A year since the first lockdown when we bit the bullet, shouldered some blitz spirit, reassured ourselves and each other it’d be over in a few months, and then we’d be back to normal. Well it wasn’t and we’re not. But once this wretched virus with its even more unpleasant variants has met the determination and dedication of the mighty NHS along with our amazing scientists, virologists and epidemiologists, and has been if not defeated completely, given a darn good thrashing and shown its place.
What then?
All of us in any kind of business, during this year have considered the ‘what then’, and there is no easy answer, nobody imagined there would be. What we do know is there will be a lot of pulling ourselves up by our own bootstraps, learning lessons, taking stock, looking at things with a different eye – and never has this been more important.
It will be a time to prioritise, pinpoint our most valuable assets and take care of those first. You may feel differently, but our belief is that good business is built on people, doesn’t matter how clever the business model, how brilliant the automation, how incredible or innovative the product. It makes no difference whether you have a workforce of hundreds or a staff of three. Successful enterprises that thrive and grow, understand the importance of each individual who makes up their whole.
Ultimately, people are the building blocks of business. Businesses that can’t see that are the ones built on shifting sands, and that’s never comfortable nor stable.
Success in the long run is dependent on the input of individuals, it’s only common sense to have an eagle eye on their wellbeing.
Wellbeing – yup that is one overused word, but still the best at encompassing emotional health, and resilience which in turn lead to comfort and commitment in the workplace. And it’s safe to say that never has that been needed more than at this point in time. Emotionally fit Executives, strong Leaders, effective Managers and engaged Employees, there’s no getting away from facts: optimising emotional wellbeing can put us back on track. Ignoring it could lead sooner rather than later to a derailment.
Obviously, we’re seeing this from our own point of view, focusing as we do on personal and professional people development. But we’re keenly aware that all of us in the business community are interdependent. We need you to be successful otherwise we can’t succeed. Ensuring everyone is emotionally fighting fit, resilient, and ready for action isn’t clever, it’s just common sense.
But don’t simply take our word for it…
The CIPD and SimplyHealth research into health and wellbeing at work highlights the impact and strain placed on employers and individuals by the COVID-19 pandemic and reiterates how critical it is for employers to enhance (and even innovate) their support for the health and well-being of their staff during the crisis.
Check us out, SMILE Global Personal & Professional Development. We’d love a chat if you think we make sense, but if you think our argument doesn’t hold water – well we’d love to hear from you too.