Healthily British

Hi folks,

Well, the most 'British' week I've ever witnessed is almost over, did you get in to the spirit of things? I thought that the Jubilee may just involve a few tacky Union hats & maybe some cake stalls in village halls but i was drastically wrong. I think it really hit home when i saw the coverage of the Jubilee concert at Buckingham Palace & the amount of effort people had made around the country. The British public seemed to ooze relentless enthusiasm from start to finish & there was a great atmosphere. This got me thinking, for normally such a cynical lot, what was it that made us have that 'one big family' feel, & furthermore what huge health benefits would it bring if we could create this in the workplace?


1. We are all members of a world famous club - We are British! Just like any other club (football supporters, mother & baby club, running club) a sense of belonging gives us confidence. If your company represents something to be proud of then get the workforce enthused / engaged by it!


2. Us Brits all have similar lifestyles, values & priorities which gives us something in common. This is fantastic for breaking down barriers to increase social interaction / communication (a crowd of 1000's of strangers became 1 tribe). Why not look at the dynamics of your workforce or run social events, they all have something in common - they work for your company!


3. Why we're most people so happy? because they got something of value ....an extra day off! This means a lot to people as time is the most valuable gift to most people as they can spend it how they wish. But as an employer, a day off may be costly, what about giving something that has no cost to you but huge value to your workforce? e.g canteen vouchers, high street vouchers from you corporate links / benefit schemes, charity activities.



So whats the benefit of creating a company 'family feel'? Well it just so happens that this ticks all the psychosocial boxes found by the latest research studies to be absolutely vital for good workforce health.  Plus besides the subsequent health benefits, they are more likely to work harder for you! Wouldn't you 'go that extra mile' for you're family?

Now go out in the rain & wave that Union Jack!

James