Creating a “Feel Good” Organization

When a people feel “good” they are more motivated, energized, happy and involved. When people feel “bad” they are less likely to perform at optimal levels, experience a sense of wellbeing or be enthused about the variety of experiences life has to offer. In a perfect world everyone would feel positive, calm, have abundant energy and radiate health at all times. This is not a perfect world, however, and most people tend to report feeling “bad” much of the time. This dis-ease leads to general malaise, decreased energy, limited creativity, disconnection, lack of motivation and ultimately to ill health.

The question facing most organizations is this: What steps can be taken to develop a culture of wellness? There is much that can be done to create a climate of health and positive energy -- where employees or members feel comfortable, connected, and productive. In order for people to approach each day in a purposeful way, eager to perform at their best, they need to feel safe and connected to those around them.

To create such a culture, organizations must address the needs of their people in a variety of ways: physically, emotionally, socially, environmentally and spiritually. As Maslow illustrated so clearly in his famous hierarchy of needs, each of us must attend to our physical comfort before we are able to attend to our other “higher” needs. For people in any organization to function optimally and feel “good” they must first evaluate how they are physically nurturing themselves. This paves the way for them to take a holistic look at their situations and consider ways to feel more satisfied emotionally, socially, environmentally and spiritually.

Today there is greater emphasis on the importance of a pleasant, clean, cheerful and comfortable working environments where people feel safe and have access to healthy food and beverage choices, exercise areas, quiet areas and optimally, outside areas as well. Various other needs may be addressed via recognition awards, benefits, promotions and bonuses, organizational newsletters and in house trainings such as stress management, relaxation, communication, assertiveness, conflict resolution, exercise or meditation.

It is well known that any organization will reflect the attitudes and health of its members. As members learn ways to truly care for themselves, their energy will be felt even in the highest levels of management. As management creates a culture of wellness for itself, the positive effects trickle down to every person involved – resulting in happier, healthier and more productive people!

© 2004. Denise Lamothe. Dr. Denise works with organizations that encourage wellness in order to have happier, healthier and more productive people. She is the author of The Taming of the Chew (Penguin 2002). Dr. Denise can be reached at 603-679-2432, Denise@DeniseLamothe.com www.DeniseLamothe.com

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