[b0rsuk]

> The real problem with workplace wellness initiatives, according to Katie—beyond being inconvenient and vapid—is their obvious attempt to make up for the company’s poor employee benefits. ‘

The real problem is, wellness seminars are an attempt to push the issue on the employees. Just like "plastic recycling" initiatives push the guilt and the effort onto the consumer. It's a redirection strategy.

[SketchySeaBeast]

Same with "Self-care" - are you burning out at your job? Do you need a break? Clearly it's because you are failing at "self-care", not because your job is stressful or unreasonable. It pushes the onus back on the worker to put up with whatever the job demands and frames the worker as the one failing.

[the_real_me]

Whenever I see advice for "self-care" or "mindfulness" I can't help but think of a pimp telling a prostitute to use more lubricant and use antibiotics if she complains about infections and pain.

It's not a genuine attempt to solve the root cause; so much as a way to alleviate symptoms just enough so they can keep ruthlessly exploiting the employee.

[chasd00]

i disagree, are you expecting someone else to take care of you? Are you expecting someone to cook you a healthy meal as well? Are you suggesting handing over the welfare of your mind and body to someone else? Health ( physical and mental ) is on you to maintain.

[SketchySeaBeast]

Of course not - and that "cook meals" feels like a straw-man. I'm expecting a company to admit if the last few weeks have been full of crunch and have some flexibility when people say they could use some recuperation time, not have a meeting emphasizing the importance of self-care and expecting people to carry on as normal.

[chasd00]

i upvoted your response, that makes a lot more sense to me.

[bsenftner]

It's also a cash grab by the "Mindful Mediation" consultancies. I am surprised by the number of corporations with Mindful Meditation programs, and how much they pay for these ineffectual band-aids. The fact that mediation consultancies have significant traction in today's "Human Resources" world is just nonsense and corporate doublespeak that pushes blame reasoning on the employee for 360 degree poor management. (FWIW, I'm a person that started mediating decades ago (due to being a youthful Beatles fan.))

[ReactiveJelly]

I can meditate just fine on my own, I just wish my company would put it in the handbook saying it's okay to space out and relax as part of working.

I wish my company would give us a handbook...

[lepton]

I think my wellness is inherently my issue, and I'd prefer that my employer stayed out of it.

[elliekelly]

We’re all responsible for our own wellness but we’re also responsible for the wellness of those with whom we interact. The “wellest” person in the world could only tolerate a toxic environment for so long before they’d become unwell, through no fault of their own.

[fnord123]

This is a limited view akin to thinking you're doing your part for addressing climate change by staying off the grid.

I agree with b0surk that this is redirection and fundamental changes to society need to take place. Like an end to wage slavery.