Embracing Self-Care: A Collective Commitment for Leaders and Teams

Self-Care Is Not Just a Personal Journey — It’s a Commitment We All Should Make

Picture this: you’re at a bustling café, a cup of steaming coffee in hand, engaging in a heart-to-heart about self-care with a close friend. That’s the vibe I’m aiming for today because, let’s face it, self-care is becoming a buzzword we should all take seriously. It’s not just a personal journey but a commitment we, especially as leaders, must embody and model.

The Leadership Responsibility

As business leaders, if we genuinely want our teams to embrace wellbeing, we need to visibly commit to it ourselves. I don’t think there’s any other way. It’s all well and good to roll out a shiny new wellbeing programme, but do we actively participate in it? Or do we simply put it on the shelf like a well-meaning decoration?

At City Skills, we’ve decided it’s high time for a shift in perspective. We believe that creating an environment where our employees feel empowered to prioritise their mental and physical health starts at the top. When leaders pave the way, everyone else has the confidence to follow suit.

Leading by Example

So how can we set the right example? Here’s what I’ve found essential:

• Share Our Own Experiences: We often think that vulnerability is a weakness, but it’s actually a strength. When we share our own journeys with wellbeing initiatives, it encourages others to do the same. It breaks down those barriers and opens up a space for genuine connection.
• Offer Flexibility: Rigid work hours can be a recipe for burnout. By providing flexible working arrangements, we support our teams in achieving a balanced life. After all, we can’t expect our employees to prioritise their health if we don’t give them the time and space to do so.
• Encourage Open Conversations: Mental health needs to be a topic we chat about without any stigma attached. Creating an open culture encourages employees to discuss their challenges and seek support when needed.

Making Self-Care a Shared Priority

Let’s not stop there. The beauty of self-care is that it isn’t just an option; it can be a shared priority. When we model and advocate for these practices, we send a powerful message that wellbeing is fundamental to our success as a team.

One personal insight I’d like to share is this: I once attended a workshop where I found myself overwhelmed by my tasks. I mentioned to a colleague that I was struggling to keep up. Instead of brushing it aside, he shared that he had been facing similar feelings. That openness led to a heartfelt conversation about how we could better support each other. This experience taught me that sharing our ups and downs will not only help individuals but will enhance our entire work culture.

Reflection and Action

So, here’s my question to you: How do you lead by example in prioritising wellbeing in your business? Reflecting on your practices can illuminate areas for improvement and spark creative solutions. If we want to foster a thriving workplace, we must embrace self-care as a collective effort.

As we move forward, let’s keep this conversation alive. The more we share, the stronger we grow. Remember, self-care isn’t just a personal journey; it’s a commitment we must all make to ourselves and each other. So, what’s your next step towards building a culture of wellbeing?

Let’s chat about it.

#Wellbeing #Leadership #CitySkills