Employee Wellbeing: A Conversation
I live in an 1850’s era New England style farmhouse with attached barn and silo situated lakeside on about 3 acres of land in a small, rural Maine town. The three acres give me plenty of grass to mow and room for flower and vegetable gardens. I guess you could say I am a gentleman farmer.
Even though I grew up in a city, I now thoroughly enjoy my rural lifestyle. My rural lifestyle has introduced me to the concept of homesteading, while my post graduate education in Community Preparedness and Disaster Management introduced me to the concept of disaster preparation. While I am neither a homesteader or survivalist, both concepts have influenced my thinking and to some degree, my living practices.
My current professional area of interest is employee wellbeing, with a specialized focus on mental health in the workplace. While thriving and flourishing are optimal states of wellbeing, we also know that survival typically becomes the default mode when a crisis occurs. Unfortunately, far too many people regularly live in survival mode for one reason or another.
As I have reflected on the ending of the calendar year, I began to wonder how survival mode, survival preparation, homesteading, mental health in the workplace and employee wellbeing might all fit together into a more holistic approach to work and life. In an age where the boundaries between work and life are increasingly blurred, defining work, life and their meaning is more important than ever. The two niches of homesteading and survival preparation have seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years and they might seem, at first glance, to be far removed from employee wellbeing and the modern workplace. However, they both offer numerous benefits that can significantly enhance employee wellbeing. These seemingly disparate lifestyles do, however, contribute to physical health, mental wellness, skill development, community building and overall life satisfaction.
Understanding the Niches
Homesteading refers to a lifestyle of self-sufficiency. It's about living a life that's less dependent on external systems, encompassing activities like growing your own food, raising livestock, preserving food and making your own clothes or furniture. Survival preparation focuses on acquiring the skills and supplies necessary to survive in various emergencies, from natural disasters to societal disruptions.
Mental Health and Stress Relief
Engaging in homesteading and survival preparation activities can be viewed as a form of stress relief. The repetitive nature of tasks like gardening or woodworking can be meditative, offering a mental break from today’s fast-paced, ever changing digital world. Moreover, these activities provide a tangible sense of accomplishment through seeing a garden flourish or mastering a survival skill boosting self-esteem and happiness. The confidence gained from knowing you can take care of yourself and your family in various situations is invaluable which contributes to a more positive state of mental health.
Physical Health Benefits
The physical activity involved in homesteading is obvious. Tending to a garden, caring for animals and general property maintenance require a significant amount of physical labor. This kind of natural, functional fitness keeps the body active and healthy. Additionally, eating fresh, homegrown food is nutritionally beneficial, often leading to a healthier diet. Survival preparation also encourages physical fitness, as being in good shape is crucial in many emergency scenarios. These aspects of physical health have direct correlations to workplace productivity and absenteeism, with healthier employees tending to be more engaged and less likely to take sick days.
Skill Development and Empowerment
Learning new skills is at the heart of both homesteading and survival preparation. From canning and quilting to orienteering and first aid, these skills not only contribute to self-sufficiency, but also foster a sense of personal power, control and achievement. These can and often do spill over into the workplace, as employees who feel capable and self-reliant in their personal lives are more likely to carry those attitudes into their work roles. Problem-solving and creative thinking are two skills honed through homesteading and survival prepping which directly benefit career development.
Community and Social Support
Both homesteading and survival preparation are activities that often involve a community aspect, whether it's trading goods, sharing tips, or coming together to build something. This sense of community belonging is crucial for mental health, offering social support outside of work. Employees who have strong social networks are generally happier and more resistant to stress triggers and resilient to stress responses. Moreover, these communities often span diverse backgrounds, encouraging individuals to interact with a wide range of perspectives and experiences, enriching their understanding and empathy, traits that are invaluable in any workplace.
Work-Life Balance and Perspective
A key aspect of employee wellbeing is a healthy work-life balance. Homesteading and survival preparation provide engaging, fulfilling activities that are completely separate from professional responsibilities. They offer a way to unplug, get hands-on and focus on something entirely different, providing a healthy counterbalance to work. Moreover, they can offer a different perspective on what's important in life, helping individuals prioritize their health and wellbeing, which in turn can lead to more sustainable work habits.
Preparedness and Security
The peace of mind that comes from knowing you are prepared for various emergencies cannot be overstated. Survival preparation ensures that individuals have the skills and supplies they need to feel secure in the face of uncertainty. This sense of security can alleviate underlying stress and anxiety, leading to a more focused and calm demeanor in all aspects of life, including work.
Incorporating Into Workplace Wellbeing
Given the numerous benefits, companies should consider how to incorporate the principles of homesteading and survival preparation into their employee wellbeing initiative. This could be as simple as organizing workshops, providing resources, or even creating community gardens at the workplace. Encouraging employees to engage with these activities recognizes the importance of their lives outside work and contributes to a more positive, productive work environment.
Challenges and Considerations
While the benefits are numerous, it's also important to recognize challenges. Not everyone has the space or resources to engage in homesteading and survival preparation can seem intimidating at first. Employers looking to incorporate these niches into their wellbeing initiative should consider accessibility related issues and provide a range of options to accommodate different interests and circ*mstances.
Homesteading and survival preparation can be seen as lifestyles that offer profound benefits for employee wellbeing. From mental health and physical fitness to skill development and community belonging, the advantages are comprehensive. As the world continues to evolve, finding ways to connect with these more grounded, self-sufficient practices is a step toward a healthier, more balanced future. Both employers and employees should consider how these two niches can contribute to a better, more holistic life in and outside of work.
