A culture of wellness is not built overnight. It requires intention, openness, and a commitment to making people feel seen and supported from employees at all levels.
For most of us, the place we spend most of our time each day is at work, which is why it’s important to look after the people you sit with and share an office with, both as colleagues and people. For many men, especially in corporate environments, checking in on mental health or speaking up about stress can feel unfamiliar or even uncomfortable. But normalising wellness is one of the most effective ways to create lasting change.
Here are 8 ways you can support a wellness culture at work:
- Make time for proper breaks: Encourage each other to take lunch away from the desk or step outside for fresh air. It’s good for focus and mental reset.
- Check in with each other: A simple “How are you going?” can go a long way. Make space for small, genuine conversations, not just work talk.
- Be mindful when asking for help: Before assigning or delegating tasks, check if someone can take it on before assuming. Respecting others’ workloads helps prevent burnout.
- Support each other’s interests: Take an interest in your colleagues’ hobbies or passions outside of work, it builds stronger connections and a more positive team environment.
- Respect time and boundaries: Wellness includes allowing people to disconnect from work. Encourage proper breaks and time off to protect against long-term stress.
- Respect quiet time: Everyone works differently, and some people need quiet time to focus. Be considerate with noise, messages, or unscheduled calls where you can.
- Recognise others for their hard work: Acknowledge when someone does a great job. A quick thank you, message, or shoutout can really boost morale.
- Share positive feedback with managers: If a teammate goes above and beyond, let their manager know. It helps their efforts get noticed and appreciated. When people feel safe to bring their whole selves to work, they do better and so does the business. A wellness culture is not just good for morale. It is essential for long-term success.
