Attire Accessories - Jul/Aug 2019 (Issue 77)

BLOG 129 M I ND DOE S MAT T E R In a one-off guest blog, editor of Attire Accessories sister title Attire Bridal Demelza Rayner discusses wellbeing in the workplace and how supporting your own and your employees’ needs can benefit your business When did you last take a few minutes out of your busy day to meditate, write a list of things you’re thankful for, or even squeeze in a 20-minute nap? If you’re spluttering into your now-cold cup of tea or coffee at the very idea, then I’m pretty sure you’re not alone! But wellbeing in the workplace isn’t something to dismiss so easily and there is a growing body of research that says looking after your own and your employees’ wellbeing at work – whether that’s emotional or physical – can boost the business’s productivity and, therefore, its profits. Helena Cotter makes some incredibly valid points about the importance of looking after your staff and hits the nail on the head when she says that “when staff feel happy, valued and fulfilled, they’ll relish being a part of a strong team and will actively want to help make a success of your business and their career.” But it’s also key to place the same value on looking after your own wellbeing if you are to lead and mentor a motivated team. So, where to begin? Rather than overhauling your entire way of working, implementing manageable initiatives, one step at a time, is the best way forward. This is just as achievable in small bridal boutiques with one or two members of staff as it is for huge multi-national corporations – though the strategy for each may be different. There are plentiful resources online to get you started. Mind (mind.org.uk) , the organisation that provides information and support on mental health offers a workplace wellbeing index. This is a benchmark of best policy and practice and offers some invaluable advice from other employers participating in the research. There are also some interesting features on the NHS Employers website (nhsemployers.org) including developing and implementing a health and wellbeing strategy along with information on how to monitor and evaluate its effectiveness. At the very heart of wellbeing in the workplace is communication. By listening to your own needs as well as your colleagues, and taking a few moments on even the busiest days to ensure everyone is supported, you’ll be rewarded with a happier, healthier and – ultimately – more successful workplace. If you have an issue you’d like Demelza to discuss, get in touch with her at editor@attirebridal.com