Healthy Workplaces

See below for a visual journalism snapshot of the conversation on Wisdom and Wellness sponsored by the South Bay Organizational Development Network.  Panelists from Google, Ideo, Stillheart and Brocade Communications offered some surprising and heartening insights.

First of all, organizations are saying the words “body” and “spirit” along with “mind.” And there’s a business case for working on all three levels to help workers manage their energy. Ancient meditation practices are moving into high-tech companies. But sometimes it’s more talk than walk. “Health-washing” is the new “Green-washing” — some organizations are talking about creating healthier work environments but still raising eyebrows when someone leaves a marathon meeting to take a run.  That’s changing in some organizations where health initiatives are beginning at the grass roots. Happiness, engagement and energy management are supplanting Workaholism, long hours, and time management.  Why? Employers are becoming kinder, but also — there’s a business case that healthier workers are more innovative and productive.

Environment is key.  In towns where everyone walks, obesity is less of a problem.  What is the health culture in your work?  What are the tools, rules and norms for health in your community.  Is stress cool or do people at the top model healthy behaviors?

We all sat and listened to the panelists (except me, getting to stand up at the wall and draw) — until one of them had an “a-ha”. “Everyone stand up and stretch.”  Everyone did, and began to laugh.  Laughing is a metric for a healthy workplace.

The event was organized by South Bay Organizational Network’s wonderful Rossella Derickson.
Moderator: Debbie Gisonni, Author, Exec Director,StillHeart.org
Panelists:
– Mark Ball, Google Learning and Development, Google

– Leanne Bernhardt, Sr Dir HR, Brocade Communications

– Aaron Sklar, IDEO

South Bay Organizational Development Network

Description – Corporate wellness is one of the newest trends in the workplace. Tech companies are funneling resources towards wellness programs to increase productivity, collaboration and leadership effectiveness. What have they learned?