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| Employee Health & Wellbeing | ||||||||||
| The Resilient Manager | |
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Why Resilience is Important to all Managers Innovation and knowledge are viewed as essential for the next stage in managing a sustainable Irish and global economy. Developing innovative approaches to the management of human resources is equal, if not more important. As the economy changes and returns to growth there will be increases in the levels of personal and work related stress experienced by the workforce, which will act as barriers to change. Developing resilient and engaged managers will contribute to corporate success and will assist in developing a resilient workforce. Resilience is defined as:- Tending to recover from, or easily adjust to adversity or change; springing back, rebounding, returning to an original shape or position as having been stretched or compressed, among people and organisations: buoyancy, irrepressible liveliness and good spirit. What is Engagement? Returning to growth and profitability will require a vibrant organisation with an engaged and committed workforce. Promoting employee engagement will ensure that all employees will provide discretionary effort and be prepared to go the extra mile in reshaping a sustainable organisation. Engagement is defined as: ‘a positive, fulfilling, work related state of mind that is characterised by vigour, dedication and absorption’ (Schaufeli & Bakker) Health and Wellbeing Working 70 to 80 hours per week in a pressurised work environment will lead to work life imbalance and a risk of burnout and ill health. Personal energy needs replenishment. In order to maintain positive health the human body requires nurturing and development in the following four key areas of health: - emotional, physical, mental and spiritual. The Workplace Health and Wellbeing Strategy published by the Health and Safety Authority in 2008 outlines workplace health issues facing the country. Included in the list of physical and mental issues are work stress, workplace bullying and intoxicants (defined as drugs and alcohol). The strategy also includes mental health issues such as anxiety, depression and major mood disorders. Work Life Balance Work Life balance is essential to ensure employee health and wellbeing. Employers are now aware of the potential conflict between work and life commitments and the impact on work performance. Integrating work and life commitments will assist workers in being more productive. Work life balance initiatives include flexible working, leave arrangements and childcare. Additional elements of a work life balance programme would include career breaks and employee support services. Workers should not be encouraged to take work home and to forfeit or cancel holidays. Contact by mobile phone or laptop while on holidays should be discouraged. This time should be seen as important in replenishing personal energy and assisting in the return to work of a rejuvenated employee | |
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