Shifting Mindsets and Overcoming Resistance: Creating a Positive Culture Around Health and Wellbeing
Building a positive culture around health and wellbeing can transform your workplace, but overcoming resistance requires empathy, consistency, and thoughtful strategies.
Here’s how to foster genuine support and engagement:
1. Lead with Empathy
Understand why employees may be hesitant. Open conversations and tailored messaging that address personal needs - like stress or work-life balance - can shift perspectives.
2. Demonstrate Leadership Commitment
When leaders actively participate and regularly communicate the importance of wellbeing, it sets a powerful example. Consistent support reinforces wellbeing as a core company value.
3. Foster a Supportive Environment
Encourage peer networks, inclusive initiatives, and open conversations. A culture where wellbeing is normalised and accessible makes participation easier and more appealing.
4. Highlight Positive Impacts
Share success stories, celebrate milestones, and report measurable outcomes like improved health or job satisfaction. Transparency builds trust and enthusiasm.
5. Make Participation Easy and Enjoyable
Offer convenient, flexible options and fun, engaging activities. A low-pressure approach lets employees participate at their own pace without feeling obligated.
6. Provide Ongoing Education
Run regular workshops and share accessible resources on topics like stress management and nutrition. Consistent education keeps wellbeing top of mind.
7. Encourage Employee Ownership
Involve employees in shaping and leading initiatives. Seeking feedback and empowering them to co-create aspects of the programme fosters investment and enthusiasm.
8. Address Barriers
Identify and overcome obstacles like time constraints or lack of interest. Be adaptable and offer tailored support to meet individual needs.
Wrapping Up
Shifting mindsets and overcoming resistance towards a health and wellbeing programme is a journey that requires consistent effort, empathy and creativity. By demonstrating genuine commitment, creating a supportive environment, highlighting positive impacts and involving employees in the process, you can build a culture that not only supports but actively champions wellbeing.
Remember, the goal is to make wellbeing an integral part of the company culture, where it’s valued and embraced by everyone. With the right strategies, you can turn initial resistance into enthusiastic support and create a workplace where health and wellbeing thrive.
At Body Mechanics, we help you create health and wellbeing programmes which are effective and fit for purpose. We want to help you create a workplace where health, wellbeing and happiness are ingrained in your company culture.
If you’d like to discuss how to go about developing and implementing a health and wellbeing programme and/or a health and wellbeing framework, please get in touch. We’re happy to help.
enquiries@bodymechanics.co.uk