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5 Ways Employees Can Manage Wellbeing In The Office By Martin O’Rourke, Commercial Director at Birchwood Park

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In the bustling world of business, it's easy for employees to get caught up in the daily grind and neglect workplace wellbeing. However, maintaining a healthy work-life balance and prioritising both mental and physical wellbeing is crucial for long-term success, with clear evidence that it not only improves the overall happiness of employees, but also productivity.  Birchwood Park, the North West’s largest out-of-town business destination, has built a pioneering community-led environment around workplace wellbeing as it can produce benefits across all levels the business. This feature explores five effective ways employees can manage wellbeing in the workplace, delving into how these strategies will contribute to a thriving and inclusive environment. Physical activity Sitting and working in the office all day can negatively impact workplace wellbeing and have adverse impacts on both our physical and mental health. The solution is clear – start moving.  All research on the topic points to exercise as a great way to increase mental alertness and energy, especially among those who lead a sedentary lifestyle. Participation in regular physical activity will also improve self-esteem and can reduce stress and anxiety, whereas sitting for large parts of the day and doing little physical activity will mean your body releases less serotonin, negatively affecting your mood and motivation long-term. Birchwood Park places a strong emphasis on promoting physical activity among its occupants during the working day. The Park offers a range of amenities to encourage employees to incorporate exercise into their daily routines, such as large, green open spaces for tranquil walks, as well as an on-site gym which is available for employees to use during the week for a discounted price. Regular gym classes, charity runs and bike-sharing programs provide opportunities for additional physical activity during work hours, improving the mood and confidence of workers.  Seek Mental Health guidance and resources   As workplace wellbeing continues to be prioritised by many organisations, workplaces across the UK now have a number of resources and guidance materials available for employees to use.  This could include counselling and tutoring services either external or within your team, wellbeing activities (i.e., Friday afternoon drinks), as well as subscriptions and perks such as healthcare membership programmes. However, a large number of employees don’t realise just how many wellbeing ‘tools’ they have at their disposal and have therefore not experienced the positive impact these the wellbeing services can deliver, many of which are free-of-charge.  Seeking guidance and resources internally should be the first port of call when trying to improve and manage mental health in the workplace. Employees should speak to their line manager to understand how to access the resources available.  Enjoy restful break areas Regular breaks throughout the workday are crucial for relaxation and maintaining high levels of productivity. Taking time away from the desk is a great way to rest, recuperate and unwind momentarily from the stresses of the working day.  Birchwood Park has a number of on-site facilities that employees can choose to be their dedicated rest areas when they need to recharge and regroup during their breaks. The EngineRooms for example, are specifically designed to provide a safe and calm environment, with features such as comfortable seating, food and drink options and access to natural light. By offering a restful onsite area, Birchwood Park gives employees the space to make the most out of their breaks from the office, leading to improved mental and physical wellbeing, and greater productivity when they do return to work.  Implement work-life balance A healthy work-life balance is vital for overall wellbeing. Overworking and not being able to wind-down after office hours can negatively impact both the mood and motivation of employees, as well as increasing dissatisfaction levels, sick days and staff turnover. Work-life balance can be achieved by taking advantage of post-covid initiatives, such as flexible working hours and remote or hybrid work options. Led by encouraging employees to find a harmonious equilibrium between their professional and personal lives, Birchwood Park aims to reduce burnout, enhance job satisfaction, and foster a sense of wellbeing. For employers reading this, it’s worth considering implementing a flexible working programme to give staff a greater sense of freedom and autonomy.  Connect with nature  Another activity employees can enjoy on their lunchbreak is to go for a walk and connect with nature. Spending time outdoors has been proven to improve mental wellbeing, helping staff to unwind and calm their minds.  Birchwood Park’s is built with nature in mind, offering extensive, green open spaces for its occupiers to take time away from their desks and computer screens. Just one, short walk can not only reduce stress, but improve concentration when staff do finish their break. Ultimately, employees must prioritise managing their mental health at work and employers must continue to develop bespoke wellbeing support packages that cater to the needs of staff from the day they walk into the office, to the day they leave. Focusing on managing wellbeing is the first step towards a healthier mind and a more productive working day. 

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