DisruptHR: “Wellbeing is the new culture” by Reka Deak
In the ever-evolving landscape of Human Resources, the spotlight on workplace well-being has never been more intense. Reka Deak’s DisruptHR’s speech brought to light the critical need for organizations to invest in employee well-being, citing research indicating a higher return on investment for companies prioritizing their workforce's well-being.
The speech opened with a reality check on the limitations of current well-being initiatives. Anecdotes revealed the inadequacy of sporadic meditation sessions in addressing the stress caused by toxic work environments and overwhelming workloads. This set the stage for a deeper exploration of strategies to truly embed well-being into organizational culture.
Human-Centric Approach to Well-Being
The speaker, Reka Deak, emphasized the importance of a human-centric approach to well-being. In a truly well-being culture, employees are not only engaged in driving high team performance but are also supported in maintaining a sustainable work-life balance while pursuing their personal life purpose.
Strategies for Well-Being Integration
Three key strategies were presented to guide organizations in weaving well-being into their cultural fabric. Firstly, well-being should be integrated into everyday work processes and interactions, becoming a natural part of the business routine. The emphasis was on providing choices for well-being practices, recognizing that a one-size-fits-all approach does not resonate with everyone.
Secondly, the importance of measurement was underscored. The power of qualitative and quantitative data, including people analytics, was highlighted as essential for personalizing well-being solutions and measuring success. Real-life conversations with employees were stressed as crucial to understanding what truly resonates with them.
The third strategy centered around collaboration and community. The speaker urged organizations to break down silos and avoid blame, emphasizing that well-being is a shared responsibility. Leaders were called upon to model well-being authentically, fostering psychological safety, belonging, and a zero-tolerance policy for toxic behaviors.
The Role of Well-Being Education
A key aspect often overlooked in well-being initiatives is education. The session emphasized the importance of learning well-being skills and educating employees. However, it was also acknowledged that a single well-being solution is insufficient to address systemic issues. A comprehensive, systemic approach is needed to design well-being cultures effectively.
In a final reflective moment, the audience was invited to close their eyes, take a deep breath, and momentarily detach from the pressures of work. While not a cure for toxic cultures or excessive workloads, this exercise served as a reminder of the importance of self-awareness and taking moments for oneself.
In conclusion, the Reka Deak provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of integrating well-being into the workplace. The key takeaway was clear – a human-centric, systemic approach, combined with leadership commitment and continuous education, is essential for creating a thriving well-being culture in the modern workplace.
Our Sponsors
A big thank you goes to our sponsors HR Cosmos, Coople & Personio.
About DisruptHR
„Teach us something but do it quick“ – DisruptHR presents inspiring speakers worlwide who are questioning the status quo and look into the future with their ideas.
SPOT ON organizes this format for Zurich and brings together HR enthusiasts.
