Implementing workplace wellness in healthcare settings: lessons learned from the SEED wellness team reflective journaling

Abstract

Background: This article shares the reflection journey of a newly formed workplace wellness team, whose members documented their experience throughout an eight-week project using reflective journaling. Reflection was seen as a valuable tool for developing greater self-awareness and insight into team dynamics. Sharing reflections among the team also served to strengthen bonds and provided a chance to discuss challenges that were faced. Aim: To demonstrate the importance of promoting and prioritising the practice of reflection amid the high workload intensity of a busy healthcare environment. Conclusion: A diverse group of healthcare workers was able to identify the value of dedicated worktime for reflection while meeting the demands of project targets and tight time frames. Implications for practice: Personal and team reflective practice offers teambuilding opportunities for newly formed teams along with time for confidence building, self-improvement and connecting with others Timely documentation of these reflections can give immediate insight into challenges individuals or the entire team may be experiencing, thus allowing prompt response and adjustments, in addition to creating a record for personal and team learnings over time To ensure engagement in, and sustainability of, wellness-oriented reflective practice, both bottom-up and top-down commitment is required