Re: Purposing Wellness Wednesday
One of the most popular questions I am asked is as an unemployment coach is “What can I do to help someone who is out of work?” I am always comforted when I hear this question because so often today, especially as we isolate at home, we become so internally focused that we do not think about others. My short answer to this is always the same, “Think of one small thing you can do to help this person. You will be surprised at the impact even a little gesture will have on their well-being. But, do not make this a one-time effort. Humans need consistent care.”
My case in point: I worked at a healthcare company where we practiced what was called Wellness Wednesday. Because it was healthcare, we were given the time and encouragement to prioritize our well-being. The organization felt that having employees consistently take one day a week to focus even for a few minutes on their wellness and well-being, would spark lifelong habits that would either continue weekly or even carry over to other days of the week. It was recognized that even small efforts towards wellness would improve employees’ mood and mental health. Leadership was correct. Employee satisfaction surveys always acknowledged that employees loved the program and that the program itself was a reason why the company always was ranked a “great place to work” in the area. Even employees who did not participate acknowledged that they felt better about leadership and themselves just by knowing that this program was offered.
Few things are as important when you are unemployed as practicing self-care. But it isn’t always easy. Even if you make your well-being an area of focus even for one day, it does not take away from the isolation and loneliness that results from unemployment. To that end, I’d like to reposition my former employer’s Wellness Wednesday. Instead of making this a day for your own self-care, think about making it a priority each Wednesday to ask after the health and well-being of anyone you know who is out of work. This does not have to be a grand gesture of you spending the day with them, holding their hand, or playing armchair therapist. In reality, people need very little to know that others care for them.
Simple things you can do for your colleague on Wellness Wednesdays:
Send them an encouraging email.
Offer to read their resume and provide feedback.
Offer to connect them with someone on LinkedIn.
Recommend them for a skill on LinkedIn or write them a recommendation on LinkedIn.
Send them a gift card- ones for gas and coffee will be especially appreciated.
Better yet, meet them for coffee, especially as the weather warms and restrictions are lifted.
Help them (and you) get out of the house by going for a walk; moving the body is essential for someone out of work (and those of us working).
Send them a book and ask them to read it, or listen to it, with you.
Send them their favorite meal or some groceries via a delivery service (include a treat).
Suggest a podcast you found interesting.
Send them a card thanking them for their friendship. Use traditional mail, not email.
Find a photo of the two of you in better times and resend it to them.
Check their public Amazon Wish List to see if there isn’t a little something you could send them.
Like/love/comment on a post of theirs on social media.
Invite them to a watch party.
Make future plans with them.
Ask them if they are OK. Not how they are, but if they are OK. You will be surprised by the response you receive.
Don’t ask them what they need, tell them what you’d like to do for them. Often when we ask people what they need, they don’t know how to respond, especially if they are depressed or unmotivated. Offering a suggestion takes the burden off of them and also allows you to set the boundary for what you can do.
We often hesitate to reach out to someone who is out of work, our own awkwardness being one of the main reasons. It is Ok if you don’t know what to say. It is OK if you don’t get it exactly right the first time. Your friends and colleagues who know you will appreciate the gesture and your concern. Add a new spin on Wellness Wednesday and reach out to someone who needs to know they have support.
And if you are out of work and feeling out of sorts, remember that we feel better about ourselves when we are in service to others. Reach out to support someone the way you would want someone to support you.
Starting tomorrow, let’s make Wellness Wednesday a thing.
