Pluxee ebook: Game On: Empowering teams to thrive through pressure
Game On: Empowering Teams to Thrive Through Pressure, published in partnership with Ashley Giles, former England Cricketer and CEO of Worcestershire County Cricket Club, brings the mindset of sports coaches into the business landscape to help teams thrive under pressure.
We all face demands – in and out of work – and by using insights that Giles learned first-hand in his cricketing days, this guide is vital for understanding the connection between mindset and performance – leadership and success.
Workplace stress and poor mental wellbeing can lead to burnout, costing the UK economy over £22 billion.
Reducing excess workplace stress remains a business priority, and employers must do so under health and safety laws. Game On seeks to help employers build a foundation of wellbeing, putting employees in the best position to manage internal and external pressures.
It gives managers and leaders the skills to help employees shift their mindset from chaos to calm and to see pressure as a driver of performance.
When it comes to high performance in sports, there are ten non-negotiables: change, consistency, risk-taking, continuous improvement, team cohesion, innovation, alignment, passion, science, and excellence.
Key insights from Game On:
The HR and business leader’s role in team performance: HR managers and business leaders should be a constant source of support for employees. By leading by example and prioritising employee wellbeing, they’re a key facilitator in helping to change mindsets, creating high-performing teams.
Building a foundation of wellbeing: Pluxee UK has been championing employee engagement and wellbeing for over 40 years, producing thought leadership on the importance of workplace wellbeing. Game On takes the conversation deeper, highlighting the impact of today’s fast-paced lifestyle – the lack of clarity, reduced confidence and suppression of a can-do attitude.
The power of mindset: Ashley Giles shares his experiences in cricket, navigating a period when things didn’t go his way. Through his trainer, he was able to change his attitude and approach, recognising and appreciating his positive contributions. This mindset shift got Ashley back on track, and it can do the same with your teams.
Recognising and addressing workplace challenges: Recognising the changing shape of the workplace, Game On highlights the need to identify pain points at a personal level. There’s no place for generalisations in a workplace formed from diversity, and tackling issues on an individual level will yield better results.
Balancing challenge with support: Stress often gets a negative spin but can be a driver, pushing people to give their best. Giles explains that a certain level of stress is necessary for optimal performance. The key is to find the balance between creating a safe working environment with a culture of wellbeing and encouraging employees to push themselves.
Coaching for performance under pressure: We’re under pressure, and with Game On, you’ll learn how to place your focus on the things you can control – to go from emotional reactions to calm responses. It takes practice and support – understanding and adopting the power of mindset.
Moving from red to blue: Are your employees in a red or blue mindset? Are they thriving or surviving, responding or reacting? Everyone is fighting their own battles. When we build a culture of wellbeing, where leadership and HR understand individual needs, you can help employees navigate their pressures, helping them get to a state of mind where they can take control.
Empowering teams for success: Both Pluxee UK and Ashley Giles appreciate that employers cannot know every detail about their employees’ lives. Even in the most open and trusting of cultures, it’s up to employees to decide how much detail they share. What’s needed is to ensure that the organisation provides the right tools for employees and managers to navigate the unknown.
Game On: Empowering Teams to Thrive Through Pressure is available to download for free. It’s an invaluable resource for employers and HR professionals at businesses of all sizes to truly understand what it takes to sustainably and authentically create high-performing teams resilient enough to thrive through pressure.
Supplied by REBA Associate Member, Pluxee UK
Pluxee UK, is a leading employee benefits and engagement partner that opens up a world of opportunities to help people enjoy more of what really matters in their lives.
