is significantly different in the way that it taps into personal responsibility for both physical and emotional health and the way that living in optimum health can naturally lead an individual to immense personal growth and success in career performance. 

Encouraging the workforce to take responsibility for their health on a personal, social and environmental level is key to creating a wider and more impactful result from Wellness Programmes launched within corporate organisations.  This is where a Health or Wellness Coach can make a significant difference to employee wellbeing.  Offering One to One sessions with a Wellness Coach as part of a broader annual wellbeing programme shows that an organisation has a holistic approach to health in the workplace.  It shows a willingness to place health as a priority, to offer a support system without stigma and to create the longevity of a culture of true wellbeing.  

Employee engagement is critical to success in any wellness programme being implemented and when you consider that a recent study found the top 3 things employees are currently experiencing the in work space (whether that be the office or home working) are Pain, Lethargy and Stress, the suggestion is that employers need to be working together with staff to dig deeper into the root causes.  

So what is the antidote?  It is becoming more prevalent for organisations to look at creating a positive culture in the workplace.  But is this really enough?   Of course, we have a responsibility to think about how we , as individuals, interact with others.  We need to create a culture of trust, respect, inclusion, kindness and belonging.  These things may be difficult to encourage if there is a failing to support and encourage individuals to be kind to themselves. What does it actually mean to be kind to ourselves?  It means developing self-awareness, tuning in to our bodies, eating properly, sleeping well, connecting emotionally, reducing stress, moving off autopilot and gradually removing the obstacles that are blocking our progress.  This is where so many of us fail on our journey to wellbeing. 

Is a culture change enough? We know that instigating change within an embedded culture is a difficult and potentially slow process.  It seems evident that engaging employees on an individual level may just be the pebble that causes the right kind of ripples across the entire workforce.  Enabling individuals to get to grips with health concerns, both mental and physical and supporting staff in building their emotional and physical resilience an organisation might create a greater and faster change in its culture.  

This focus on individual wellness and removing obstacles through work with a Health Coach can be key to unlocking potential.  It is not enough for someone to navigate their ambitions and drives if they don’t have the energy, resilience and vibrancy of health to act them out.  

So what is the result?  increased revenue, a fully engaged and energetic workforce, individuals who can display vulnerability without fear of judgement and can appreciate kindness as the strength of character that it ultimately is.  Healthy, motivated staff who collectively create a culture of enthusiasm, entrepreneurial spirit for success and most importantly a culture of belonging for all. 

To discuss Nutrition & Lifestyle Coaching sessions for your staff you can contact me at info@vitaflow.co.uk