If there is one positive that has emerged during the pandemic, it’s a growing awareness and discussion about mental health.
Over the past two years, both individuals and organizations have shown an interest in sharing how the pandemic has impacted their mental health and wellbeing.
A recent survey by Manulife Asia found two out of every three respondents experienced mental health issues during the pandemic. Everyday activities such as eating and sleeping that we all take for granted have been impacted which have had a ripple effect on our lifestyle and financial habits along with impacting the morale, culture and success of organizations.
Another survey discovered that executives at organizations have experienced similar mental health issues – including anxiety, sleeplessness and fatigue – that have been tied to business uncertainty and decision-making at work.
Considering that organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) have cited mental health as being of paramount importance to an individual’s well-being, this is an opportune time to highlight measures that can be taken to contribute to a healthier lifestyle and frame of mind.
Taking the initiative
While the survey results referenced earlier are alarming, the good news is there are signs that individuals are eager to address the challenges they’ve faced during the pandemic by taking measures to improve their mental health.
This includes getting outside and exercising more with walking, jogging and cycling very popular. Many are taking advantage of a growing number of apps to help monitor their progress.
It also involves eating more well-balanced and nutritious meals – including vegetables and fruits – along with healthier snacks (for some great ideas, check out our shopping page).
Getting a good night’s sleep is also very important with some experts suggesting seven hours and striving to wake up at the same time every day – even on weekends and holidays – to improve your quality of sleep.
Organizations have also shown an interest in investing more in mental health, with one survey indicating that over 54% of Hong Kong executives are planning to increase spending on medical insurance plans – up from about 26% when the same study was conducted two years ago.
Leading the way
While many individuals and organizations have experimented with different measures to address the impact the pandemic has had on mental health, a structured program led by experts has its merits. Not only can it lead to a healthier and more engaged workforce, a tailor-made program can also contribute to a stronger culture that provides an edge against the competition.
As announced in our blog post last month, our company has launched a new corporate wellness program to build on the healthy food and drink items available on our website. It includes a focus on nutrition, meditation and coaching that is led by a group of expert ambassadors who can demonstrate how to reduce stress and build resilience which can drive improved morale and culture.
Savvy companies realize that people are their greatest asset and that by investing in mental health and other wellness programs, they have a greater chance of retaining – and also attracting – top talent.
To achieve lasting results, though, organizations need to make mental health initiatives a permanent part of their corporate strategy – not a one-off investment. This includes encouraging and supporting an open dialogue about mental health in a welcoming environment.
To learn more about how HYGGEWellbeing’s Corporate Wellness Program can benefit you or your organization, email hello@hyggewellbeing.co.