Many modern employees spend one-third of their day, and a majority of their walking hours during the weekdays, at the location where they work. These employees usually keep their focus to their daily tasks and sometimes it slips to give their mind and body the proper care it needs. It has become more significant than ever for everyone to be able to balance their personal and professional lives due to changes in lifestyle across society, which is why companies are starting to take some responsibility for their employees’ health while they’re at the workplace. Below are some of the ways in which Myanmar businesses as well as big international brands tackle the challenge of keeping their employees well-tuned and in peak condition.
1. Nutritious and Sanitary Food
We are what we eat. As cliché as it sounds, it is true. Full time employees tend to ignore the importance of meals they eat everyday mostly because of a hectic schedule; opting for snacking on unhealthy quick and cheap alternatives that they can consume at their desk. Many traditional workers have many unideal dietary habits such as, but not limited to, skipping breakfast, eating junk food, and losing track of calories intake all mainly because many of them cannot dedicate much time to thinking about eating a healthy meal. Consumption of innutritious or unsanitary food can jeopardize the capacity of an individual to function properly, especially in a fast-paced working environment, causing them not to function at highest capacity or rendering them sick and not able to come into work at a future date.
Most modern workspaces today have canteens or cafes where employees can take a break and enjoy some casual meals between work hours every now and then. It is always advised to ensure that these in-house food sites serve healthy meals in sanitary conditions to employees because more often than not, employees will not take the time to eat out during lunch hours in the presence of a company canteen so the company should always monitor the nutrition and health standards of their canteen meals that everybody at the company is eating.
2. Space for Exercising and Physical Activities
It is becoming more and more difficult for many full-time employees to pursue a workout regimen or physical activities in addition to the office responsibilities. Many of them can’t afford to spend another couple of hours dedicated to a physically taxing routine in addition to eight+ hours at work. There are always a few alternatives to devoting hours to working out every day for busy professionals. Companies can have “destressing areas” where employees can engage in relaxing health activities like meditation and yoga. Some companies may even choose to have fully functional gym rooms on campus where employees can work out during the break or after work hours.
Nestle Myanmar is recognized as a leading Nutrition and Health & Wellness company at the market level who are trying to be able to enhance not only the lives of their customers but also those of their employees. By encouraging and supporting healthy behaviors like physical activity (for example – on sight Zumba classes), Nestle Myanmar creates a culture of health in the workplace, which can help attract and retain high quality employees who perform at their best. Many companies that do not have gyms or exercise areas can support health related causes through other events. Yoma Yangon International Marathon is another prominent annual participatory running event backed by many companies and businesses that usually have their employees participate in the event and promote their physical health outside of traditional office hours, while blurring the line between work and personal time.
3. Comfortable and Refreshing Workspaces
A naturally lit office, spacious personal booths or desks, comfortable seating areas, and proximity to glass windows through which one can see the outer world are all some great aspects of a refreshing workspace that keeps employees alert and motivated and not feeling claustrophobic. It is understandable that not all working environments are equipped with such amenities, but incorporating a healthy work environment is more or less feasible for most the companies by smartly taking into account their surroundings. For example, rather than requiring employees to work alone, having them collaborate with other employees effectively reduces their sedentary hours; rendering them more alert and stimulating the brain with team-working activities.
A quick search through JobNet’s job portal website features a rich array of companies that offer not only great professional and financial opportunities, but also quality work environments conducive for personal health, safety, and work-life balance. Each job post describes Benefits, Highlights, and Career Opportunities that the company offers so job seekers can pick the most ideal work environment that is conducive for daily productivity and work-life balance. There is not one size fits all, but it is important to understand which perks different companies offer, and to align one’s personal needs to a business that also feels the same way.
4. Mentorship and Emotional Support System
Mentorship and emotional support system are substantial resources for anyone these days. The nature of fierce competition in corporate working environments can sometimes lead a person to be both physically and mentally withdrawn, and being able to have healthy discourse is a key component of mental health and wellbeing for both the short and long term.
Myanmar is a collectivistic country with an intrinsic tendency for people to take care of each other whenever necessary, when they know there is a need. Many company employees working in teams benefit from this national trait since co-workers are very likely to provide necessary mental and emotional support to each other as needed if they see a mate who is feeling down or expresses their concern. Of course it is a bit on the employee to be the one communicating that they have an issue, and the company building an inclusive atmosphere that that employee would feel safe disclosing if they are struggling. It really is a team effort, so let’s everyone play our part!
To recap, where we work at and who we work with have a huge impact on our lives. Many people disregard this factor and end up putting themselves in working environments that are not conducive for a healthy lifestyle. Choosing a work environment that has a positive impact on one’s personal and professional health is extremely imperative while applying for a job. JobNet is one of Myanmar’s top career partners that can help professionals pinpoint their next big moves, and JobNet is always ready to support companies looking to hire healthy and highly motivated candidates to fulfill online recruitment needs with a premier talent management solution.