Understanding Workplace Well-Being

Strategies to Enhance Workplace Community Well-Being

Genesis Fisher, a lead facilitator with JAMS Pathways, authored a compelling blog on HR.com, where she explored the vital need to expand workplace well-being initiatives beyond individual strategies and toward building a robust sense of community. She emphasizes that

"when there’s tension in the office, everyone feels the impact... If these issues aren’t addressed, workers disengage, reputations get tarnished, and high turnover becomes the norm."

Fisher’s analysis shines a light on how modern organizations may help enhance employee engagement and overall productivity through a more collective, inclusive approach.

From Individual to Community: A New Approach to Workplace Well-Being

Fisher critiques the common approach to workplace well-being, which has often revolved around physical health, mindfulness, and mental health programs aimed at the individual. Companies have sponsored sports teams, hosted yoga sessions, and increased access to wellness apps and therapy benefits, assuming that healthier employees would translate into better performance. While these are positive steps, Fisher points out that these initiatives often fall short in addressing the larger dynamics of workplace culture, such as team cohesion, communication, and emotional well-being in the workplace. As organizations continue to navigate complex challenges like remote work and political tensions, Fisher argues it’s time for a fresh approach—one that nurtures both individual and community well-being in the workplace.

Building Community: Key to Team Well-Being

Fisher stresses the importance of fostering community well-being in the workplace, defined as "social cohesion, mutual support, and affinity." Such a community allows for informal mentorship, knowledge-sharing across generations, and mutual support, all of which may help improve team dynamics and foster employee well-being in the workplace. She highlights the example of cross-generational mentorship, where seasoned employees help guide newer staff members in learning organizational culture and norms. This kind of informal support not only helps solve problems before they escalate but also strengthens relationships between employees, potentially enhancing team cohesion.

To nurture this type of community, Fisher outlines several strategies, including hybrid work schedules, formal mentorship programs, and facilitated dialogues aimed at addressing conflicts before they become serious issues. Such initiatives can contribute to building a positive work environment, where employees feel supported not only by leadership but by their peers. Fisher also advocates for team retreats as a means to help employees bond, sharpen skills, and align on organizational values—key components of enhancing team cohesion.

Workplace Inclusion and Organizational Culture

Fisher also touches on the importance of workplace inclusion practices in promoting community well-being. In a hybrid work environment, having overlapping in-office days can encourage better interpersonal relationships and give new hires exposure to company norms. By focusing on inclusive policies and offering employees low-stakes opportunities to clear the air through facilitated dialogues, organizations can address workplace tensions more effectively.

Genesis Fisher argues that community well-being in the workplace is not just a "nice-to-have" but a critical element of improving organizational culture and productivity. Her call to action for organizations is clear: investing in both employee well-being in the workplace and collective workplace culture may be important for long-term success.

For more insights into Genesis Fisher’s strategies on fostering well-being in the workplace, read the full article on HR.com.