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Entrepreneur
10 hours ago
- Business
- Entrepreneur
How I Discovered the Incredible Power of Employee Engagement
When leaders move from control to culture, engagement stops being a perk and starts becoming the engine for growth. Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. In 2024, Gallup reported that low employee engagement is costing U.S. companies an estimated $1.9 trillion in lost productivity. The message is clear: How you engage your team isn't just about morale — it's about performance, retention and long-term growth. Early in my career, I didn't think much about employee engagement. To be honest, I didn't expect much from my employers either. My mindset was simple: Work hard, deliver results, get paid, get promoted. That was the implicit contract. Time and effort in exchange for money and power. It was the 1990s, and that was considered normal, especially in the world of enterprise software sales. There's a famous line from Mad Men where Don Draper responds to a subordinate's request for appreciation with: "That's what the money is for." It captures a certain mindset of leadership — results over relationships, control over connection. I lived that mindset for years. But over time, as I rose through the ranks and led larger teams, I started to notice something: I was no longer motivated just by money. During my years at Citrix, the motto, per our CEO Mark Templeton, became: "Work hard, play hard, get results and have fun doing it." I wanted to enjoy the work, learn something new, feel valued and laugh with my teammates. And even though I always gave 100% — even when those things were missing — I began to realize that not everyone is wired the same. Nor should they be. Related: Top 10 Employee Engagement Strategies That Matter The turning point My first CEO role at getAbstract was a game changer. Suddenly, I was responsible not just for outcomes, but for culture. We sold a product that gave companies access to over 14,000 curated business book summaries, including the best thinking on leadership and organizational effectiveness. People like Simon Sinek, Lisa McLeod, Ken Blanchard, Mark Miller, Stephen M.R. Covey and many more have become regular voices in our work and conversations. In addition, our clients, mostly (offices of the) CHROs at large corporations, put our solution to work inside their incredible organizations. Being surrounded by amazing content, customers, cultures and colleagues becomes my version of an advanced study in human behavior at work. Through this, something clicked: The best leaders don't just lead for results; they lead with purpose, meaning and service. I became intellectually curious. I began testing what I was learning — leading with gratitude, aligning around purpose, creating space for constructive feedback and growth. And the results? Employees showed up with more passion. Customers noticed the energy. Sales grew. Profit followed. What started as theory turned into practice. Practice turned into belief. Belief turned into who I am as a leader. Related: The Key to Employee Engagement Is Purpose. Here's Why — and How to Foster It in Your Workplace. Engagement is a business strategy Too many leaders still think of engagement as a "nice-to-have" — a soft skill or HR metric that doesn't directly connect to the bottom line. I know because I used to be one of them. But here's what I've learned: Engagement is not fluff. It's a strategic lever for business growth. When employees feel seen, heard, challenged and appreciated, they bring what I call discretionary effort — that extra energy and initiative that can't be bought, only inspired. And when you create value beyond salary — through recognition, purpose, learning and belonging — people aren't constantly looking elsewhere for more. Another way to think about it: Engagement is what makes people actually look forward to Monday. As MD Rafi, founder and CEO of Bison Life, told me in an interview: "We started treating culture like a product — something to design, build and iterate. It was no longer about keeping people happy. It was about helping them grow, take ownership and feel essential to the mission." Engaged teams innovate more. They sell more. They stay longer. They attract great talent. They treat the company like an owner would. It's not just the right thing to do; it's the smart thing to do. Investing in career development isn't just good for morale — it's a measurable business advantage. A 2025 report from LinkedIn Learning found that companies with strong internal mobility and growth programs experience higher engagement, more internal promotions and stronger leadership pipelines. With 88% of organizations now citing retention as a critical concern, supporting employee development has become a top priority for leaders who want to keep their best people. The flywheel of authentic leadership Today, my team and I coach leaders through this same evolution. At first, we help them see that engagement is a driver of performance. Then I encourage them to try it — lead with more purpose, invest in their people and build a culture of meaning. They often see an immediate lift. People respond. And then something wonderful happens: They start to like the way it makes them feel; good! Not just the business results, but the energy, connection and personal fulfillment that come from leading well. What began as an experiment becomes a habit. A new leadership style emerges — one that's not just effective but authentic. And that authenticity creates a flywheel of trust, passion and performance. We see this all the time at great companies we work with. Restaurant Brands International (RBI), the parent company of Burger King, Tim Hortons, Popeyes and Firehouse Subs, prioritizes a culture that cares for its team members so it can translate into great customer experiences and business performance. Jeff Housman, RBI's Chief People & Services Officer, emphasizes this connection: "Our culture is built around hard-working, good people who care deeply about each other and the guests we serve. When our team members feel supported and valued, they bring that same care to every customer interaction, creating a cycle of positivity that drives our success." Freeman, one of the world's leading live event and brand experience companies, exemplifies this approach. Recognized twice as a Top Workplaces USA winner in 2024 and 2025 among large employers, Freeman's commitment to embedding purpose and innovation into its culture has earned it multiple awards, including honors for Leadership, Work-Life Flexibility and Purpose & Values. Chair of the Board Carrie Freeman Parsons captures this ethos, stating, "It has been my lifelong experience that events connect people in ways that leave them more inspired, better informed and better prepared for what lies ahead." This values-driven model has been widely recognized as a catalyst for employee engagement and long-term retention — demonstrating how purpose, when embedded into daily operations, can shape a resilient and motivated workforce. Related: 6 Employee Engagement Tips for Strong Retention If you're a leader who's still stuck in the old mindset — if you're thinking, "That's what the money is for" — I encourage you to try something new. Lead with purpose. Start with why. See how people respond. Watch what happens to your culture, your customers and your company. You might be surprised by how great it feels. And even more surprised by the results.
Malay Mail
3 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Fahmi urges Malaysian students in Japan to embrace disciplined work culture, return to help build nation
TOKYO, June 1 — Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has encouraged Malaysian students in Japan to adopt the country's disciplined and efficient work culture upon returning home, to contribute to national development. He also urged them to explore work opportunities in Japan to gain valuable experience that could benefit Malaysia in the long run. 'Insya-Allah, Malaysia is in a good position now, economically and in its role as ASEAN Chair. 'I hope you'll take full advantage of your time here to seek out work experience, and then return to help build the nation,' he said during a dinner and engagement session with members of the Malaysian diaspora and student community last night. Fahmi is in Tokyo to attend the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity Ministerial Meeting (APT-MM) 2025, held from May 30 to 31. The meeting aims to boost regional cooperation in telecommunications and information technology. Also present at the gathering were Deputy Head of Mission at the Malaysian Embassy in Tokyo Anwar Udzir and embassy staff. The session was attended by 38 participants, including 11 members of the Malaysian diaspora and 27 students from various universities in and around Tokyo. — Bernama
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Female exec at 'tech bro' software firm was sacked because she wasn't a 'leader', boss tells tribunal as he disputes claims she was fired because she got drunk on Austria work trip
A high-flying female executive who claims she was sacked for getting drunk on a work trip in Austria was actually fired because she wasn't a 'leader', her boss has told an employment tribunal. Shannon Burns - who was on £220,000 a year - is suing for sex discrimination after complaining of the rampant 'tech bro' culture at the 'male-dominated' software firm that hired her. She alleged that after a work trip to Austria, she was sacked for getting too drunk - despite insisting other men were getting more drunk than her. But the CEO of Gitpod, Johannes Landgraf, disputed allegations made by Ms Burns that she was fired from her role as vice president of engineering for her behaviour on the work trip. The tech boss said Ms Burns was in fact sacked because she was not a 'leader' and had 'fallen far short of the performance expected from a vice president'. And while he claims what happened on the work trip had nothing to do with her dismissal, Mr Landgraf disputed her version of events that the men were more drunk than her. Mr Landgraf told an employment tribunal he had a shot of a 'Swiss pine liquor' with 'trailblazing' Ms Burns - then saw her pour herself a 'large glass of wine', before proceeding to get more drunk than anyone. He claims she displayed 'concerning' behaviour - including losing her room key and having to stay in a sauna room. He said she also lost her iPad and AirPods - and looked 'disheveled' the morning after. Birmingham Employment Tribunal heard she had been headhunted and took on her job with the promise of a six figure salary and an equity package potentially worth over £30million. But soon after joining in January 2023, Ms Burns said she became aware of a problematic culture. She said she had heard Mr Landgraf had a reputation of being a 'Tech Bro who liked to surround himself with fellow tech bros', the tribunal was told. She added it was a 'male dominated' company. At the centre of the tribunal hearing was an 'off-site' work trip in Lofer, Austria, in April 2023. Ms Burns said Mr Landgraf offered her a shot and he had 'several drinks' by this point and was 'slurring his words and struggling to stand'. Ms Burns said she was invited to partake in a 'game' which involved asking 'difficult' questions to one another about work. The executive said the line of questioning from Mr Landgraf implied that she was not doing her job adequately. She alleged that following trip she was sacked for getting too drunk in Austria despite other males getting more drunk than her. Now, Mr Landgraf has told the tribunal he 'does not accept her versions of events'. In a joint statement with Gitpod's Head of People Eva Hyder presented to the tribunal, he said: 'At the last night of the Lofer offsite, 5 April 2023, Shannon approached Johannes at the bar where they each had a shot of Swiss pine liquor, an Alpine speciality. 'Johannes recalls that their conversation started with friendly small talk, but it soon became obvious to Johannes that Shannon had already been drinking heavily. 'Johannes's recollection of the conversation differs from that Shannon gives... Shannon initiated a question and answer process and then changed tone abruptly asking Johannes how people could earn his trust. 'She then stated to Johannes in an emotional outburst that she felt he didn't trust her, asked why and asked how she could earn his trust. 'There then followed a broad conversation regarding expectations. 'The conversation finished, Shannon moved away, and Johannes then saw Shannon pour herself a large glass of wine but otherwise had no contact with her for the rest of the evening. 'Shannon has stated... she was intoxicated but no more so than other colleagues. 'Johannes agrees that he and many team members had consumed alcohol, but notes Shannon was clearly more intoxicated than others. 'The next morning, shuttle buses had been booked to take team members to the station and airport. 'Mike [Brevoort, chief product officer] recalls that Shannon's team members were waiting with the airport shuttle having loaded their bags. 'Mike was stepping out of the hotel when Shannon's room mate came to say Shannon would be late as Shannon was still packing and had lost her iPad and AirPods and had locked herself out of the room (the second such similar event). 'Shannon eventually emerged from the hotel dishevelled and visibly stressed some 20 minutes later. 'Shannon subsequently confirmed to Mike that she had misplaced her iPad and AirPods, had locked herself out of her room and had needed to sleep in the sauna room.' Mr Landgraf and the other respondents denied that there was a 'tech bro' environment. The statement said there had been performance concerns with Ms Burns since she joined. It said: 'Shannon had fallen far short of the performance expected from a Vice President. 'She had never transitioned from being the manager she had been in previous roles elsewhere into being a leader, taking ownership of matters. 'Shannon didn't deliver on time and needed help from others to deliver late. 'She required many hours of support and coaching each week...' Ms Burns was told that 'sleeping in a sauna area and being late for the shuttle was concerning' but her behaviour in Austria was not the reason for her dismissal, according to the Gitpod response statement. It added: 'Shannon was not dismissed or treated less favourably in any other way because she is a woman. 'She was not dismissed because she was drunk at Lofer... No team member has ever been dismissed for being drunk. 'Shannon was dismissed for the performance-related reasons described above.' Ms Burns - who has ADHD and dyslexia - also seeks claims of disability discrimination. The hearing continues.
Entrepreneur
27-05-2025
- Health
- Entrepreneur
Professional Wellness Month: Reclaiming Your Work-Life Harmony for Lasting Success
Professional Wellness Month is a timely reminder as June rolls around: your well-being doesn't end after clocking out. In fact, for long-term success and happiness in the workplace, it is... This story originally appeared on Calendar Professional Wellness Month is a timely reminder as June rolls around: your well-being doesn't end after clocking out. In fact, for long-term success and happiness in the workplace, it is crucial to nurture your mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Let's be honest, though. There are still many workplaces where the grind culture is alive and well. Emails don't stop at 5 p.m., breaks aren't a luxury, and stress is accepted as a badge of honor. During Professional Wellness Month, employers and employees are encouraged to prioritize healthy habits, strong communication, supportive leadership, and sustainable workloads. Throughout this post, we'll explore what professional wellness means, why it matters, and how you can take action to feel better, work smarter, and live more fully. What Exactly Is Professional Wellness? It's More Than Just Avoiding Burnout. Basically, professional wellness is the overall quality of your work experience. I'm talking about how your job affects your health in every way, not just financially. So, let's break it down into key components; Physical wellness. This dimension concerns how your work environment and schedule support your physical well-being. It's about ergonomics, movement, healthy food, and, most importantly, reasonable work hours that allow for adequate rest and recovery. This dimension concerns how your work environment and schedule support your physical well-being. It's about ergonomics, movement, healthy food, and, most importantly, reasonable work hours that allow for adequate rest and recovery. Mental and emotional wellness. This pillar focuses on psychological well-being at work. It involves effectively managing stress, cultivating positive and respectful relationships with colleagues, finding a sense of purpose in daily responsibilities, and retaining emotional resilience. Overall, it's about keeping a positive attitude and balancing your professional obligations. This pillar focuses on psychological well-being at work. It involves effectively managing stress, cultivating positive and respectful relationships with colleagues, finding a sense of purpose in daily responsibilities, and retaining emotional resilience. Overall, it's about keeping a positive attitude and balancing your professional obligations. Work-life balance (or integration). This is perhaps the most discussed aspect. In other words, it is about finding a healthy balance between work and personal life. It's all about having time, energy, and mental space to pursue hobbies, nurture relationships, get involved in the community, and just recharge. Professional wellness is about more than escaping burnout; it's about creating an environment in which you can thrive. Why Professional Wellness Matters More Than Ever Before It has never been more important to talk about professional wellness. Over the past few years, global upheavals and dramatic shifts in working models have fundamentally changed how and where we work, leaving countless professionals struggling to adjust and keep up. Burnout is skyrocketing. The statistics are stark and alarming. According to a 2024 Gallup survey, 23% of employees feel burnt out at work very often or always, while 44% feel burnt out sometimes. This isn't just an individual issue; it's a widespread epidemic impacting productivity, morale, and retention across industries. The nuances of remote and hybrid work. They have introduced new complexities despite the flexibility of remote and hybrid work models. Increasingly, the lines between professional and personal life have blurred, making it difficult to truly 'switch off' and recharge. Disconnection can be a real challenge when working from home. Evolving employee expectations. In today's workplace, particularly among Gen Z, well-being, autonomy, and feeling purpose are increasingly valued. People are no longer willing to accept jobs that compromise their mental or physical health. Because of this shift in values, employees are more likely than ever to seek out and transition to jobs that align with their holistic well-being. Prioritize holistic well-being. As reported by Gallup, employers who take care of their employees' health and well-being see measurable benefits, including higher productivity and profitability. Employees who strongly agree that their employer cares about their overall well-being include; 69% less likely to seek a new job 71% less likely to experience burnout 36% more likely to thrive 3x more likely to be engaged at work 5x more likely to strongly recommend their company as a place to work Additionally, many workers place work-life balance and personal well-being at the top of their priority list when choosing to stay or leave an organization. So, ensure you're embracing Employee Wellness Month by appreciating the whole employee, 24/7/365. A strategic business imperative. An effective wellness culture extends far beyond individual health. In addition to improving overall productivity and employee engagement, professional wellness promotes positive employer branding and lower turnover rates. It's a win-win situation for everyone. The 7 Pillars of Professional Wellness: Your Actionable Roadmap Let's break down professional wellness into seven distinct yet interconnected pillars. Focusing on these areas this month will set you up for sustained happiness. 1. Workplace health: Your body is your instrument. Your physical well-being is the foundation of your professional performance. In the workplace, how you treat your body directly impacts your energy levels, focus levels, and overall capacity. Tips for action: Make stretching a habit, even if you only stretch for a minute or two every hour. To integrate physical activity into meetings, opt for walking meetings whenever possible. Also, be sure to keep healthy snacks at your desk to avoid energy crashes. Invest in or advocate for ergonomic furniture and tools to support good posture and reduce strain. 2. Managing mental health and stress: Fortifying your mind. Despite its silent nature, chronic stress harms productivity and well-being. It can cause energy loss, clouded judgment, and serious health problems. So, an effective stress management program is a must. Tips for action: Try to incorporate mindfulness or deep breathing exercises into your day, perhaps for 2-3 minutes between tasks. You should also be assertive in setting clear boundaries regarding your working hours, which you should adhere to. If you need a genuine break, don't be afraid to use mental health days without guilt. Establish a culture of support by encouraging open discussion about stress with colleagues and supervisors. 3. Work-life integration: Creating a harmonious rhythm. Instead of seeing work and life as opposing forces, strive for a harmonious integration. You don't have to blend everything into one chaotic mess. However, you need to maintain a healthy rhythm in which effort in one area is balanced by rest and fulfillment in another. Tips for action. Don't look at vacation time as a bonus but as an opportunity for rejuvenation. Make a point of scheduling non-work activities that genuinely bring you joy, whenever you can, and unplug after hours. For example, set your phone to 'Do Not Disturb,' avoid checking email, and create a clear mental divide between work and home. 4. Growth and purpose: Fueling your professional soul. Professional wellness begins when you feel connected to something meaningful and like you're growing. When motivation and morale are undermined, productivity can suffer. Tips for action. You should set short- and long-term goals for your professional development. Also, engage in projects that align with your core interests or take advantage of your strengths. And, whether taking courses, mentoring, or taking on new challenges, never be afraid to ask for and seek constructive feedback. 5. Establishing a supportive workplace relationship. A supportive and positive work environment is the opposite of a toxic one, which acts as a powerful buffer against stress and fuels resilience. Tips for action. Honesty is the best policy when showing appreciation to your team members. Rather than letting conflicts fester, address them directly and respectfully. Whether big or small, celebrate victories together to foster a sense of achievement. To build camaraderie and informal relationships, participate in team-building or social events. 6. Environmental wellness: Optimizing your physical space. Despite often being overlooked, your immediate environment significantly affects your well-being and productivity. Tips for action: Don't be afraid to personalize your desk in a way that brings you comfort or inspiration, and stay committed to keeping it clean and organized. Adjust the lighting to reduce eye strain and improve alertness. You can also create a more focused environment at your workplace by using noise-canceling headphones. 7. Leadership and organizational culture: The systemic impact. Even though individual habits are crucial to professional wellness, it is not solely the individual's responsibility. In large part, it is determined by the organization's culture and its leaders' behavior. Tips for leaders. Be an example of healthy behavior. For example, you can leave on time, take breaks, and take your own vacation days. Also, promote open communication about workloads, stress levels, and overall health. Further, offer wellness programs or stipends for fitness, mental health support, or personal development. In addition, ensure that work-life boundaries, flexible schedules, and remote work options are implemented and adhered to. How to Celebrate Professional Wellness Month — and Make It Count As part of Professional Wellness Month in June, you can upgrade your workplace culture and habits. As such, individuals and organizations can act in the following ways: For individuals; Take a break (seriously). Permit yourself to rest this month. Spend a few days relaxing, running errands, revisiting hobbies, or simply doing nothing. Remember, rest shouldn't be a luxury but a tool for productivity. to rest this month. Spend a few days relaxing, running errands, revisiting hobbies, or simply doing nothing. Remember, rest shouldn't be a luxury but a tool for productivity. Start a 30-day wellness challenge. Invite your colleagues to join you in daily wellness habits, such as walking breaks, staying hydrated, or committing to screen-free evenings. Invite your colleagues to join you in daily wellness habits, such as walking breaks, staying hydrated, or committing to screen-free evenings. Schedule a mid-year career check-in. Discuss your professional development with a mentor, manager, or career coach. Take advantage of this time to assess your direction, goals, and overall well-being. Discuss your professional development with a mentor, manager, or career coach. Take advantage of this time to assess your direction, goals, and overall well-being. Audit your calendar. Review your weekly schedule. Which meetings drain you? Which tasks energize you? Using these insights, you can make more informed time-management decisions. Review your weekly schedule. Which meetings drain you? Which tasks energize you? Using these insights, you can make more informed time-management decisions. Declutter your workspace. A clean, organized environment increases focus, saves time, and reduces stress. A clean, organized environment increases focus, saves time, and reduces stress. Try something new. Explore fresh habits like lunchtime yoga, a weekend digital detox, batching tasks, or testing a '4-day workweek.' Host wellness workshops. Invite experts to speak on topics such as stress reduction, mindful eating, ergonomics, and resilience building. Invite experts to speak on topics such as stress reduction, mindful eating, ergonomics, and resilience building. Offer wellness incentives. Offer perks like gift cards, fitness class reimbursements, mental health support, or a bonus PTO. Offer perks like gift cards, fitness class reimbursements, mental health support, or a bonus PTO. Encourage walking meetings. Swap conference tables for movement. Walking stimulates creativity, improves health, and strengthens team connections. Swap conference tables for movement. Walking stimulates creativity, improves health, and strengthens team connections. Run anonymous wellness surveys. Gather honest feedback on employee well-being, workload, and company culture. Insights can guide meaningful improvements. Gather honest feedback on employee well-being, workload, and company culture. Insights can guide meaningful improvements. Introduce no-meeting day s or quiet hours. Block off time for deep, uninterrupted work. By reducing meeting overload, employees are more likely to focus and thrive. Block off time for deep, uninterrupted work. By reducing meeting overload, employees are more likely to focus and thrive. Promote volunteering. Encourage employees to give back. It has been shown that volunteering contributes to a more positive workplace environment, higher job satisfaction, and stronger engagement. Professional Wellness Month is more than a calendar event—it's an opportunity to invest in your team, your culture, and yourself. In the long run, even small changes can have a profound impact, so take the time to make it count. Wellness Beyond June: Cultivating Lasting Change Even though Professional Wellness Month serves as a powerful catalyst for change, the ultimate goal is to cultivate lasting habits and foster a well-being culture far beyond June. Don't let these resolutions disappear like a forgotten New Year's resolution. Make it a regular check-in. Keep track of your wellness goals by scheduling quarterly personal check-ins to assess your progress. Keep track of your wellness goals by scheduling quarterly personal check-ins to assess your progress. Be an advocate. Whenever you see opportunities for systemic change, you can respectfully advocate for policies and practices that will support well-being within your team or company. Whenever you see opportunities for systemic change, you can respectfully advocate for policies and practices that will support well-being within your team or company. Embed wellness into your identity. Don't look at wellness as an additional perk, but as something integral to your professional identity. Keep it at the top of my mind as a daily priority. Final Thoughts: Your Wellness is Your Wealth You are more than a job title or a to-do list. As a person with real needs, your health at work is important — both for your success and mental health. In addition to a campaign, Professional Wellness Month represents a call to action. During this month, reflect on how you work and wish you worked. Can you do anything today to protect your energy, boost your performance, and enjoy your career more? In the end, your health is your wealth. And June is the perfect time to invest. FAQs When is Professional Wellness Month observed? Every June, Professional Wellness Month is celebrated. This time is dedicated to highlighting and emphasizing the importance of mental, emotional, and physical health within the work environment. Although it is an annual observance, its principles and practices are designed to be incorporated into daily work lives. What exactly is 'professional wellness'? The concept of professional wellness goes beyond just being healthy. The concept encompasses many interconnected aspects of a person's well-being in their work environment. Included in it are; Physical wellness. Exercise, proper nutrition, adequate sleep, and preventive care are essential for maintaining a healthy body. As a result, you will have more energy and stamina for work. Exercise, proper nutrition, adequate sleep, and preventive care are essential for maintaining a healthy body. As a result, you will have more energy and stamina for work. Mental/emotional wellness. A positive mindset, stress management, resilience building, and mental health support are all important. Without them, we are less able to concentrate, create, and regulate our emotions. A positive mindset, stress management, resilience building, and mental health support are all important. Without them, we are less able to concentrate, create, and regulate our emotions. Social wellness : The ability to develop positive relationships with colleagues, supervisors, and clients and foster a sense of belonging in the workplace. By reducing feelings of isolation, a positive work environment is created. The ability to develop positive relationships with colleagues, supervisors, and clients and foster a sense of belonging in the workplace. By reducing feelings of isolation, a positive work environment is created. Financial wellness. It is essential to feel secure about your financial situation. You should manage debt, plan for the future, and have access to resources that reduce financial stress. At work, financial worries can significantly impact productivity and focus. It is essential to feel secure about your financial situation. You should manage debt, plan for the future, and have access to resources that reduce financial stress. At work, financial worries can significantly impact productivity and focus. Purpose/occupational wellness. Having the opportunity for growth and skill development in your work, feeling aligned with your organization's mission, and finding meaning and satisfaction in your work. Job satisfaction depends on overall fulfillment. Having the opportunity for growth and skill development in your work, feeling aligned with your organization's mission, and finding meaning and satisfaction in your work. Job satisfaction depends on overall fulfillment. Environmental wellness. The physical environment should be safe, comfortable, and conducive (e.g., proper ergonomics, good lighting, and reasonable noise levels). Professional wellness is about creating an environment where individuals can flourish individually and professionally. Why is professional wellness so important for individuals? Professional wellness isn't just a nice-to-have; it's essential for long-term health, career fulfillment, and overall quality of life. Combats burnout. Burnout is a pervasive issue in today's work culture. By focusing on wellness, individuals can recognize and address stressors, set boundaries, and integrate recovery into their routines, preventing exhaustion's debilitating effects. Burnout is a pervasive issue in today's work culture. By focusing on wellness, individuals can recognize and address stressors, set boundaries, and integrate recovery into their routines, preventing exhaustion's debilitating effects. Enhances productivity and focus. Being more efficient, productive, and focused is natural when you're well-rested, less stressed, and mentally clear. When you are healthy, you can perform at your best. Being more efficient, productive, and focused is natural when you're well-rested, less stressed, and mentally clear. When you are healthy, you can perform at your best. Improves mental and physical health. In addition to reducing chronic health conditions, proactive wellness practices can lower stress levels, improve moods, and strengthen the immune system. In addition to reducing chronic health conditions, proactive wellness practices can lower stress levels, improve moods, and strengthen the immune system. Boosts job satisfaction. You are more likely to feel valued and engaged if you feel supported by your employer and have the opportunity to care for your well-being in your role. You are more likely to feel valued and engaged if you feel supported by your employer and have the opportunity to care for your well-being in your role. Increases resilience. By focusing on wellness, individuals can more effectively bounce back from setbacks, adapt to change, and tackle challenges with greater equanimity. By focusing on wellness, individuals can more effectively bounce back from setbacks, adapt to change, and tackle challenges with greater equanimity. Supports work-life balance. Professional wellness promotes a healthy separation between work and personal lives, resulting in a more balanced and fulfilling existence. What are some common activities and initiatives during Professional Wellness Month? During Professional Wellness Month, organizations can launch or amplify wellness programs. Wellness has many dimensions, which are often explored through activities. Physical wellness. Step challenges. Organize company-wide competitions to encourage employees to increase their daily step count. Organize company-wide competitions to encourage employees to increase their daily step count. Fitness classes. Yoga, Pilates, stretching, and meditation sessions can be conducted on-site or virtually. Yoga, Pilates, stretching, and meditation sessions can be conducted on-site or virtually. Healthy eating initiatives. You can offer nutrition-rich snacks, show how to cook healthy, or share healthy recipes. You can offer nutrition-rich snacks, show how to cook healthy, or share healthy recipes. Ergonomic assessments. Advice on optimizing workstations to prevent discomfort and injury. Advice on optimizing workstations to prevent discomfort and injury. Walking meetings. Encourage teams to conduct meetings outdoors while walking for fresh air and movement. Mental & emotional wellness. Mindfulness & meditation sessions. Providing employees with guided practices to reduce stress and improve focus. Providing employees with guided practices to reduce stress and improve focus. Stress management workshops. Identifying coping mechanisms, managing time, and building resilience. Identifying coping mechanisms, managing time, and building resilience. Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). Raising awareness of and providing access to confidential counseling and support services. Raising awareness of and providing access to confidential counseling and support services. Mental health first aid training. Providing managers and employees with the knowledge and skills to recognize and respond to mental health challenges. Providing managers and employees with the knowledge and skills to recognize and respond to mental health challenges. Gratitude practices. Encourage journaling or gratitude exercises. Social wellness. Team-building activities. Create events encouraging teamwork and connection (e.g., scavenger hunts, virtual game nights). Create events encouraging teamwork and connection (e.g., scavenger hunts, virtual game nights). Volunteer opportunities. Organize company-sponsored days for employees to volunteer in the community. Organize company-sponsored days for employees to volunteer in the community. Book clubs or discussion groups. Focused on wellness topics or for general social connection. Financial wellness. Financial literacy workshops. There could be budgeting, debt management, retirement planning, or investing sessions. There could be budgeting, debt management, retirement planning, or investing sessions. Access to financial counseling. By connecting employees with financial advisors, they can receive personalized guidance. By connecting employees with financial advisors, they can receive personalized guidance. Emergency fund challenges. Providing employees with encouragement and support to save. Overall & environmental wellness. Flexible work arrangements. Offering flexible hours, remote work options, or compressed workweeks to promote work-life balance. Offering flexible hours, remote work options, or compressed workweeks to promote work-life balance. 'No meeting' or 'focus' blocks. Setting aside specific times for uninterrupted deep work. Setting aside specific times for uninterrupted deep work. Wellness newsletters/resources. Sharing tips, articles, and success stories. Sharing tips, articles, and success stories. 'Desk plants' initiative. Encourage greenery in workplaces to improve air quality and mood. Encourage greenery in workplaces to improve air quality and mood. Recognizing and rewarding wellness efforts. Recognizing employees who participate in wellness programs or demonstrate healthy habits. Featured Image Credit: Photo by Daniil Kondrashin; Pexels The post Professional Wellness Month: Reclaiming Your Work-Life Harmony for Lasting Success appeared first on Calendar.
Zawya
26-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
People Summit Egypt 2025 launches with Raya Holding and Telecom Egypt as strategic partners
Ahmed Khalil: We believe building a successful organization starts with cultivating a global work culture that fosters empowerment and excellence across our diverse portfolio Mohamed Nasr: We are committed to providing a positive work environment that drives innovation, excellence, and sustainable growth Cairo – In a step that underscores their shared commitment to creating sustainable and inspiring workplaces, Raya Holding for Financial Investments and Telecom Egypt (WE) are partnering as strategic sponsors of People Summit Egypt 2025, organized by the Top Employers Institute, the global authority on certifying excellence in employee conditions. The summit, held for the first time in Egypt this year, brings together leading executives and HR experts to discuss the latest global trends in the workplace and exchange best practices between Top Employer-certified organizations and those aspiring to reach this prestigious status. Raya Holding and Telecom Egypt's sponsorship reflects their dedication to supporting the business community by championing a culture of empowerment, sharing successful HR practices, and contributing to the development of work environments in Egypt that align with global standards. Ahmed Khalil, CEO of Raya Holding, stated: 'At Raya, we believe real investment starts with people. With a team of over 18,000 employees across 11 diverse portfolio companies spanning various industries, we are committed to building a workplace culture centered on empowerment, continuous development, and true recognition of talent. Receiving the Top Employer Award for the third consecutive year with higher scores each year, reflects our genuine commitment to creating a workplace that aligns with the highest global standards and fulfills the aspirations of our people. We don't see HR as just an administrative function; it's the heart of our strategy and the foundation for every growth and transformation at Raya. Our sponsorship of People Summit 2025, alongside Telecom Egypt, underscores our role in driving dialogue on the future of work, opening new horizons for more human-centered and effective practices that support our vision for a better future and reinforce our commitment to elevating HR and talent development standards in Egypt and the region.' Eng. Mohamed Nasr, Managing Director and CEO of Telecom Egypt, added: 'We are committed to adopting global best practices in HR and providing a positive work environment that fosters a culture of innovation and development, empowers our employees, and ensures sustainable growth while delivering the highest standards of service to our customers. Our people have always been the cornerstone of our success, driving Telecom Egypt's leadership position and customer satisfaction for over 170 years. We are proud to sponsor this summit in Egypt, which brings together HR experts, facilitates collaboration, and fosters knowledge sharing that will positively impact workplace environments across Egyptian companies.' Raya Holding has been awarded the Top Employer Egypt certification for three consecutive years (2023, 2024, 2025) after successfully completing a comprehensive evaluation by the Top Employers Institute. The assessment covered over 20 key HR areas, including career development, learning programs, work-life balance, leadership, and employee wellbeing, underscoring Raya's belief that employee experience is the foundation for sustainable, inclusive growth. Raya was selected from more than 2,000 companies evaluated across 121 countries worldwide, highlighting its excellence in creating a workplace environment that ranks among the best globally. Telecom Egypt (WE) also received the Top Employer Egypt certification for 2025, for the second consecutive year, in recognition of its outstanding efforts to provide an ideal work environment that fosters employee development, encourages innovation, and empowers teams to perform with precision and efficiency.
