8 Steps to Happy Healthy Workplaces
8 Steps to Happy Healthy Workplaces
Our resident Happiness Ambassador, Amy, shares her reflections about workplace happiness…
Last night I attended my youngest son’s ‘introduction to preschool.’ My eldest joined (a different) preschool during the pandemic, we dropped him at the front door and had no idea what he did all day or with whom, so a 90 min presentation on child development followed by a tour of the premises took me by surprise. As did the glass of prosecco I was handed, but why not? Why not have prosecco on a tour of a preschool? YOLO.
I already know this place is beyond magical, founded by a woman who is pure magic herself. I stayed behind afterwards to tell her so and this is a summary of the conversation we had.
She and I believe that:
💜Children thrive when they are allowed as much autonomy as possible, within parameters.
💜Children develop their skills under gentle pressure – when they are supported to undertake more difficult tasks in a psychologically safe environment.
💜Children grow in confidence and skill when they are trusted to do things, even if they do them imperfectly at first. Their mistakes are forgiven.
💜Children blossom when they are encouraged to build on their strengths, doing what they enjoy, what they are good at.
💜Children’s wellbeing is enhanced by maximising time outside – there is little that can be learned indoors that can’t be learned outdoors. Their hearts and souls and bodies need nature.
💜Children feel safe and happy when those who are there to guide them feel safe and happy in their jobs.
💜Routines might be important, but life is enhanced when we leave room for the magic of the unknown, with eyes open for that day’s opportunities.
💜Children need to be reminded every day that they matter, not just in words but in deeds and in their environment.
Why have we forgotten this when it comes to our workplaces? Why do we start to stamp it out in our schools? What happens if you replace the word ‘children’ in these sentences with the word ‘employees’? It becomes eight steps to happy healthy workplaces, that’s what.
Amy X
If you are interested in learning more about building a happy and healthy workplace then take a look at our services here or spend a few minutes reading a recent blog
