Revolutionizing Workplace Wellness: Insights from Jeanette Bronée
In a recent virtual fireside chat with Jeanette Bronée, a renowned culture strategist and keynote speaker, we delved into the necessary shifts in workplace self-care. Having transitioned from the high-pressure fashion industry to focusing on unlocking human potential within corporate cultures, Jeanette offers a fresh perspective that challenges conventional wisdom and embraces a holistic approach.
The Integrated Approach to Self-Care
Jeanette emphasizes that self-care isn't just a personal responsibility performed outside of office hours; it's an integrated process that involves our relationships with work, others, and ourselves. "We can't separate these relationships. They are intertwined, and how we handle them impacts our success at work and our general well-being," she explains.
Her approach is rooted in fostering a growth mindset, highlighting that lasting change in workplace culture begins with how individuals view their roles and responsibilities. This shift is not only about adapting habits but also about nurturing feelings of courage and worthiness which are crucial for personal and professional growth.
Power Pausing: A Tool for Transformation
One of Jeanette's key strategies is "power pausing," a concept she developed to help individuals and organizations make more mindful decisions. "It’s about pausing before reacting, which allows for more thoughtful responses and less stress," Jeanette notes. This technique encourages taking a moment to assess the situation and one's feelings, fostering a workplace culture that prioritizes mental presence and thoughtful engagement.
Self-Care as a Corporate Culture
Jeanette’s vision extends beyond individual habits to transforming corporate culture itself. She believes that the future of workplace well-being lies in recognizing the importance of human relationships and collective care. "We need to move away from viewing self-care as just another program and start seeing it as foundational to our interactions and operations," she advises.
This shift also means rethinking how we measure success, moving away from strictly financial metrics to consider how workplace practices affect employee well-being and productivity. Jeanette argues that a well-supported employee is more engaged, creative, and effective—a win for both individuals and their companies.
Photo by Torkil Stavdal
International Perspectives on Work and Well-being
Drawing on her experiences in Denmark and the U.S., Jeanette highlights the stark contrasts in workplace cultures. Danish work environments often emphasize clear boundaries between work and personal life, regular breaks, and communal meals, which foster a supportive team atmosphere. In contrast, American workplaces tend to prioritize productivity often at the expense of personal well-being.
Jeanette suggests that adopting some of these more balanced practices could greatly benefit American businesses by promoting a healthier, more collaborative workplace.
The Path Forward
As workplaces continue to evolve, especially with the increase in remote work, Jeanette believes that integrating mindful practices like power pausing can help maintain team cohesion and ensure that employees feel valued and understood. Her hope is that more organizations will begin to embrace these holistic approaches to health and wellness, creating environments where people thrive together.
Jeanette Bronée's insights offer a compelling vision for the future of workplace well-being—one that values humanity and collective health over mere productivity metrics. By shifting our focus from the individual to the community, we can forge a path towards truly sustainable workplace cultures that nurture both individual well-being and organizational success.
