Why Workplace Wellbeing Isn't Just Another Buzzword (Really, We Promise!)

Let's face it—we've all sat through presentations about "workplace wellness" while secretly checking our phones under the desk, some of us not so secretly... But here's the thing: this stuff actually matters, and not just because HR says so. Here's why taking care of yourself at work isn't just another corporate fad.

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1. Your Brain Will Actually Work (Better)

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Remember that time you tried to write an important email after pulling an all-nighter? What about booking an epic itinerary with more connections than there are hours in the day. Yeah, not our finest moments. When we take care of ourselves, great things happen: we can focus without mainlining coffee, make decisions without playing Eeny-meeny-miny-mo, and actually remember what happened in that 2-hour meeting.

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Support Spotlight: Before you grab that sixth espresso, check out what’s on offer in your region. For example, Healthwise have a number of options when it comes to meditation. Perhaps your EAP offers productivity coaching that might actually be cooler than you think. You can access the Healthwise Global website here.

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2. Less "I Can't Even" Moments

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We've all had those days when your colleagues keyboard typing sounds like a personal attack. Stress is real, and burnout isn't just something millennials made up. Taking care of yourself helps you handle workplace concerns without fantasising about moving to a desert island. it might sound like a good idea, but in actual fact, humans need a certain level of connection to maintain wellbeing.

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Support Spotlight: Your EAP isn't just for crisis moments—it's like having a personal coaching team on speed dial. When was the last time you checked in on your stress levels? Consider taking the Healthwise Perceived Stress Assessment.

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3. Actually Enjoying Your Job (No, Really!)

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Plot twist: You might actually start liking your job when you're not running on fumes. Weird, right? Taking care of yourself can transform your 9-to-5 from a daily grind into something that doesn't make you want to fake a meteor strike emergency.

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Support Spotlight: It’s time to Thrive and take a dive into those professional development perks. FCTG offers an abundance of online, in-person, facilitated and self-paced programs. When was the last time you did something for your career? You’re sitting on a gold mine of cool learning opportunities that don't involve PowerPoint presentations from 1997. Reach out to your local Professional Development team for all the details.

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4. YourBody Will Thank You (Eventually)

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Let's be honest—we're not getting any younger(sorry), and that gaming chair posture isn't doing us any favors. Taking care of your physical health at work means fewer "my back is trying to murder me" moments and more "I can actually touch my toes" victories.

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Support Spotlight: Before you dismiss that corporate wellness program as too cheesy, or just scroll past the latest Healthwise Challenge, stop and check it out. Use your 'Hour of Power', take a walk at lunch, you could even participate in that virtual yoga class, with your camera off (we won't judge your downward dog).

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5. BetterTeam Vibes All Around

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Turns out, when we're not all stressed and cranky, we're actually pretty decent humans to work with. Who knew? Taking care of yourself has this weird side effect of making workplace relationships less awkward and more awesome.

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Support Spotlight: Look for team activities that don't involve trust falls. You're in control so get creative with virtual coffee chats, interest groups, and workshops that won't make you cringe. You'll find a lot of opportunities on Workplace, your local intranet and just by having a conversation with your colleagues. If you can't find something to pique your interest, reach out to your local People and Culture team for ideas, or consider starting your own movement!

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Making It Happen (Without the Eye Roll)

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Before you dismiss this as another fluffy workplace initiative, consider:

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• Take a fresh look at your benefits package, they're all in here just waiting to be discovered

• Having an honest chat with your Team Leader or People and Culture Team about what's available

• Trust that your manager's "open door policy" includes talks about wellbeing and being vulnerable

• Look for the cool kids who are already nailing this wellness thing... we call them Healthwise

• Start a workplace revolution (kidding... sort of) ... we're talking the online version. Create a group or join an already established community

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The RealTalk

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Here's the deal: workplace wellbeing isn't about becoming a green-juice-drinking yoga master (unless that's your thing—no judgment). It's about finding ways for better work-life balance. We guarantee that FCTG has tools to help you do that, even if they're buried under corporate jargon.

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Pro tip: Your local benefits team probably spent ages putting together some amazing perks that you haven't uncovered. Do them (and yourself) a favor and ask what's available. They'll be so excited someone actually asked, you might just discover something that puts you on the path to improved wellbeing.

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