27 Nov Evidence based wellbeing programs (at work or anywhere)
I’m sharing this one from my LinkedIn page because I believe it has relevance in all areas of life …
I’m showing my age here but in one way or other, I’ve been researching and delivering workplace wellbeing programs, in various shapes and forms, for several decades now. And among other things, I’ve seen their popularity and application grow enormously.
(NB: this could just as easily be an observation of wellness and wellbeing offerings to the general public)
In many ways, this is a good thing. The fact that most organisations now provide some form of health and wellbeing offering is fantastic; except when it’s not!
Widespread delivery of workplace (and other) wellbeing programs has also seen widespread delivery of programs that aren’t necessarily evidence-based, and that are delivered by those that aren’t necessarily qualified to do so.
To give just one example, consider this research exploring the “dark side” of meditation and mindfulness … HERE
This is not to say meditation or mindfulness are bad; they’re not. In fact, they’re very good, for very many people, and provide very many benefits.
But what it is to say is that these, and in fact many other wellbeing programs, need to be delivered by someone with appropriate qualifications who understands not just the benefits, but the potential risks and adverse side-effects.
I’m definitely NOT advocating that you DON”T try wellbeing programs or strategies that you think might improve your life in any way. I’ve always been a passionate advocate for self-help and self-development.
But what I am suggesting is … buyer beware! Please look at WHO’S offering WHAT and in many cases, if something sounds too good to be true, it’s probably not!