Why should it be important to consider employee Well-being?
Research leaves no doubt that taking good care of employees is key to success. There are many ways to enhance well-being, and most managers want to ensure the welfare of their staff.
For years, many workplaces have conducted employee interviews, but unfortunately, these sometimes become mere box-ticking exercises as part of company policies without proper follow-up. Fortunately, it is much more common for such interviews to be carried out with professionalism and by experts who aim to strengthen human resources in the workplace and pay better attention to the individual.
The importance of ensuring and enhancing employee well-being should be a priority for all companies, significantly increasing the likelihood of achieving set goals and supporting ongoing development.
The working environment has undergone significant changes over the past three years, with flexibility being one of them. Many people are increasingly working from home and do not have the same strong social connections with their workplace as before. This can make it harder for managers to detect, among other things, burnout and illness in employees. Other changes include major shifts in technology and environmental issues, often requiring substantial restructuring in workplaces. Changes can be challenging for many, making it vital to handle them well.
Coaching is one of the tools that has been gaining ground in the Icelandic job market and is especially suitable for the period of uncertainty and change the world is currently experiencing. Numerous companies have achieved measurable success by utilizing coaching. Internationally, workplaces have been applying coaching methods for many years with great success, and many leaders and managers agree that using coaching is a key to success, increased profits, and has a positive impact on company culture.
Coaching is not a legally protected profession in Iceland, but the ICF, the International Coaching Federation, which is the largest independent professional coaching organization in the world, has three certification levels: ACC, PCC, and MCC. Most coaches in Iceland operate under its ethical standards and competencies. Coaches are in continuous education to maintain their skills, knowledge, and adapt to changes in the work environment. Increasingly, more coaches are utilizing remote meeting tools in their work.
Coaching is a results-oriented and systematic method that seeks to help individuals achieve set goals. It helps them identify and/or enhance their strengths and personal growth, discover new solutions, and sustain success.
Let’s offer employees regular coaching and opportunities to develop and learn. Let’s utilize coaching in management positions to promote well-being and success.
Rakel Baldursdóttir.
First published in Vísir 01/30/2023