Sowing the Seeds for Flourishing Employee Wellbeing with the ACORN Framework.
What if the key to unlocking your team's full potential and fostering a thriving workplace might lie in sowing the seeds of holistic wellbeing? Let’s dive into the ACORN Wellbeing Model—where corporate health and happiness intersect.
Crafted as a sustaining and comprehensive strategy, ACORN focuses on nurturing your staff's physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing, making it an ideal fit for the dynamic landscape of corporate health and workplace happiness.
Where it Comes From
The ACORN model draws inspiration from extensive research, including renowned studies on the Blue Zones., as well as the Framingham Study and the China Study, as well as up-to-date research into the latest science on wellbeing.
Blue Zones Research
In today's world, where lifestyle choices outweigh genetics in determining lifespan, the Blue Zones stand out as an inspiring model for workplace wellbeing.
These regions, where people commonly live to 100, reveal the key secrets of longevity and provide essential guidance on how to live well for longer. Spearheaded by Dan Buettner, the Blue Zones approach identifies ‘Power 9 principles’, a proven guide to enhance overall wellbeing.
These principles provide a holistic path to a healthy life, making them invaluable for workplace initiatives. Factors such as "Moving Naturally" to living with "Purpose,", these concepts can be seamlessly integrated into workplace programs, fostering wellbeing through workshops and initiatives. Concepts like "Downshifting" for stress management, the "80% Rule" for mindful eating, and a "Plant Slant" in diets align with corporate wellness goals of enhancing productivity while improving employee wellbeing.
The Blue Zones principles also emphasize the importance of social connections at work, promoting a sense of purpose and community. Incorporating these into workplace cultures builds trust, connection, and resilience, enhancing employee wellbeing and psychological safety.
Real-world interventions, like an eight-week intervention conducted at a U.S. University, highlight the positive impact of Blue Zones on mental wellness. Attendees experienced improved mental health and better sleep patterns, showcasing the potential for these principles in workplace wellbeing initiatives.
As organisations navigate hybrid work and increased demand for wellbeing, embracing the Blue Zones approach is a practical, evidence-based strategy for promoting longevity and purpose among employees, both in-person and virtually.
Baseline Measures
Taking baseline measures through anonymous surveys, quantitative data, and interviews with stakeholders is vital for understanding individual and group wellbeing. These processes go beyond typical employee engagement tools, providing specific insights into personal health and measurable ways to enhance wellbeing. The need for baseline measurement when implementing new initiatives can’t be stated enough.
The ACORN Model
Signature Workshop - ACORN: Sowing the Seeds for a Successful Life
Our signature 90-minute workshop demonstrates the key components of the ACORN Model: Activity; Connection; Outlook; Rest; and Nourishment. Utilising research from the Blue Zones, as well as the Framingham study, the China Study, and various other pivotal studies into wellbeing, we dive into the key practices that keep people living well for longer, and invite self-reflection and personal growth as a core component in the presentation. Participants walk away with knowledge, tips and ideas to implement in their own life immediately, as well as a vision for the direction they plan to take on their own wellbeing journey.
A - Activity: This domain explores the vital role of physical activity in life, and the impact movement and health practices have on length and quality of life. Engage in workshops, classes, and wellness coaching on weight loss, fitness, and strength.
Workshops*:
Healthy Habits
Micro Movements for Wellbeing
Stretch for Success
Breathe Your Way Calm
C - Connection: Foster team and community connections with initiatives highlighting the benefits of collaboration, compassion and communication. Learn the art of building trust, increasing psychological safety, and enhancing team dynamics through 1-1 and group coaching sessions.
Workshops*:
Mindfulness for Emotional Intelligence
Cultivating Compassion
Building Trust
Setting Healthy Boundaries
O - Outlook: Dive into the power of mindset and its impact on life outcomes. Explore gratitude, awe, strengths, and values, as well as the practices you can do to have a more positive and resilient mindset. Receive 1-1 and group coaching on developing a positive outlook for increased resilience and decreased stress.
Workshops*:
Stress Management 101
Mindful Me
Make Self Care Your Superpower
R - Rest: Recognize the often-overlooked importance of rest and sleep for optimal health and performance. Explore sleep hygiene, options for daily rest practices, and the significant impact a lack of sleep can have on mental and physical health. Participate in 1-1 and group coaching to identify areas for improved sleep and set goals for enhanced rest.
Workshops*:
Let’s Talk About Sleep
The Power of Rest
Breathe Your Way Calm
A Mindful Rest
N - Nourishment: Gain awareness of the impact of a healthy diet on wellbeing, including both physical and mental health. Delve into expert guidelines, explore the connection between stress and eating patterns, and receive coaching for making more nourishing choices.
Workshops*:
Mood Food
Health Tips for Better Performance
Healthy Eating
* These workshop titles are the most popular workshops currently. Please get in touch to discuss your unique needs. We can tailor workshops to suit your requirements. Bring us online for a Lunch’ n’ Learn, or bring us out for a full day retreat.
Ready to transform your workplace? Contact us to schedule a chat and discover how the ACORN Wellbeing Model can elevate your corporate health and workplace happiness.
Start your journey to a healthier, happier, and more productive workplace today! 🌱💼 #CorporateWellbeing #WorkplaceHappiness #ACORNWellbeingModel