Shwe Mar’s Post

Stress and anxiety at work have less to do with the work we do and more to do with weak management and leadership. Many people think building a good workplace culture means having fun events like "Free Ticket Fridays" or casual dress days. While these can be enjoyable perks, they're not the core of a healthy culture. In reality, what truly shapes a positive culture is a stress-free environment where employees feel supported, respected, and valued. A stress-free environment doesn't mean eliminating all challenges or deadlines—it's about ensuring that employees have the tools, resources, and support they need to navigate their responsibilities without feeling overwhelmed. Do you agree that management plays a big role in workplace stress? Share your thoughts and let's talk about what truly makes a great workplace, beyond just the perks. #companyculture #workplaceculture #mentalhealth #linkedinforcreator

The other day I got some interesting feedback from my 16 year old. She said, “Mom in your next role you really need to get back into the office. Your clothes were better and you’re too extroverted to be working from home. You can't keep talking to the dog all day." In my defence, Barry has some pretty good insights sometimes. He keeps me mindful of overworking, understands the importance of wellness breaks and he is a good practitioner of ‘Active Listening’. He also has strong EQ and knows when his colleague needs a little support. But seriously, I don’t believe there is one model that fits all. It really does depend on the work you’re doing, the individual and the kind of culture the organisation wants to have. With that said, humans are social creatures and that cannot be understated. For over 300,000 years we have been evolving as a collective for our survival. The way our technology evolves is through the transfer of knowledge. One person creates a cool new spear that is more efficient at taking down the woolly mammoth and that’s shared among the rest of the tribe, traded with others and someone else expands on that innovation, over and over again. COVID has proven that we can be highly productive working remotely, but let’s not discount all of the chats that happen around the proverbial water cooler, or the lunch meet ups or just the simple smile from the colleague in other department. These connections are invaluable to our overall sense of self and purpose. They are also consistent with 300,000 years of evolution. If anything it also gives you a chance to get out of those sweat pants. 

🤔 It seems counterintuitive – with all these well-being programs and team-building exercises – that so many employees still feel lonely and disconnected at work. This is especially true for remote and hybrid workers–there have been times where I haven't stepped outside my house because of work meetings all day! A recent study struck me – loneliness-related absenteeism costs US employers a whopping $154 billion a year. Another report I saw said nearly 80% of white-collar employees feel lonely because of their jobs. The loneliest time of the day for 43% of those surveyed? Being at work. And 75% believe employers have a responsibility to address this. It makes sense – Emily Killham, a research director at Perceptyx, says feeling unsupported, like you're not part of something bigger, or just not knowing where you fit in, is a recipe for workplace loneliness. Think about it – how do you feel after a day with limited meaningful interactions? A psychologist, Brian Clemente, says you likely come home drained, unmotivated, and disconnected from your loved ones. That ripple effect can be tough on everyone – spouses, kids, even pets. The disconnect at work bleeds into everything else. What if the solution is simpler than we think? Ditching the jargon and therapy-speak for clearer communication could be a game-changer. Instead of struggling to decipher work speak, imagine if we just said what we meant. Honestly, wouldn't that improve our work relationships? ☑ Subscribe to First Thing Monday, my weekly newsletter about workplace culture and communication! Link in comments!

Tackling Workplace Conflicts Tactfully Let's face it—navigating the #leadership journey often feels like riding a workplace rollercoaster. Conflicts and the infamous office #politics are part of the ride. Workplace disagreements are as routine as coffee breaks, but the trick is to handle them smartly. Here are #tips to avoid workplace disputes with tact. ✅ Nip Office Politics in the Bud Office politics, be it at the entry, middle-management or senior level, has the potential to raze down productivity and team harmony. Setting clear-cut KPIs and defining roles will help team members stay on track and minimise friction. ✅Choose to be a #Leader, Not a Boss Office conflicts mess with #teamwork, drag down spirits and even kill productivity. However, addressing issues openly and finding common ground can ensure a more harmonious workplace. In my experience, keeping things transparent and having an open-door policy can make a huge difference in containing and resolving conflict. ✅Check Your Biases at the Door We all have biases, but don’t let that ruin the team spirit. Avoid making assumptions and taking things personally. Everyone is fighting their own battles. Allowing mental health days, offering flexible work hours and implementing an inclusive leave policy could help boost employee morale immensely. Everyone is allowed to have their off days. We are all humans, after all. ✅You Reap What You Sow What goes around always comes around. A leader’s loyalty should not be just towards the company but also to the people who make up the company. #Learn to trust your team, avoid micromanaging and, most importantly, value them. I came across a quote that said that managers sometimes have more #power than doctors when it comes to fostering mental health. And I couldn’t agree more. Be a responsible employer; you owe it to your #team.

TONIC Workplace Culture Did you know (according to Gallup research) that unhappy workers cost US firms $1.9 trillion in lost productivity? That’s an alarming number, both for the companies and for the individual employees themselves. Several reasons can help to explain this statistic. Disconnection from employer and workplace as a result of the pandemic and working from home. So some companies have instituted a “back to the office” policy. A feeling of lack of purpose or not mattering. So some employees decide to leave in search for something “more aligned”. And let’s not forget toxic workplace cultures. Many of us come across one of these work environments at some point in our careers. And yes, they do still exist. But what is the opposite of all of this? I am a positive psychology practitioner after all, and so I have been trained to literally flip everything on its head. Let’s not just talk about what makes people ill; let’s talk about what makes people well. Let’s not just talk about what makes the workplace toxic; let’s talk about what makes it tonic. Oftentimes we learn more when we train our brains to scan for the good as opposed to scan for the bad. It literally expands our perspective. I was recently introduced to this term- tonic. Tonic- giving a feeling of vigor or well-being. So immediately my mind went to- What makes for a tonic workplace? Because those exist too. And if they exist, they can be replicated. Here at Well-Crafted Collaborative. We study this. We design for this. We work with leaders to live, breathe, think, and feel a tonic workplace. We have many thoughts here and much wisdom to share, but I’m curious to learn from you all. What do you think makes for a tonic workplace? Is it free lunch everyday? Is it ping pong tables? Is it positive interpersonal relationships with your boss and colleagues? Is it work-life balance? What is that we still have to learn here…? Please share. #positivepsychology #workplacewellbeing #toxicworkplaceculture #tonicworkplaceculture

We've all seen it : - The dimmed office lights at midnight - The 'hustle' culture that praises burnout as dedication. It's become the norm in the corporate world, but let's challenge this idea. Success is not defined by the number of hours spent at your desk. It's not equated to the dark circles under your eyes or the countless cups of coffee consumed. It's about : > productivity > innovation > balance A culture that encourages overwork isn't good for anyone . It leads to people burning out, being less productive, and leaving their jobs. But, it's not all gloom and doom. We can change the narrative. Let's put an end to the glorification of overwork. Let's redefine what a healthy work culture looks like. Let's prioritize mental well-being as much as we prioritize deadlines. This is a call to all leaders in the corporate world: ❌ Let's not celebrate late hours. ✅ Let's celebrate innovation, creativity, and work-life balance. ❌ Let's not measure success by exhaustion. ✅ Let's measure it by - productivity, satisfaction, and overall well-being. Engage in the comments if you, too, believe it's time to flip the script on the perception of success in the corporate world. #toxicculture #work #job #culture #company

It's a typical Thursday morning, and your 🗓️ calendar is packed with meetings. Just as you're about to dive into your first call, an email pops up from a team member asking for some time off for a private appointment. 🙈 How do you respond?   As leaders we face these scenarios regularly, and how we handle them can make a significant difference in our employees' well-being and mental health. Here are three steps I find helpful to include:   Step 1: 🏡 Acknowledge Their Life Outside the Company It's crucial to recognize that our team has lives outside of work.  ☝️ Yielding whenever possible and making it possible, is my part I can give of promoting a healthy work environment. By supporting our teams’ personal commitments, we foster a culture of respect and understanding. This not only boosts morale but also builds trust and loyalty.   Step 2: 💬 Employee Engagement and Morale Regular communication plays a vital role for me. Whether it’s a casual chat while getting ☕️ coffee in the kitchen or a quick check-in during a meeting, these interactions help us understand each other's circumstances and build 🤝stronger relationships. Consistent communication ensures that our teams feel 👂heard, 💚 valued, and 🌟connected.   Step 3: Be Conscious of Your Environment It’s easy to get caught up in the routine and start 🫣blending people into the background. Avoid this by staying aware of your surroundings and actively contributing to a positive office environment. Simple actions like greeting colleagues, acknowledging their efforts, and being approachable can go a long way. Remember, 🤓 creating a supportive and engaging workplace is everyone’s responsibility, but it starts with us as leaders.   *****My Bottom Line: Be #Approachable! Being approachable is the cornerstone of a healthy workplace. When employees feel comfortable coming to you with their concerns, ideas, and feedback, it creates an open and inclusive environment. This openness leads to better mental health, increased productivity, and a more vibrant workplace culture.   Let’s commit to these steps and make employee well-being and mental health a daily priority. After all, our people are our greatest asset. 🌟 #EmployeeWellBeing #WorkLifeBalance #OfficeCulture #LeadershipTips

🌱 Thriving in a Healthy Workplace vs. Surviving in a Toxic One 🌱 Lately, I’ve been reflecting on the importance of a positive work environment. We often talk about skills, productivity, and growth, but we don't discuss enough the impact of toxic work cultures. A sick work environment stifles creativity, drains motivation, and leaves employees questioning their value. When open communication is replaced by blame, and collaboration by competition, it affects everyone—mentally, emotionally, and even physically. 🛑 If you feel undervalued, unheard, or burnt out due to workplace culture, remember: your well-being comes first. No title or paycheck is worth sacrificing your mental health. On the flip side, healthy workspaces foster innovation, growth, and employee engagement. They’re built on trust, respect, and empowerment. 🌟 Let's prioritize environments where people can thrive, not just survive. Everyone deserves to work where they feel appreciated and supported. #WorkCulture #HealthyWorkplace #Leadership #ToxicWorkplace #MentalHealthAtWork #WellBeing

Picture this – your team have smiley faces, they are happy and eager to complete their tasks, and they excited about the company they work for. That statement exudes peace and tranquility, doesn’t it? Everyone going about their work and no broken links in the chain benefits everyone in terms of productivity and profitability for your business. A stress-free work environment boosts employee productivity. Management can create this environment with small but effective actions. Here are a few examples: 1. Effective Communication: Good communication reduces confusion and stress, while poor communication increases it. Use a positive tone and ensure employees have the tools they need to succeed. 2. Promote Work-Life Balance: Flexible schedules and remote work options allow employees to manage personal responsibilities, reducing stress. 3. Give Employees a Voice: Listening to employees and valuing their input increases job satisfaction, trust, and loyalty. 4. Encourage Breaks: Regular breaks, including outdoor walks or relaxation, help employees recharge, especially in sedentary roles. These strategies can lead to a more positive, productive workplace. What are some things implemented in your workplace to support the health and wellbeing of your employees? #workenvironment #workstress #stressfree #stressfreeenvironment #worklifebalance #respectemployees #healthyworkenvironment