While more and more people today are aware of and actively working on maintaining Mind, Body & Spirit balance for their own being, these same ideas and thoughts are also creeping into the workplace. As we acknowledge the interconnectedness of things in the world around us, we can see how these same philosophies and ideas incorporate into our workplace.
Using the same triune we can evaluate the current heath of our company’s Mind Body & Spirit and develop a plan for how to best improve and maintain its wellness. Following up on Part 1 – Mind, in this article we will explore your business as a “Body.” While there are many different ways to define a business’ Mind, Body & Spirit, we’ll start here today…
Body
Let’s regard the physical surroundings – office space, production areas and anywhere your staff works – as the body of your business. Drive up the approach, walk through the doors, and move through the space as you perform a visual physical on your body. Consider the condition and shape of your body. This is where all your work being done. This is the vehicle through which you make your impact on the world. Does it align with your vision? When others look at you, do you give the impression that you take care of your body? That you provide it with what it needs to be healthy and thriving? Are you as respectful and invested into this company space as much as you may expect others to invest or respect it who work here?
Basic – Do I provide adequate space to perform all functions within the business? Is it apparent to those who work within this body/space that an investment is made in its maintenance and upkeep? Do I have adequate signage to mark our location for people to find us? Does my office space have ‘curb appeal’ and look inviting to both customers and employees? Am I located in a safe neighborhood?
Intermediate – Is the body/space physically appealing? Is furniture and equipment updated, matching, coordinated? Is it aesthetically pleasing? Is it painted vibrant colors and/or have visible artwork around for people to enjoy? Are the spaces well organized and stocked to provide the tools, access and equipment people need to do their jobs? Do I providing areas for employee wellness – break rooms, nursing mother rooms, lunch rooms, etc?
Advanced – Have I considered how overall sound wellness can impact those who work within this body? Do I have to make accommodations for noisy machinery? Can I provide soothing background music to aid in focus and production? Am I open to incorporate the energetic principals of Feng Shui into our space? Can I explore adding in more greenery and plants or natural lighting into our office space?
These are simple examples that can be used as starting points for you to come up with endless opportunities to contribute to creating a healthy body for your business to operate within.
Watch for Holistic HR – Taking care of Your Businesses’ Mind Body & Spirit: Part 3 – Spirit
Tricia Heibel has developed a reputation in her career over the past 20 years as a business leader, project manager and change agent both as an internal employee and an outside consultant. With a career that has provided variety in not only role and responsibility, but also exposure to a vast array of industries and businesses, her solutions provide a well-rounded and balanced view point. Tricia has worked with clients across the United States and currently lives in Saint Paul, Minnesota. When not working, she enjoys movies, reading, bowling, board/card games, and spending time with her family, friends and pets. An avid traveler, she likes to explore new places, sample regional cuisine and appreciates the many travel opportunities her career has brought her.
