TLDR:

• Well-being encompasses physical, mental, financial, emotional, spiritual, social, and environmental aspects.

• UNN promotes physical health through sports and activities, enhancing teamwork and community.

• Educational sessions on diverse topics help employees manage stress and understand health and nutrition.

• Mental Health First-Aider training equips staff to support colleagues with mental health challenges.

• Initiatives like the Healthy Lifestyle Program (HLP) demonstrate UNN's commitment to holistic employee well-being.

• Creating safe spaces for open discussions about personal challenges ensures employees feel supported.

• Systematic well-being enhancement includes understanding current needs, setting clear objectives, and continuous program evaluation.

• Leadership support is crucial for allocating resources and championing well-being initiatives.

• Adapting well-being strategies to changing employee needs is essential for sustained success.

• A proactive approach to employee well-being can prevent burnout and boost overall organizational productivity.

May 1st, 2024 – At the Workplace Safety & Health Conference 2024, Azemah Emran, a Health and Wellbeing Specialist from Unified National Networks (UNN) Sdn. Bhd., shared innovative approaches to managing workplace stress and promoting employee well-being. Her talk, centered on preventing burnout and fostering a holistic sense of wellness, provided actionable insights that other organizations can emulate.

Holistic Approach to Well-being

Azemah highlighted UNN's commitment to nurturing seven key elements of well-being: physical, mental, financial, emotional, spiritual, social, and environmental. This comprehensive approach is crucial because well-being extends beyond the absence of illness—it encompasses feeling comfortable, healthy, and happy in various aspects of life.

Successful Initiatives at UNN

UNN has implemented several successful initiatives aimed at enhancing these well-being elements:

• Healthy Lifestyle Program (HLP): Encourages physical activity through sports and outdoor activities, fostering not only physical health but also camaraderie and community among employees.

• Inter-house and Inter-telephone Netball Competitions: These tournaments enhance teamwork and provide a fun, engaging way to stay active.

• Educational Sessions: Topics range from workplace harassment to health and nutrition, emphasizing the importance of mental and emotional well-being alongside physical health.

• Mental Health First-Aider Training: Equips selected employees with the skills to offer immediate support for mental health issues, emphasizing UNN’s commitment to creating a supportive work environment.

Empowering Employees

UNN sees its employees as valuable resources and focuses on empowering them to take proactive steps toward their well-being. This empowerment is facilitated through:

• Education and Awareness: Providing knowledge on various topics, including financial planning and mental health, empowers employees to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

• Support Systems: Coffee talks and sharing sessions offer safe spaces for employees to discuss personal challenges, ensuring they feel supported and valued.

Systematic Approach to Enhancing Well-being

Azemah detailed a systematic approach to enhancing workplace well-being, which includes:

• Understanding the Current State: Utilizing surveys and discussions to gauge employee well-being and identify areas for improvement.

• Setting Objectives: Aligning well-being initiatives with organizational goals to ensure they resonate with both the company’s values and employees' needs.

• Forming Dedicated Teams: Establishing committees like the HLP committee to drive initiatives and secure leadership support for necessary resources.

• Continuous Improvement: Emphasizing the importance of adaptation and improvement in well-being programs to meet evolving needs.

Azemah concluded her presentation with a powerful quote from Albert Einstein, reminding the audience that changing our approach to well-being starts with changing our mindset. By prioritizing holistic well-being, organizations can not only prevent employee burnout but also enhance productivity and success. UNN’s initiatives serve as a model for other organizations striving to create a healthier, more balanced workplace.