How do you prevent knowledge from a workshop from fading away? đźš°
You might recognize this; you've attended an inspiring workshop or lecture, and with renewed motivation, you decide to make a change. You've made plans, gathered ideas, and with fresh energy, you start your new resolutions. But after a few weeks, old habits start creeping back in… It's totally normal; we all experience it, and so do your employees! That's why you want the knowledge from the wellness workshop to truly stick with your employees. But how do you ensure they don’t fall back into routines over time? How do you make sure the valuable knowledge and insights from that workshop, that inspiring lecture, or even a wellness week don’t fade away but instead find a lasting place within the organization?
Time to read: 5 minutes
Small beginnings, big results 🚀
Setting up an action plan with concrete, achievable steps right after the workshop is invaluable. Think of small initiatives that can be applied immediately so employees gradually turn their new knowledge into healthy habits. A wellness initiative works best when it's linked to a specific habit. Why? A healthy habit helps employees make these actions a natural part of their daily lives. And as you know: healthy habits are the building blocks of good health! For example, do you want employees to move more during the workday? Start with a small daily step. You could send an email inviting employees to take a 10-minute walk outdoors during lunch each day. Maybe even add a photo contest to show off the best walking spots! These small steps pave the way for a bigger impact, making wellness initiatives something people incorporate into their daily rhythm.
Short follow-ups for lasting impact đź‘Ą
The strength of a wellness workshop lies not only in the information employees take away but also in the ongoing support and follow-ups. After the workshop, it’s crucial to plan regular meetings where you revisit the discussed topics. This gives employees a chance to ask questions and share success stories, keeping wellness top of mind. A follow-up session doesn’t need to be lengthy; even fifteen minutes a month can work wonders. Try organizing these sessions in a relaxed setting, perhaps with coffee or tea, where you invite employees to share what’s working well and where they face challenges. It’s a great moment to encourage each other and for you as an HR manager to offer your support. Imagine that, over time, employees no longer see these sessions as an obligation but as an inspiring break where they pick up ideas to further enhance their own health.
Wellness as a fixture in meetings 🗣️
Why limit wellness to a single workshop or meeting? By integrating wellness into regular work meetings, it becomes something employees consciously consider every week. For example, start each meeting with a brief wellness exercise. It could be as simple as a breathing exercise to unwind or a lively check-in where everyone shares how they’re feeling. It’s often surprisingly effective to begin a meeting with a small, shared exercise. Ask everyone to follow their breath in silence for three minutes, or have everyone give a compliment to a colleague about the past week. These moments foster a sense of connection and well-being, giving wellness a central role in work meetings. With a few simple questions or exercises, you create a safe space where everyone feels free to relax, and the wellness initiative finds a natural place in the daily work culture.
Small reminders with big effect ✉️
To keep the energy from the workshop alive, regular small reminders are a smart move. Send a short email or newsletter each week with an insight or practical application from the workshop. Such a reminder can give employees that little nudge to bring wellness back to the forefront. For example, if you discussed an energizing morning routine during the workshop, send a short email on Monday morning with a boost or a new twist on the routine. “Good morning! Ready to keep your energy up this week? Try a quick stretch session this morning to kick-start the day!” These emails don’t need in-depth explanations; they’re mainly meant to keep that important wellness message alive. This way, you show that the wellness initiative is not a one-off event but a lasting part of daily work.
Bringing wellness to life together đź’Ş
A wellness initiative doesn’t have to be limited to one big workshop. By integrating it into small, concrete steps, organizing weekly follow-ups, and even giving wellness a fixed spot in meetings, you keep the theme alive and inspiring. Employees appreciate it when they see their well-being taken seriously and when wellness isn’t just a fleeting idea but something truly part of the work culture. As an HR manager, you play a crucial role in building a healthy workplace. The energy and inspiration of a well-organized wellness workshop, with a bit of creativity and perseverance, can make a lasting contribution to the health and well-being of employees. Because a healthy work culture needs healthy habits that you build together.