April 7 marks a significant milestone in the global health calendar — World Health Day. Established in 1950 by the World Health Organization (WHO), this day was envisioned as a beacon, illuminating the importance of global health and well-being. For over seven decades, World Health Day has served as an annual reminder to take this moment to reflect on the strides made and the challenges that lie ahead for our general health. It invites us to review its evolution from battling infectious diseases to confronting modern health crises. It illustrates health’s changing, unpredictable nature and how it’s a fundamental human right and global priority.
The pandemic catalyst of redefining health in the workplace
The arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to a standstill, redefining our relationship with health. People acknowledged the immense importance of physical and mental health and how they are intrinsically intertwined. As society took a more conscious approach towards taking care of themselves, organizations also became more aware of how to better care for their employees. This new unforeseen awareness created a paradigm shift towards becoming more health-conscious, and as a result, some started to implement new business practices. Several companies began integrating nature into their workspaces, adding plants, and promoting activities that connect employees with the outdoors, recognizing that a connection to nature is not a luxury but a necessity for mental and physical health.
For example, Amazon introduced more than 40,000 plants, paludariums, and epiphytic trees in their Seattle building, providing their employees with a direct link to nature. Google is known for workspaces filled with plants, reclaimed wood, and expansive views of nature, adding biophilic elements to enhance the working environment.
The pandemic undeniably led to two things: 1. Acknowledging our vulnerability, because we are, after all, living beings that need care and safety. 2. A reconnection to our humanity; we need the unique elements that enrich our human experience, such as human contact, and our relationship with nature and the outdoors. This also highlighted a crucial aspect of health in the business world, which stems from the basis of our physical health and extends to the mental, spiritual, and emotional spheres.
“Be Kind to Yourself”: Pioneering Well-Being in the Corporate World
In this journey of health consciousness, initiatives like Globant’s “Be Kind to Yourself” stand out. Globant has recognized the importance of health not just as a personal responsibility but as a corporate one. This initiative emphasizes companies’ role in health care and disease prevention, urging a culture of caring for oneself.
The “Be Kind to Yourself” message is clear: physical well-being cannot be separated from mental and social well-being. Promoting practices catering to both encourages individuals to take proactive steps toward their general health, underscoring businesses’ pivotal role in fostering a healthier, more conscious society.
“At Globant, we are committed to promoting the health and well-being of our collaborators and communities. We implement comprehensive wellness programs, encourage healthy lifestyles, and create safe work environments that promote both mental and physical health. We recognize the crucial role of businesses in improving health and well-being.”-Milagros Olivera, Be Kind to Yourself Manager at Globant.
Some takeaways
Our understanding and approach to health will evolve as the world changes and new circumstances, diseases, and situations emerge. Health is not just a personal concern but a collective one.
As we navigate through an ever-changing world, faced with new health challenges and societal shifts, the importance of corporate health initiatives cannot be overstated. They reflect a progressive understanding of health as a multifaceted concept and underscore the crucial role businesses play in shaping a future where well-being is a shared ambition nurtured collectively by individuals and corporations alike.
This approach heralds a new era in which health consciousness transcends personal boundaries, becoming a pillar of societal progress and corporate ethos.
