Marieke Bruinstroop – CEO TOTIUM
Today’s best leaders recognise the importance of taking a holistic approach in leading their people, including playing a role in supporting their personal health. There is plenty of evidence that supporting employees’ overall well-being is not only the right thing to do, but also (and some might say – more importantly) a crucial factor in enhancing productivity and achieving long-term success for the company.
According to research conducted by the World Health Organisation, workplaces that run health initiatives see a 27% reduction in sick leave and significantly increased productivity. Research from McKinsey has shown the global potential contribution of these initiatives to be $3.7 to $11.7 trillion. Research from the London School of Economics found that high employee wellbeing directly correlated with high productivity and company performance from research conducted across 49 industries and 73 countries. Additionally, studies by the American Psychological Association found that employees who feel psychologically safe at work and supported in their personal lives are significantly more likely to be engaged, motivated, and committed to their work. Psychological safety is an environment in which employees feel that there is space to take risks, make mistakes, learn from them, ask questions and speak up.
So, what can leaders do?
Leaders play a crucial role in creating a culture that prioritises health and wellbeing. We have seen some of the following strategies having a significant impact:
- Lead by Example
It all starts at the top. By ensuring that executive teams are in good health, companies can set an example for the rest of the organisation. While coaching is a good start to help executives prioritise themselves, many companies also offer annual executive health checks. Executive health checks, typically take anywhere from one to five hours per year and can have a profound proven impact on company performance as well as peace of mind for Executives and their loved ones. Think of it like an annual car service, with a much bigger personal impact. Companies like TOTIUM take this a few steps further and combine the annual check with ongoing options for treatment and concierge of care, so Executives have a GP at their desk.
Questions to ask yourself as a leader: Are you truly practicing what you preach? When was the last time you have had a mental and physical health check? Is absenteeism a challenge at your organisation?
- Culture of Psychological Safety
Establish a safe environment for employees through frequent and open communication. Foster a culture of learning with leader’s role-modeling vulnerability as a strength, including being comfortable to say the words: “I don’t know”. Encourage the sharing of diverse ideas in a respectful environment. Amy Edmonson, the “guru” of psychological safety provides an interesting insight that as a leader, one should be concerned when never hearing bad news. Psychological safety ultimately leads to less stress and better decision-making, creativity and productivity.
Questions to ask yourself as a leader: How often are you really engaging with your team? And are you really listening? Is everyone telling you what they think you want to hear? Do your employees feel comfortable being able to own their mistakes?
- Flexibility
Flexibility impacts wellbeing and goes much further than the overdone debate of hybrid working. While there are positives and negatives to both, companies will choose what works best for their operations. Flexibility, however, comes in many forms than just place of work and mode and should be available to everyone in some way or form. Companies can also provide flexibility in schedule (e.g. shift-swapping), continuity (e.g. leave) and workload (e.g. part-time work). Having (some) autonomy at work is a key driver of performance.
Questions to ask yourself as a leader: Do I know how we define flexibility at our company? Do my employees know what options are available to them and can they ask for support? How well do I understand my team’s flexibility needs?
- Health Programs for all Employees
With the cost of living and health services gap fees increasing, providing health support to employees is an impactful benefit and highly valued. Online health check initiatives can provide a relatively cost-effective option for companies wanting to invest in their workforce but with limited budgets. At the other end of the scale, several bigger companies are opening corporate on-site clinics supporting primary health care for their employees, saving critical time and improving early intervention.
Questions to ask yourself as a leader: Are your team at their optimal health? How do I invest in my employees’ productivity and is it working?
In conclusion, holistic leadership considering the health and wellbeing of the total workforce is essential in today’s business landscape. By prioritising the personal lives and health of their employees, leaders can create a more engaged, loyal and productive organisation.
Marieke Bruinstroop – Chief Executive Officer TOTIUM
With a distinguished career spanning FMCG giant P&G to Chief People Officer roles at dynamic private enterprises such as GenesisCare and Guzman y Gomez, Marieke has consistently championed innovation and excellence.
As CEO at TOTIUM she brings together her passion for reimagining healthcare with her dedication to create thriving places to work. Under her guidance, TOTIUM spearheads corporate health solutions, offering tailored services like corporate clinics and executive health checks, fostering healthier, happier, and more productive employees and companies.
Interested to know more about building a corporate health strategy for your team? Get in touch with Team TOTIUM @ tec@totium.net.
