We are delighted that Ann Marie will be speaking in Zurich this May as part of our Wellbeing at Work Summit Europe.
We caught up with her to find out how she’s feeling in the run up to the summit.
Hi Ann Marie, we are thrilled you will be speaking at our Wellbeing at Work Summit Europe in May. Our first and most important question is, how are you doing today?
I am doing great. Thanks for reminding us that this very important question should be asked with genuine interest at every start of a conversation!
As a leader based in the region, what are the main challenges you are facing when it comes to employee wellbeing?
Much has been achieved in many European countries in recent years to raise awareness of the importance of both physical and mental wellbeing. However, the level of awareness still varies in two main areas:
- There are still differences between countries, especially when it comes to mental health. Equal access to wellbeing resources worldwide must therefore be a high priority. At the same time, any global strategy must take into account the need to localise wellbeing offerings and awareness campaigns, taking into account country cultures, awareness levels and language.
- Employee wellbeing should be considered across the full spectrum from prevention to crisis management. However, especially for mental wellbeing, the focus is still on one side of the spectrum, crisis management. Caring for one’s mental health should be encouraged as an ongoing healthy habit, similar to exercising to prevent back pain or other physical health problems.
What strategies have you seen developing over the past 6 months, both internally and externally, that is moving the dial on wellbeing in the workplace?
More and more companies are seeing wellbeing strategies as more than just a nice to have, but as an important strategic element in accelerating business performance. In addition, such strategies take a more holistic approach, promoting the combination of physical and mental health, from prevention to crisis management. This is also reflected in the resources offered to employees, which are highly adaptable to the unique needs of each individual.
Why is employee wellbeing so important to you personally?
We all know that good health is the foundation for everything – from professional success to overall happiness in life. Helping to make the workplace a healthy place for all of us to thrive and grow is what motivates me.
What are you most looking forward to about the Summit in May?
The exchange with like-minded people across Europe, identifying key areas for action to drive employee wellbeing even further.
Tell us, what is your vision for the future workplace, in terms of engagement, health and wellbeing?
First and foremost, the creation of healthy working cultures in all countries, where caring for people’s health is at the heart of every strategy and leadership approach, ultimately leading to high levels of engagement.
What areas do you think employers should be focused on over the next 12 months?
Continue to anchor employee wellbeing and engagement in organisational cultures, as cultural change takes time and continuous effort to institutionalise. This should be supported by a genuine and active dialogue with all stakeholders on the importance of wellbeing and engagement in the workplace.
How has your organization been leading the way?
Under the umbrella of #CaringForYou, we have institutionalised a holistic and global wellbeing programme that empowers all employees to start their wellbeing journey, encompassing both physical and mental health initiatives. As a key part of our culture, it is also at the heart of our strategic priorities. By creating a global community of ambassadors and training the leadership team to care for themselves and others, we are continually building a healthy culture that ultimately drives performance.
Ann Marie will be speaking in Zurich at the Wellbeing at Work Summit Europe which takes place live and in-person in Zurich, Amsterdam and Stockholm. Further details on the Summit can be found here.
