People development company in the heart of Wales launches hybrid wellness programme
A dedicated programme to empower business teams and their individuals navigate the feelings and challenges of hybrid working has been curated in the heart of Wales.
Call of the Wild, an independently owned professional leadership and management development company, has created the Hybrid Working Wellness Check specifically for companies who have hybrid working in place. The programme uses bespoke behavioural assessments and in-person activities on site in Bannau Brycheiniog to develop teams, by helping them understand their current levels of motivation, their ability to work remotely now, and what possible support they may need in future such as mental health awareness.
In an office environment, teams can enjoy unplanned and informal conversations at a water cooler, a kettle, or the coffee machine. These conversations are invaluable; they help solve problems, spark creativity and innovative thinking, and ultimately enhance company culture and positive working relationships. Break-out rooms virtually do not come close to these opportunities for random encounters.
Mark Soanes, Director, Call of the Wild set up the programme and is asking business owners to review their team’s wellness during a hybrid working capacity, and ensure appropriate time is dedicated to face-to face interactions. He said: “As a large leadership and team-building development programme provider, we regularly see that team leaders of today struggling to manage remotely. For instance, they find it difficult to gauge how their team members are feeling, and I fear for the mental and physical health of people when some are potentially hiding behind their computers for hours a day, every day.
“We’re hearing more frequently from clients how surprised they are that staff have resigned, are underperforming or are off sick since working from home, but without that day-to-day direct personal interaction, it’s easy for leaders and managers to miss those signs, whether verbal or through body language, which could indicate potential problems.
“It’s inevitable that with more people having to lead remotely, leaders and managers can become more task-focused rather than people-focused. But what about the negative impact this can have on team members? How much did we underestimate those conversations around the water cooler, kettle, or coffee machine and the opportunities those moments created for spontaneous learning?”
With retail giant Amazon among other big-named companies such as Disney, Starbucks, Twitter, and KPMG withdrawing hybrid working policies, it appears that remote working isn’t necessarily the best working model for all organisations. While it had its place post-pandemic, and offers the flexibility a lot of people want and need, the reality is that there really is no substitute for some face-to-face interaction in order to create positive working cultures, opportunities for spontaneous learning, and support to nurture people particularly new career entrants.
Mark continues: “I want to see all companies engaging with their teams first and foremost to truly understand the scope and nature of client delivery. We need to equip leaders of today with the ability to successfully adapt to employees’ development and wellbeing needs in this demanding hybrid world. Some of the larger organisations have dedicated welfare officers in place tasked with caring for the needs of individuals, but when that isn’t in place, leaders need to consider expertise to navigate the ever-changing working styles employees face.
“Success for me personally will be when we no longer need to run Hybrid Working Wellness Checks because team leaders have appreciated the power and opportunity of real interactions away from the desk and they proactively seek out opportunities to engage with their people.”
The Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) is one of Wales’ three National Parks. The Park is famous for its outstanding natural beauty – with mountains, waterfalls, and caves. Who wouldn’t want to enjoy the Park which provides a wonderful natural classroom and playground with its untamed environment of rugged peaks, lakes, and green valleys?
To find out more about the Hybrid Working Wellness Checks and help you to understand your team’s current levels of motivation, their ability to work remotely now, and what possible support they may need such as mental health awareness contact Call of the Wild today for a bespoke plan of action by emailing Team@callofthewild.co.uk