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Thinking about collective well-being in the New Normal era ‐ Individual edition

Following our previous “Company edition” article, we will once again consider how to realize sustainable teams from the “Individual” perspective.

Read the “Company edition” article here.

Individual edition: 3 Key Elements + Breathing Space for sustainable teams

In the New Normal era, individuals autonomously choose their own working style. Although the company had traditionally taken the initiative in terms of making decisions and providing resources, we believe that the time has come for individuals to take responsibility for their own well-being.

In other words, it is important for each of us to find and express our own work style in accordance with our personal well-being and values, and connect with colleagues with diverse values. As a start, reexamine your own issues and the values that are important to you with regard to each of the 3 Key Elements + Breathing Space and try coming up with your own creative ways to address them.

Connecting as people

  • How can you help to realize the ideal team?
  • Do you understand the values of your team members?

In order to continue working sustainably as a team, having a mutual understanding of even things that may not seem directly related to work can make working together easier.

Manipulating time

  • Have you planned in advance when you will “switch on” and “off,” and when you will take breaks?
  • Do you have the breathing space (time) you need for thinking and retrospection?

Are you in the habit of designing in advance how you will make use of your time? How about establishing a routine that allows you to “switch on” and “switch off,” planning your schedule so that it includes breathing space, time for yourself for thinking and enjoying breaks?

Creating a workplace

  • What kind of environment and tools do you need to maximize your capabilities?
  • Where are you able to relax, rejuvenate and enhance your creativity?

In addition to creating a place that allows you to concentrate on what you are doing and demonstrate your abilities, having a place where you can rest your mind and body and enrich your ideas could very well help to further draw out your talents. Now might be a good time to reconsider what breathing space means to you.

Note: This article is based on the Collective Well-being Guidelines announced by the Rakuten People & Culture Lab in July 2020. For additional information, please refer to the Collective Well-being site (Japanese only): https://corp.rakuten.co.jp/collective-well-being/