When work becomes too much, it's easy to become focused only on meetings, deadlines, and trying to get ahead. Through your work day, when everything has to get done, one thing always seems to not get taken care of, self-care. Self-care isn't just about spa days and drinks with friends. It is an aspect of your life that directly impacts our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. In the workplace, where stress levels can be at their highest and burnout is a real thing, self-care and wellness is a necessity. Let’s look at the importance of self care at work for the employees and the company.

What does self-care at work look like?

At its core, self-care in the workplace involves taking intentional actions to nurture and support your own well-being. It can be different things to different people. From setting boundaries and practicing mindfulness with co-workers, to getting enough rest and taking time out for the things you love. We know the idea seems easy, but making it happen in the real world can be tough. When you find the right balance it can make your day to day better both at work and at home.

How does self-care affect me at work?

No one works best when they feel tired, upset, and underappreciated. Prioritizing self-care in the workplace leads to more than just easier days; it also increases productivity. Research shows that taking regular breaks and engaging in self-care activities actually enhances performance.

When employees prioritize their well-being, they have better focus, more creativity, and improved problem-solving abilities. The best part is when people take care of their mental and physical health, it’s easier to deal with new stresses and unexpected events. Nothing is worse than challenges piling up.

Self-care isn’t just good for employees, it's good for the company too.

When people are feeling their best, the best work gets done. Creating a culture of self-care in the workplace can mean better morale and satisfaction company wide. When individuals feel supported in life and work, they develop a greater sense of loyalty and commitment to their organization. Happier and less stressed employees means lower turnover rates and higher levels of employee engagement. By investing in the holistic health of their workforce, employers create a positive and supportive environment where individuals thrive and feel valued. The more people feel good about their everyday life, the less likely they are to burn out.

Burnout, or feeling exhausted, cynical, and less effective, has become a regular struggle in today's work environments. By implementing self-care practices such as setting boundaries, taking regular breaks, and seeking support when needed, individuals can safeguard themselves against burnout. Recognizing the signs of burnout and taking proactive steps to address them is crucial for maintaining long-term career satisfaction and success. This isn’t something that can always be done personally, it takes the right environment and organization to support their employees.

How organizations can support self-care and set up for success.

Self-care in the workplace fosters a culture of empathy, compassion, and collaboration. When employees prioritize their well-being, they are better able to empathize and collaborate with their colleagues and offer support when needed. By valuing the well-being of each individual, organizations can create a culture of inclusivity and support where everyone can thrive. With a less stressed and more collaborative team, the possibilities for success are endless.

Focusing on self-care and wellness in the workplace sets a positive example for future generations and reinforces the importance of work-life balance. In today's constantly connected world, it's too easy to blur the lines between your life and your job. With the right leadership and support, employees can live their best lives, both at home and at work.

How Can Velocity Visions help?

Velocity Visions Inc. offers workshops, training, and consulting to help your leadership and staff find ways to prioritize self-care. We work with organizations focusing on the importance of self-care, understanding stress, recovering from burnout, and how to support physical and mental well being. From ways to create boundaries at work, to using yoga and meditation to reduce stress, we create the perfect programs for your organization's needs. Working together with your leadership team, we can create a successful and efficient organization.