Taking care of the wellbeing of staff is so important because ‘if they’re gone, you do not have a business,’ according to fitness expert the Body Coach Joe Wicks.
Speaking at an event yesterday organised by Simplyhealth to launch their new Health Plan, Wicks (pictured) said he had recently rolled out a four-day working week across his 13-strong staff, allows them a paid hour to exercise and promotes ‘walkie/talkies’ enabling staff to take calls while going on a walk.
But in conversation with Simplyhealth chief customer officer Claudia Nicholls, Wicks also said that he recently spoke to a friend in his 30s in finance, who works until 2 or 3am on deals, and if he says he is burning out runs the risk of being sacked.
Wicks added that often these same companies that operate such cultures will offer staff access to mental health support like Calm or Headspace.
“It’s important to realise the impact you have as an employer,” Wicks said. “One of my north stars as a company is we want our teams to be happy.
“When I say that, I really mean that. I’d hate it to go to bed and know that our business is profitable but all the team are burned out. They’re going to bed stressed and they don’t get to see their kids.”
He added that he was recently talking to a team member and told them that they come first, as does their child.
“We’re here for you,” he continued. “It’s just having that compassion and understanding for people and allowing people to have flexibility.
“Things come up. Kids get sick. Childcare difficulties.
“It’s about having a little bit more freedom and flexibility and knowing that you’ve got to take care of people. Because if they’re gone, you haven’t got a business. They’re so important.”