Safety Forum - Gabrielle & UGL Kaefer
"Stretching & Mindfulness" Program
In February 2017, I was asked by my client, UGL Kaefer to present my findings at the ESSO Safety Forum at The Langham Hotel Melbourne, from the Health & Wellbeing program and audit that I conducted with them in the last quarter of 2016.I’m honoured to share my C.A.R.E (Connection, Awareness, Reflection, Expansion) philosophy with you, and a broad outline of what I implemented for UGL Kaefer employees in 2016, …… indeed much more than just a “Stretching Program”!For ten minutes everyday I had the privilege to share a different way of thinking about Stretching – by incorporating Yoga poses, Mindfulness, Breathing techniques & Positive thinking.Participant SurveyI wanted to see what sort of impact I could make in such a short period of time each day, so conducted a confidential employee survey at the start and end of the program with three questions based on the following key areas:1. Overall health & wellbeing2. Mental health & wellbeing3. Body flexibility & mobilityResultsMany benefits were realised by the UGL Kaefer employees with over 70% of participants showing an improvement in their health & wellbeing. One individual recorded an 80% overall improvement in their own health & wellbeing.
Gabrielle's C.A.R.E
Lets look at the overriding concepts and principles for the Program, based on CARE and what was incorporated into the 10 minutes each day.CONNECTION Let’s stand and take a moment to connect with our body, mind & spirit in the now!
with self, others & nature – be in this world and in this moment. Connect with ourselves as we laugh and enjoy seeing our work mates and leaders in a different light. Feel the team work and support of others. As we stand outside feel the warmth of the sun and connect with nature, to bring positivity and energy into the start of our day.
Yoga, Meditation, Breath & Relaxation – connect with our unique body and greatness as well as restrictions, as we move in and out of poses.
healthy lifestyles: physically, mentally & emotionally, as well as diet.
AWARENESSHaving an awareness of our body, our thoughts, and our emotions. Being aware of
mindfulness
stress – recognising what is helpful & unhelpful
right actions - making good decisions
REFLECTIONStand and breathe, take this time to be with yourself to
review your day
improvement areas
gratefulness & appreciation
EXPANSIONExtend yourself and shake hands with someone near you, someone you don't know that well, and establish a better working relationship. Show you care by smiling and saying “Have a good and safe day”.
Having confidence to be curious and expand your thinking
Feeling valued and respected as part of a team
Personal growth & development, always learning
Be your best you, how can you make a difference to yourself, those around you, your workplace and extend this to your family and personal life when you leave work
Develop a sense of contentment and deep internal confidence
Participant’s VoiceSome valuable feedback was gained in response to the three survey questions:Q1. Overall health & wellbeing"…… Being a part of this program contributed to feeling better overall.“Q2. Mental health & wellbeing"…… Being part of the program improved my outlook and gave me a more relaxed start to the day.“Q3. Body’s flexibility & mobility"…… I felt that the program improved my overall balance, and how I feel. The poses became easier as I progress through the program.“
Life Changing CARE
How did all this translate into my CARE Philosophy at the end of the day, and what changes did I see with the UGL Kaefer team from all levels including management:Connection• arriving early, being positive & motivated to participate• team spirit, engaged in the program, laughing and being happy• making eye contact & greeting each other without prompting• a pro-active hand shake with positive intentAwareness• body limitations & pose variation• mind focus & awareness, stress• listening to my instructions – being engaged and staying focusedReflection• responsible for oneself & not letting ego take over to hurt self or others• right actions - participating and doing their best and taking that to the worksite that day• consider improvement of oneself and work tasks and being open/confident to speaking up• gratefulness & appreciationExpansion• +ve impact on personal and family life flowed through from our work• encourage healthy lifestyles by thinking and doing the right thing• more engaged productive, mindful and happy workforceMaking a DifferenceThere was an obvious and definite improvement on paper (survey) and in practice across the participants - physically, mentally and emotionally. This improvement in their way of living, transferred into the workplace and extended into their personal life, making for more happy and harmonious individuals that had greater capacity to make a difference in the world.Thankyou for the honour and trust from UGL Kaefer to create more than just a “Stretching” program for their employees and the ability to witness first hand the power of CARE.
Your Health & Wellbeing Audit
Contact me to find out how we can begin your business "Health & Wellbeing Audit" and create a program tailored to your business needs:Gabrielle McMahon Business Coaching0418 576 075 www.bebliss.com.au gabrielle@bebliss.com.au