This approach inevitably falls short in the long-term, as authentic wellbeing is an outcome or persistent, purposeful behaviour that instils respect, appreciation and confidence within the staff.
So, how can this profound sense of wellbeing be authentically cultivated throughout a school community?
As a faculty leader or department head, the encouragement of staff to transcend traditional boundaries proves essential.
Research has shown that people who use their strengths in the workplace are three times more likely to have a better quality of life and six times more likely to be engaged at work, providing ample benefits for the individual employee and the wider school community.
Rethinking staff assignment by aligning projects with their strengths and passions, rather than confining them to conventional tasks, kindles creativity and self-assurance.
Allowing employees to stretch beyond their job description and discover their strengths will demonstrate that you are committed to creating a role where they feel fulfilled and have the ability to grow.
Is there a conceivable approach to restructure roles and expectations to enable staff to engage more deeply in what they cherish, without exacerbating their workload?
Addressing workload disparities is pivotal; for instance, a HSC English teacher might find themselves assessing two trial papers whilst their counterparts in other subjects review only one. Fostering a sense of equity requires collaborative exploration and harnessing the best in each individual.
Honest conversations, a cornerstone of a wellbeing culture, assume significant importance. The inability of staff to express themselves candidly can fuel frustration, often leading to resentment and an isolating detachment that may ultimately prompt them to seek opportunities elsewhere without addressing the underlying issues.
Constructing an environment where every voice is valued lays the foundation for a culture of wellbeing, where being acknowledged and heard is intrinsic to overall wellness.
This is where my work with Crucial Conversations assumes significance - it creates a common language and framework for communication, including how you engage in conversations and the dialogue you use across the whole school.
As a leader, consider the ways you can develop your skills - and your courage - with the right techniques to have those necessary conversations that can be tough but ultimately lead to positive changes and outcomes. These skills may include;
- Deliberating the objectives of a conversation.
- Active listening with an open mindset.
- Willingness to adjust perspectives rather than adhere to preconceived notions.
- Tone of voice - being conscious of nuance is just as important as the content.
A sense of optimism and finding a balance between body, mind and soul are also key elements to a culture of wellbeing.
Demonstrating genuine care for staff as individuals and professionals empowers them to bring their best self to work each day knowing that they are valued and respected.
Empowering individuals to become the best versions of themselves will invariably lead to positive student outcomes.
Through the deliberate cultivation of a wellbeing culture, we set our staff and students up for success both in and out of the classroom.
