4 Pillars to Create a Positive Workplace Culture

As we mark World Mental Health Day this month, it is important to recognize how mental health has become a much more visible issue and, importantly, to understand how we help healthy, holistic and supportive workplace culture .

Today, employee well-being has expanded beyond physical well-being to focus on building a culture of holistic well-being including physical, emotional, financial, social, career, community, and purpose. Here are 4 pillars to focus on to build a positive and holistic workplace culture

Pillar 1: Emotional Well-being 

Our Employee Assistance Program, Sodexo Supports Me, launched in 2016, is a helpline that lends a listening ear to our employees’ personal and professional questions. It is a free and confidential counselling helpline that provides employees with access to expert guidance and specialist support. This program is extended to our employees and their immediate family members to help them cope with challenges in their life. This is especially useful given the long-drawn pandemic we are in. Our Sodexo Supports Me helpline, which provides independent support and guidance to our teams on a full range of topics, has been extended globally and is providing invaluable advice to our employees. This program is extended to our employees and their immediate family members to help them cope with challenges in their life.  

Pillar 2: Community Well-being 

Did you know the mental health benefits of volunteering? Through activities such as volunteering, a meaningful connection can take our mind off our worries when we put our attention on someone or something else. The richer the experience, the more we feel satisfied with giving our time, which results in an improved mood and less stress. Stop Hunger’s global community-based event, Servathon, allows teams across locations to unite - volunteer time, efforts and distribute food items to support those who lack access to quality food and good nutrition. In addition, Sodexo’s volunteering leave allows teams to take time off for volunteering, such as distributing food items to support those who lack access to quality food and good nutrition.

Pillar 3: Physical Well-being 

Forward looking companies are focusing on communicating the importance of daily habits to enhance one’s physical well-being. In a survey of mental health in Asia during the pandemic, commissioned by CNA, Singapore was the only place where burnout was the leading factor affecting mental health during the pandemic, chosen by 57 per cent of respondents. In commemoration of World Mental Health Month this October, we have prepared several activities such as health screening and wellness talk to bring focus on mental health and well-being at the Sodexo APAC House. 

Check out some of the activities we have conducted

Pillar 4: Social Well-being 

Every 3rd Friday of the month is No Meeting Day for Sodexo employees in Asia Pacific. It allows employees to engage in uninterrupted, deep focus work sessions and have a productive day ahead of the weekends. This allows employees to look forward to the rest of the weekend, where they can take time off to spend time with their family, friends or spend time alone to recharge and rest. Other benefits of blocking off a day of the week for deep focus work include having additional time for tasks, feeling a strong sense of accomplishment, finding a creative rhythm, and reducing stress.

 

In current times, leaders need to create a healthy, empathetic workplace culture to attract, retain and satisfy this rising generation of talent. This includes meaningful impact and empathetic engagement in workplace mental health efforts through organizational policies, initiatives, and resources as well as strategies for prevention and mental health awareness.  

HR leaders and employers must destigmatise mental health and promote open dialogue about it and foster a company culture that values well-being and zero harm. This helps to create an environment where employees can feel safe to talk about mental health. Soorya Themudu, SVP Human Resources, APMEA

A company that prioritises people  

Improving the quality of life starts with taking a human-centric approach, understanding and respecting people’s differences and making it acceptable for people to simply be themselves. This is something we continue to focus on at Sodexo, to create a better everyday for everyone to build a better life for all. We strive to actively engage our team to care for their well-being, build resilience in the face of a rapidly changing work environment! 

Ready to embark on an exciting, meaningful and fulfilling career with us? Connect with us today!