The boundaries between work and private life are today much more blurred than they used to be. This implies that an employer can no longer limit itself to “giving work” but must also focus on well-being. But how do companies ensure a total wellbeing policy that is also successful? The well-being experts, who share their knowledge on the Move To Happiness platform, give their ultimate tip.
“A good night’s sleep starts during the day” is the tip from sleep expert and neurologist (UZA) Dr. Inge Declercq
“Many little bits make big. Starting the day by opening a window or door immediately boosts your energy. That is why it is important that employees come into contact with sufficient daylight during the day: desks positioned by windows, a walking meeting, lunch outdoors at noon, etc. A good night’s sleep is necessary for sustainable employability. While sleeping, you strenghten your immune system, restore all your cognitive functions… So the importance of sleep should definitely not be underestimated.“
Ann De Bisschop, wellbeing expert and keynote speaker, urges executives to lead by example.
“Employee well-being is a shared responsibility between supervisors and the employee themselves. Therefore, as a manager, set a good example. Walk the talk. If you indicate that is is ok to follow a meeting while walking, employees will undoubtedly follow. If you show that eating at your computer is normal, you will encourage the opposite.”
Head dietitian UZA and TV chef Michaël Sels goes for more instead of less.
“Make healthy food easy and accessible for employees. You don’t need long formulas and lists of what you can or cannot eat. Only 5% of Belgians eat enough vegetables and only 10% eat enough fruit. So the tip for almost everyone is: eat more fruit and vegetables! It is sometimes difficult for companies to avoid the boundary of patronization. Prohibiting someting is never a good idea. The tip for companies: make sure there is a wide range of healthy food on offer and present it in a positive way. Encourage employees to eat more of the good stuff. For example, make the soup in the company restaurant cheaper. You’ll see that, with that little nudge, employees make healthy choices more easily.”
Sports psychologist Ellen Schouppe believes in using talents to their full potential.
“Talent is there and will always be there. But it is important that employees can use it in the right way. Because it is what you do with your talents that determines whether you are happy and ensures that you perform optimally. So I recommend companies to engage in attitude coaching, and that’s about offering motivation, leadership, coaching, courage, good energy management and fun.”
Jenny van den Brandt, exercise coach at Move To Happiness, motivates to daily exercise moments.
“The key is fun, easy and fast. It doesn’t always have to be taking on a tough challenge together, like running the 10 Miles or climbing Mont Ventoux. That will only trigger the sports enthusiasts. Closing a meeting with 5 minutes of movement, having a conversation while walking… Small efforts that produce big results in terms of energy, focus, productivity and creativity.”
Kenneth Van Daele, CEO of Move To Happiness, says that 1 + 1 = 3.
“More engagement in wellbeing activities? The power lies in the connection of different wellbeing themes. Because every employee has different needs. The Move To Happiness platform therefore brings together all the above experts on one platform. In this way, the employer can let employees work on their wellbeing at their own pace and with their own interests, physically, mentally and socially.”
Curious about more tips? The Move To Happiness experts entered into a conversation. The result? A series of 5 episodes on wellbeing.
