Insights from Our World

Our Commitment to Wellbeing

At Versent, we recognise the importance of a holistic approach to well-being. We understand the interconnectedness of physical and mental health, a lesson that became especially clear during COVID-19. However, our commitment extends beyond the pandemic as we strive to foster a workplace where everyone can thrive.

Over the past year, I have been particularly proud of our partnership with PukaUp, a company that champions a holistic approach to wellbeing, encompassing mindfulness, nutrition, exercise, and sleep. This partnership has been transformative for many of us, allowing us to reclaim our well-being with a focus on preventative measures rather than waiting until we are in crisis mode.

We’ve held several impactful workshops on critical areas such as sleep, nutrition, and movement. Each session has offered invaluable insights, and I have integrated many of the practical strategies recommended. One of my favourite sessions focused on movement and how it benefits not only our physical selves but also our mood, productivity, focus, stress levels, and sleep. The philosophy shared was simple yet meaningful: Make Movement Part of Your Day in Easy Ways.

My Reflections

In the world of consulting, where the pace can be relentless and the demands are high, maintaining well-being is often a challenge. However, it is precisely in these high-pressure environments that well-being becomes paramount. As a leader, my ability to perform at my best hinges on how well I take care of myself. One crucial aspect of this self-care is movement.

The Importance of Movement

Movement is more than just exercise; it’s about integrating physical activity into our daily routines in ways that are both manageable and sustainable.

Dr. Ashton Wilson emphasized that movement doesn’t have to be complex or time-consuming. It’s about finding easy ways to incorporate activity into our day. This could be as simple as taking the stairs instead of the elevator, standing up during phone calls, or taking short walking breaks throughout the day. These small changes can have a profound impact on our overall well-being.

Physical and Mental Benefits

For me, physical movement is the cornerstone of my daily routine, and the benefits have been astounding. Movement has helped clear my mind, increase my resilience to stress, and significantly reduce the risk of burnout. Here are some practical tips that I’ve found particularly effective:

Practical Tips for Incorporating Movement — Tried and Tested

1. Set Reminders: Technology is my friend. I use it to track my exercise and set reminders to stand up, stretch, and measure my movement daily.
2. Active Meetings: Whenever possible, I opt for walking meetings. This helps me stay active and fosters more creative and dynamic discussions.
3. Workspace Adjustments: I use a standing desk, which helps me alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day.
4. Short Exercise Bursts: Between meetings, I integrate short bursts of exercise into my routine. A few minutes of stretching, star jumps, push-ups or bodyweight exercises completely re-energize me and break the monotony of prolonged sitting.
5. Lunchtime Workouts: Whether it’s a quick brisk walk or an energizing Pilates class, I try to incorporate movement that sets me up for the afternoon, feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the rest of the day.

Movement During Times of Change

Over the past nine months, we have undergone significant change and transition. Maintaining a routine of regular movement has become even more critical during this period.

Change can bring uncertainty and stress, and staying physically active has helped me manage and navigate these challenges.

Movement has served as a grounding practice, providing me with a sense of stability and control amidst the flux.

Resources and Support

I’m incredibly proud of our efforts to support well-being, both through our partnership with PukaUp and our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provided through Converge International. This program is available to all our team members and their families and includes access to an app, a health insights library, employee and manager support, and a monthly digital health and wellbeing magazine.

Conclusion

I encourage everyone to embrace wellbeing and prioritize their health. It’s not just beneficial — it’s essential. With simple, consistent steps, we can all enjoy the profound benefits that come from staying active. Let’s make movement a part of our day, every day, and embrace the journey towards a healthier, more balanced.