Being Well Through Total Wellbeing
Our very own Donovan Ingraham was recently featured in The Business and Marketing Community Institute’s (BMCI) 40 under 40 challenge where he spoke on the importance of total wellbeing in today’s fast-paced work environment.
Donovan, alongside host Torianna Sands, explored the concept of wellbeing, its significance for the Bahamas, and practical strategies for HR leaders to enhance it within their organizations. We broke down the highlights into seven key segments below and challenged you to tackle each section with your reflections. You can also view all of the interview content in BMCI’s video library.
Understanding Total Wellbeing
Donovan describes total wellbeing as complete happiness and health- a state of mind encompassing all facets of wellbeing- financial, physical, nutritional, environmental, and social. Where you are in that spectrum is your wellbeing—a holistic approach to wellbeing matters.
What does well-being mean to you?
Wellbeing in the Bahamas
Which aspects of wellbeing are most crucial for the Bahamian context?
Donovan reiterates that the holistic approach is key to overall wellbeing but that mental health in work and personal environments can be a pivot point for other pillars of wellbeing throwing them off not paid attention to.
What pillar below is most important to you at this time?
Overcoming Local Misconceptions about Wellbeing
Misconception 1: “If someone looks fit, they’re healthy. If someone looks overweight, they’re unhealthy.” Health and wellbeing shouldn’t be judged just on how a person looks.
Misconception 2: “Living a healthy lifestyle is so expensive!” It doesn’t have to be. Torianna mentions, “It takes a village to raise a child but adults need the village too.” We can work better as communities to emphasize farmers’ markets, a sense of community, and togetherness. A great example is backyard garden/community garden sharing to reduce food costs.
What actions do you take to live a healthy lifestyle without an added cost?
Donovan showcasing our community garden space at our newly opened offices in Freeport, Grand Bahama.
Practical Steps for HR Leaders looking to Successfully Implement wellbeing in Their Organizations
How can HR leaders begin the journey towards improving total wellbeing for their organization and as individuals?
Assessment: Conducting wellbeing surveys and audits.
Engaging C-suite: Using evidence and statistics to support wellbeing initiatives, demonstrating the financial and productivity benefits, and engaging leadership in the creation and implementation of wellbeing strategies.
Programs and Initiatives: Introducing wellbeing programs tailored to employee needs.
Sustaining Wellbeing: Ensuring long-term commitment and continuous improvement with a good work-life balance.
How does your organization size up to these applications of wellness?
Enhancing Mental Health in the Workplace
Leaders in organizations can make mental health a priority by creating support systems by providing resources and support for mental health issues, having people trained to address these concerns when they arise, and building awareness campaigns to reduce stigma and promote mental health.
How does your organization support the pillar of mental health? What do you as an individual to improve your mental health?
Building Resilience
“Resilience is a personal thing. Being kind to ourselves in how we take on work and our patience with stressful situations is important to building resilience. It does not happen overnight and takes an understanding of your needs, wants, and purpose and what is necessary to support those things. As humans, we need time to process.
In the interview, Donovan mentions being patient in situations from morning traffic to children being loud to tight deadlines. In what situations could you be kinder to yourself and allow yourself to process each situation to build resilience?
“The easiest thing we can do in life is to be kind to others”
In summary, diving deeper into the understanding of the pillars of wellbeing, a supportive and constructive work environment, building resilience, and taking the time to do the things that at important to you can help you and your peers in the stride to total wellbeing.
Resources
https://thebmci.com/about-bmci/
https://www.aihr.com/blog/total-wellbeing/
http://welcoa.org
