Do you often feel like you’re rushing through every working day, with barely a moment to pause and take stock of what’s going on around you? I know I do. When we’re in that hyperactive state, it’s easy to tell ourselves that we’re being productive, ticking off task after task – but sometimes the very opposite is true. My most innovative ideas and successful encounters often come after I have taken some time to reset and re-centre, and you may well find the same.
I’m not just talking about relaxing at the weekend, but about taking little breaks during the working day that are for you. Consistency is key to an effective wellness regime, which means only looking after yourself at the weekend isn’t enough. True wellness and good habits need to start in the workplace.
Here are five things for employees to consider when looking to introduce wellbeing into their working week.
Beauty is a wellness tool
Beauty treatments are a great way to implement quick wellness breaks at work. 20 minutes spent getting your nails done could turn you from a frazzled, careering ball of energy into someone productive, focused and confident.
Just last week I was putting together some ideas for an updated marketing strategy, but the killer idea I wanted just wasn’t coming. A therapist came to the office to do my lashes at lunchtime. As I slowed down and chatted to her, the bright idea came to me. I walked back to my desk feeling great – and not just because of my new lashes.
Feeling great builds confidence, which boosts performance
Beauty and wellness treatments are not only valuable during the working day because of the new ideas that spring to mind when we take time out. They make us feel good about ourselves – and that makes us perform better and get more enjoyment from our work.
A recent study from Reed Jobs found that over half of employees say that employee benefits make them feel happier at work, and 1 in 6 would actually sacrifice some of their salary for better workplace perks; including better work-life balance.
A growing number of multinational companies, such as Google, KPMG and GSK, are becoming aware of the importance of this, bringing beauty and wellness treatments in-house.
Workplace wellness programmes are therefore more than just a perk, but a corporate necessity that people are willing to spend their salaries on. If your employer isn’t offering one, encourage them to introduce this provision, and suggest a few companies that can provide that service.
Women need to take more time for themselves
Studies show that as women get older, they take less and less time for themselves. I became aware of this after having children, when balancing manicures and me-time with work and home responsibilities felt like an impossible task. I know I’m not the only one.
When you’re pushed for time both in and outside of work, it’s even more important that you foster good habits by fitting wellness into your working day at least once a week. Whether it’s exercise, beauty, massage, or simply an hour with your book, you’ll feel polished, clear-headed and capable.
Men need to embrace the benefits of beauty and wellness, too
It isn’t just women whose well-being can be aided by work-place wellness. Men are also affected by insecurities about their appearance. According to a study published in Body Image, less than a third of men say they’re satisfied with how they look.
This means manicures, life coaching sessions, barbers and massages are just as important and appreciated by male employees. LeSalon has noticed a 30% increase in the number of men booking treatments lately, so the demand is real. Everyone deserves to feel their best, enjoy their working day, and enjoy the confidence boost that comes with beauty and wellness exercises at work.
Workplace stress kills productivity; wellness boosts it
Most of us spend the majority of our time in the workplace. Unsurprisingly, it is also somewhere where we tend to feel the most stressed. According to a recent workplace stress survey carried out by Perkbox, 25% of us struggle to be as productive at work as we normally would when experiencing stress, while almost the same number (22%) feel disengaged with their work as a result of stress.
It makes sense, then, to curate a wellness regime that fits into your day and makes you feel great. Now that beauty and wellness professionals can come to your office and cause minimal disruption, it’s easier than ever to implement an effective wellness routine that won’t eat away at your time.
If available, make use of your company’s beauty and wellness offering; or suggest that they introduce one. Almost half of UK workers say that their place of work does not have anything in place to help reduce employees’ stress levels and improve their mental wellbeing; so remind your team and bosses that having a wellness programme in place demonstrates care for the team and strengthens company culture.
In terms of productivity, employee satisfaction and staff retention, it could be the most important business decision they make all year.