A major challenge for- organisations today is finding ways to combat stress and anxiety in the workplace. High levels of tension and fatigue are linked to drops in productivity. They can also compromise the overall wellbeing of individuals. As many corporate offices operate at breakneck speeds, both staff and employers may find it convenient to neglect health issues until they directly affect work performance. But employers should aim to safeguard employees from illnesses and treat wellness as an ongoing preventative tool, not just an easy fix.
The growing number of companies implementing staff wellness programmes is a positive sign that employers are beginning to encourage healthy lifestyles. The corporate wellness retreat is another way to rejuvenate employees and let them know that their wellbeing is highly valued. Chong Yeang Chern, of Asia Health Partners, says a wellness agenda should encourage staff to engage in activities outside the realm of their routine work. Such efforts improve staff morale and generate a sense of security, loyalty and belonging within the organisation.
Wellness retreats can help staff at all levels to relieve overburdened minds and raise their energy levels. They can also prove more cost-effective than other types of incentives when it comes to the corporate balance sheet. A simple trip to a spa, for example, can be very relaxing and rewarding. A one-time yoga class can introduce employees to breathing techniques and stretches to use during hectic periods in the office.
Of course, it doesn't always have to be about just relaxation. Companies can go a step further and customise a wellness retreat which includes physically and mentally challenging events for their staff. They can even engage an experienced facilitator to hand-pick and combine activities to create a total wellness experience that focuses on both the body and the mind.
Hotel Nikko, in Kuala Lumpur, likes to keep things as flexible as possible. It tailors its wellness retreat packages according to each individual client. Kattie Hoo, Director of Communications, says the venue's Sompoton Spa opened in November last year and is already proving popular with corporate guests. With both single and double treatment rooms available, as well as poolside cabanas for the ultimate in relaxation, the hotel offers some valuable rejuvenation opportunities for hard-working staff.
'Workers tend to be more relaxed with their mind, body and soul totally in sync,' she says. 'They are able to focus more effectively on the day-to-day demands of their jobs having rejuvenated, refreshed and recharged themselves.'
Structured or free-flowing?
There are basically two types of wellness retreats available for the corporate planner - and these are designed to match two categories of company needs. Employers who want to maintain a business focus on their retreat will prefer structured programmes which promote employee wellbeing for its direct impact on immediate company goals. A company wanting to resolve or avoid ongoing conflicts between project team members or an organisation aiming to boost motivation during difficult times would most likely choose one of these. Structured programmes work well for such objectives because the planning can be as specific as the problem. Team-building exercises are common tools, as the activities can easily incorporate aspects of physical and emotional wellness.
Outdoor In Asia Events is a learning and travel organisation which has arranged and hosted corporate retreats for companies in the banking, pharmaceuticals, telecommunication and hospitality sectors. Ludovic Odier, CEO, says employees typically prefer a structured retreat because they can see the goal and work towards it together. 'People are already sacrificing time to attend so they had better have a good reason to be there,' he says. 'Retreats make better business sense if there is a focus on hashing out the tough stuff.'
Team-building exercises can be created or modified to solve company problems and improve wellbeing at the same time. Customised activities offer staff a sense that HR cares about their individual self development and wellbeing. Odier says that the retreat setting also places staff and leaders in an amicable context, which makes everyone more approachable. Along with shifting perspectives comes a sense of interdependence. Employees learn that collaboration can create win-win situations, even in competitive settings.
These subtle messages also work at the emotional level. Odier, who has witnessed the positive impact of team-building firsthand, cites the example of a large telecommunications company taking a retreat during a corporate restructure. Participants were led through a series of challenges in a 'Tribal Survivor' programme which created a context of constant change. They quickly learned new skills in facing and overcoming challenges while maintaining a positive mindset. In creating openness and letting go of typical ego or position-based barriers, staff established emotional connections which provided relief and comfort amid the ongoing corporate upheaval.
Employers can also opt for generalised retreat programmes. Plenty of free-flowing activities are available locally and in nearby countries. Wellness activities that highlight mental and physical wellbeing can combine elements of the outdoors with traditional influences like music, painting, yoga and meditation.
Spaboutique, on Nassim Road, provides a range of corporate retreat programmes and facilities. A popular venue for corporate retreats and wellness workshops, it has hosted a number of Singapore companies including HSBC, Parkway Group Healthcare and Mediacorp. Vivienne Tan, Assistant Spa and Marketing Manager, believes staff wellness initiatives are an important recognition of employees' hard work. 'In pampering and honouring that, (employers) are encouraging better productivity and better work relations. Ultimately it translates to a better bottom line for the company,' she says.
Spaboutique offers a number of wellness retreat options. Its do-it-yourself aromatherapy workshops, for example, promote techniques to aid workplace stress reduction. The spa also offers 'calming and brain rejuvenation' sessions which target pressured workers. Tense shoulders and poor circulation are chief complaints and if not addressed, these problems can lead to fatigue and more serious health problems. Instructors teach participants how to massage key areas in the head, neck and shoulders to release accumulated tension.
Chong recommends a simple de-stressing exercise as a way to kick start a wellness retreat. Ask staff to write all their grievances onto a piece of paper, tear it up afterwards and throw it into a black plastic bag. She says the exercise allows staff to unleash emotional obstacles that could be hindering their performance. As a symbol of the new beginning, staff then list possible solutions on a fresh piece of paper as a reminder to focus on their new goals.
Assessing wellness needs
How HR assesses staff health can determine the success of any retreat. It is instrumental to communicate openly with staff to find out how the event can address their physical, emotional and mental health needs.
Before the retreat, experts suggest conducting an annual health screening exercise to understand the overall health of your staff. HR can then arrange activities with specific health goals in mind.
If a majority of staff face high cholesterol problems, for example, HR can organise a talk during the retreat to assist staff on lifestyle changes that might combat future complications. The health report will also guide HR in the selection of appropriate physical activities and recommended foods to include on the retreat menu.
In efforts to improve overall wellbeing, HR should not forget to engage employees who already have good health profiles. For these employees, the retreat can be an opportunity to try new physical activities. HR can consider organising outdoor activities such as rock climbing, cycling and surfing.
Keeping in mind that emotional and mental health are integral to overall wellness, HR can also arrange for an experienced psychiatrist or counselor to plan appropriate wellbeing exercises. Before doing so, it is best for HR to conduct feedback sessions with staff to gather information on their concerns, causes of stress at work and personal worries.