If there’s one thing we’ve learned during times of crisis - it’s that the human race is flexible. When pushed to the limits, a crisis shows that more is possible than we would have imagined before it happened. Take the current Corona-crisis and the impact it made on our working situation for example. Before it all happened, people worked at the office all the time - there was little to no time for flexible or remote working. In addition, attention for (mental) health needs during office hours was often overlooked.
Now, however, we’re entering an age where health, both mental and physical, is becoming more important than ever before. The Corona-crisis drastically changed how we worked. The long remotes to the office were canceled, your home office was set up, and long meetings made way for short Zoom-calls with clear agendas. If you started working someplace new, chances are you never even met your new colleagues in real life. Talking about change! It like comparing apples to oranges: the two working cultures could not be more different.
Both of them are extreme, but what if we combine them to something with a little bit more middle ground We, at The Conscious Club, are experts when it comes to creating a holistic workplace. Shaped at what the next generation of workers want: a beautiful location to work in, flexible working opportunities, and space for health and wellness. This will be the future of a healthy workforce.
Flexibility
At first, it felt great to be able to work at home. No more commutes and your own beautiful living room just around the corner! But by now we know that constantly working from home doesn’t really work out that well for most… Humans are only animals, after all. We crave social connection - also with the people we work with. It just isn’t the same to host Friday evening drinks through Zoom, as it is meeting in real life. A healthy, future working environment will be a beautiful balance of the two. This could include:
Flexible remote working opportunities
Working at the office whenever you want
No more meetings that take all day and drain your energy completely
No more eating lunch at your desk
Flexible office hours (unless there’s an important meeting on the agenda, of course!)
The possibility for employees to take a walk to get some sunlight and fresh air during office hours
Frequent Group activities with your colleagues to boost morale and team spirit
Gotta keep moving
A healthy mind and body go hand in hand. If you are able to properly take care of your health, you will not only be healthier, you’ll feel healthier too! Employers all over the world are starting to realize the importance of healthy employees. When you look at the statistics in The Netherlands, for example, 1 out of 5 people who are working, are suffering from burnout symptoms. This was measured before the Corona-crisis took place, so we can only imagine how much worse these numbers have gotten over the past year. We will really have to learn from what happened and step up our game to ensure happy and healthy employees. One crucial way of ensuring this is by maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Workout possibilities. Whether it is by offering a gym membership for employees or weekly boot camps organized for the team: it is very important to maintain and promote a healthy lifestyle.
Yoga. Yes, yoga definitely is a part of this list! It has so many benefits for a good mind, body, and spirit - as it unites them in one practice.
Encourage Meditation. Many studies show, that employees who get the time to practice meditation or mindfulness during office hours - are happier and more motivated to deliver good work.
More quality time
Over the past months, we all learned how valuable life is. We shouldn’t forget to live our lives to the fullest, there is more to it than just work. If you could permit it, consider working a few hours less instead of the whole 40-hour workweek. More time for yourself equals more time for your personal development, something employers are always eager to see. Take Sweden, for example, where they introduced the six-hour workday policy. This was done to create a more motivated and energized working environment. As it turns out, people tend to work more efficiently when they work for a shorter period of time. Less time is wasted scrolling away on social media, productivity rises, and more targets are met. Plus, employees were happy to spend more time with their families! All in all, it is very worthwhile to rediscover your life and hobbies outside of the office.
The Dutch newspaper, NCR, published an article about the new working elite. They stated that the upcoming generation will consist of a workforce who busy themselves with yoga, eating a healthy vegan diet, and listening to podcasts. A generation, in short, who value more than a successful career - but also appreciate sustainability and conscious living.
There is no doubt, the future workweek will be very unconventional compared to what most of us have known for years. But as the technology develops, we should be able to take advantage of it. More freedom in our movement (perhaps even around the globe), no longer being tied to a desk, and a big focus on holistic means. The future looks bright!
