Mental Health
Have you ever been in subway stations during rush hours? In any city in the world, it’s a literal wrestling struggle to get onto the next train car.
Who wins? The physically strongest, perhaps. The most patient ones who wait leaning against the opposite wall to the rails? The question is, in the long run, who wins?
And that’s where I start thinking about the reinvention of work as a priority in order to truly generate policies that support people’s mental health. Designing flexible work schedules, where there are common hours for everyone, but depending on the person, they can choose to start earlier or later. All while respecting the individuality and needs of people, and at the same time finding space for connection and interaction with others.
This is not new, and it’s working in many companies around the world. Before thinking about a 4-day workweek, or continuing to debate whether we work in person, virtually, or hybrid, designing a “peak and plate” system for companies, and thus being able to be creative with schedules and avoid so much chaos during peak hours. This can contribute to people’s mental health in the long run, even when individuals, because they have become accustomed to that chaos, don’t think it may be affecting them.
Flexible hours are one of the benefits in many companies worldwide that makes them more attractive to talent, increases retention, and strengthens the commitment and bonds between employee and employer.
The benefits of flexible hours for each individual are enormous; People being able to avoid those peak hours and crowds will do a lot for everyone’s mental health. Additionally, individuals can include other activities in their schedule such as studying, hobbies, and healthy social and family interactions.
(Note: “Peek and Plate” or Pico y Placa” is a system implemented in the main cities and towns of Colombia, which aims to reduce vehicular traffic during peak hours or throughout the day. Depending on the last digit of the license plate, there are restrictions on driving your vehicle.)
Blogs
World Sleep Day
World Sleep Day: To Save Everything from Marriages to High-Performance TeamsAnother day we give a name to, to remind ourselves of something that should be remembered every day: the importance of sleep and rest in our routines. There's much to discuss about sleep, but...
What pace are you keeping up with: the company’s pace, or your family’s pace?
What pace are you keeping up with: the company's pace, or your family's pace? I attended a leadership conference where the topic of the leader´s pace was discussed. In an increasingly fast-paced world, we've bought into the idea that the faster we run, the more...
Self-care, far from being a selfish act…
Self-care, far from being a selfish act...We have been talking about exhaustion, stress, the importance of sleep, and previously about nutrition and movement... all pillars of well-being.We have concluded that without habits that directly impact these pillars, it is...
Mastering the Art of Taking a Nap!
Mastering the Art of Taking a Nap!Have you ever felt that absurd tiredness, where your eyes start to close around 2:30 in the afternoon (or maybe at 4:00 PM if you're in Mexico)?Do you feel exhausted and stressed because you have a lot of work to do? After lunch, it's...
Health + Mental Well-being = Flourishing!
Health + Mental Well-being = Flourishing!Health, is it the absence of illness? Mental health, could it be the absence of mental illnesses?The correct answer should be no! The World Health Organization defines health as follows: "a state of complete physical, mental,...
States of – “FLOW”
States of - "FLOW"Have you ever felt in a state of maximum productivity? A moment where everything flows, your ideas, your ability to concentrate, time flies by, and yet minutes pass and you don't even realize it.That's called the state of flow or FLOW, moments where...