07 Mar 10 Tips to Protect Your Health & Wellbeing

It is not uncommon for people going through HR processes to experience increased stress levels or for their mental and general health to be affected to some degree. Typically, this results in periods of sickness absence, costly for both the individuals, their families, and the organisation. Frequently, ill-health is compounded by a lack of awareness regarding the help and support available. Here are ten tips to protect your health and wellbeing:

#1 YOUR GP

Your GP will probably be your first port of call in dealing with any medical issue. He or she can assess your physical and psychological needs, determine whether you are fit for work or refer you to other services.

#2 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH SERVICES

Occupational health services (OH) help employees to keep healthy and well in the workplace. Your manager may offer to refer you to OH as a supportive measure with your consent. Alternatively, you may be able to refer yourself. OH will triage your referral to determine the assessment that is most appropriate for you. Once assessed, you will have a short period to review the written evaluation before it is released to your employer.

#3 EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE SCHEME

Your employer may provide an employee assistance programme (EAP) as a benefit. Details are usually available from your HR department or intranet. An EAP is a confidential service that helps employees deal with various personal and professional problems that affect their work performance, health, and wellbeing.

#4 WELLBEING SERVICES

Your employer may provide other wellbeing benefits such as gym membership, massages and priority access to services such as physiotherapy. If you have private health coverage, similar services may be available to you.

#5 FAMILY AND FRIENDS

Family and friends can be a good source of help, depending on the nature of your relationship and how much you want to tell them. Even if you decide not to speak about your situation, socialisation can provide positive health benefits.

#6 PASTORAL GUIDANCE

If you think pastoral guidance would be useful, consider making an appointment to see your pastor or minister.

#7 MANAGERIAL SUPPORT

Your manager or someone acting in that capacity should ensure that you receive adequate support throughout the process.

#8 FRAME YOUR DAY

If you are not at work for more than a couple of weeks, it is helpful to plan your day every night before you go to bed to help you maintain the momentum of a routine and help you feel productive.

#9 COMPLAIN AND REMAIN

I understand that it may be challenging to stay positive but, remember where the mind goes, the body follows! Find three things to be genuinely thankful for every day, write them down and speak them aloud. As one person put it, complain and remain or praise and progress.

#10 HELP SOMEBODY

When life gets hard, it’s tempting to develop a woe is me attitude. May I suggest that when that happens, look around and consider helping another individual. Your focus will shift from your concerns to how can I make somebody else’s day better? For example, Jacinth had been suspended from work pending a disciplinary investigation. Jacinth knew that Kay was also going through a difficult time with her employer. Jacinth decided to brighten Kay’s day. Jacinth bought her flowers, arranged them beautifully in a gift bag and gave them to Kay with a card filled with words of encouragement. Kay smiled for the first time in a long time.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Access the help and support you need.

• Maintain a daily routine.

• Socialisation with family and friends may have positive effects.

• Remain thankful and help somebody else.

Based on excerpt from ‘If You Don’t Know, Get To Know HR Guide‘ by Dawn H Jones.

Click on this link to purchase the guide.