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As I sit here feeling a bit meh, flatlining in some respects and not feeling much better than existing and having a pulse, I am wondering whose responsibility is that? Is it mine? I asked the ‘experts’ for their thoughts on just whose job wellbeing is.
Should I go knocking at the door of HR and ask them to roll out the red carpet of wellbeing benefits? I’d like to blame someone I really would, but I am also pretty sure that as the sole custodian of my life I probably should be accountable for how I am feeling physically and mentally. I really do want to know the answer on this one.
HR must extend its role beyond rolling out wellbeing resources
I start with the big guns, Miriam Groom, knows a thing or two about the depths of feeling ‘meh’ and also how to take ownership over the course of your life. She is the founder and CEO of counselling firm, Mindful Career. For Groom, it’s all about offering the right framework in which wellbeing can simmer away at the edges and bubble in a paradigm of contentedness.
“HR’s role in wellbeing extends beyond simply offering resources or programs. It involves creating a culture where mental, emotional, and physical health are prioritised and integrated into the company’s values and practices. HR is ideally positioned to lead initiatives that promote work-life balance, provide support systems, and ensure that employees feel heard and valued.”
Wellbeing is not a destination; it's a continuous journey that requires commitment from both HR and employees
A good lever seems to be what HR is in this - she adds, “However, wellbeing is not solely HR’s responsibility. Employees must also take an active role in their own wellbeing by accessing the resources HR provides, setting boundaries, and practicing self-care. But HR can be a key facilitator - creating an environment where people feel empowered to prioritise their health and reach out for support when needed.”
There is a question here, just how pro-active should HR be in wellbeing? It goes two ways with that – I know I could go to the gym more, eat healthier and do things that boost my mental wellbeing but often I don’t. It can be the same for HR and often is.
