Nautilus CEO Jim Barr is a transformational leader with multiple successes in the rapid growth of large-scale companies and teams.
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We’re well into cold and flu season and that means we’re all doing our best to stay healthy so we can avoid doctor visits and sick days. But what if we could create a culture of health all year round, not only at home but also in our organizations? One that feeds sharp minds and hatches ideas, rather than germs?
In my career I have helped numerous companies to realize turnarounds and digital transformations that require a lot of energy and a strong commitment over an extended period of time. I have seen first hand that a workforce that is mentally and physically healthy can achieve superior results, not only during a transformation, but also in day-to-day work.
To get the very best results from your team, it’s up to you to build a culture of health within your organization that promotes both physical and mental well-being. These steps can help your organization reap the benefits of a healthier workforce year-round.
Skin in the game
Everyone wants to be healthier, but it can be difficult to invest time and effort into achieving better health. As a CEO, the first step to creating a healthier workplace culture is to communicate to your team why holistic health should be a priority, and then express your commitment to helping them reach and achieve their goals. Then back up your statements with action.
What can you offer your employees to help them become healthier? Is it a flexible schedule so they can fit in a workout? In-house meditation classes during lunch break? Gym memberships or fitness app compliments from your organization? If you really want to get people to invest in wellness, bring in some corporate skin to help them get there, then encourage them to use these perks and amenities.
Exercise and stress management
Modern life is stressful. While there are many ways to reduce stress, one of the most undeniable is that excercise, which pumps our bodies full of endorphins, elevates mood and helps us to perform at peak physical and mental levels. At Nautilus, our vision is to build a healthier world one person at a time because we know how powerful exercise can be when used as a tool to help people live better lives.
Encourage your staff to set and stick to exercise goals with company-provided gym memberships or subscriptions to fitness apps, office gym, and incentives to stick with their workout routines. Don’t forget to encourage managers to support their teams’ efforts. Managers can make a difference in the success of health initiatives by leaving the lunch break free or even taking a walk outside.
Purpose and growth
Work related burnout kills productivity and can lead to fatigue, vulnerability to illness, irritability and more. The cure for burnout is not just working less. It works with a purpose.
“Purpose is the kryptonite of burnout,” author Carey Lohrenz once wrote. When employees feel they are working towards a goal, such as creating a better world or making a measurable impact in people’s lives, they are better able to stop burnout at its source and lead a happier and more lead healthier lives.
Be sure to communicate consistently with your team about the importance of their work and how they contribute to the company’s vision. Give them opportunities to develop their skills and the potential to take on new more exciting roles in the company. The old adage “use it or lose it” is just as true for the mind as it is for muscles, as both physical and mental challenges help forge new neural pathways. Reinforce that growth by injecting purpose, recognition, and growth into every day.
Addressing mental health
Mental health is finally getting the attention it deserves. If you’re trying to create a healthy workforce, don’t stop at physical wellness. Give your employees the tools, resources and encouragement to pursue better mental health too.
Is mental health covered by your company’s health insurance? Awesome! Make sure your employees are aware of these resources and actively seek them out. If not, consider investing in a platform that offers mental health support to ensure your people have access to the care they need while eliminating cost deterrents.
In addition to ensuring mental health services are covered, think about other ways you can contribute to the mental well-being of your employees. Relieving employees’ mental strain can be as simple as offering flexible schedules, discouraging overtime and reducing stress by improving processes within your organization.
A great CEO leads by example
Encouraging your staff to become healthier is of little use if you don’t want to set a good example yourself. I prioritize my physical and mental well-being by sticking to a regular exercise regimen, setting aside time to relax, and eating a balanced diet. I’ll let you in on a secret: I keep a set of our dumbbells in both my home office and work, and I’ll sneak in between (and, I’ll admit, sometimes during) meetings. When our employees see me giving myself permission to put my health first, they will be more inclined to give themselves permission as well.
A healthy culture is possible
Most of us spend more time at work than anywhere else. When you create a health culture in your workplace, your organization benefits and you help your employees live healthier and happier lives, both in and out of the office. Start thinking about ways you can integrate a health culture into your organization and help your employees start their year off on a healthy note.
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