FINAL WORD
Confidence and self-esteem , the basis of productivity and employee wellbeing , are often overlooked in the workplace .
Research shows that nearly half ( 49 %) of women are grappling with self-esteem issues and there has been a significant rise in low self-esteem among adults over the past four years . With a substantial proportion of men reporting struggles that impact their careers and personal lives . Addressing these issues isn ’ t just an ethical imperative , it ’ s also a business one .
The neuroscience of self-esteem and confidence
Understanding the root causes of low selfesteem offers insight into how workplaces can foster positive change . Two psychological mechanisms are particularly relevant : the Reticular Activating System ( RAS ) and confirmation bias .
The RAS is a network of neurons in the brain responsible for filtering out irrelevant information , allowing us to focus on what we consider important . If an employee believes they are incapable of achieving a task , their RAS will notice and give attention to experiences that reinforce this notion .
Confirmation bias is a similar concept and refers to our tendency to seek out . It focuses on information that aligns with our existing beliefs . For example , if you believe that you are not good enough , your brain will prioritise any information that confirms this belief .
These processes don ’ t just harm the individual . They impact team dynamics , innovation and overall productivity .
A confidence crisis in the workplace
Low self-esteem affects decision-making , interpersonal relationships and ambition . Employees may shy away from new challenges or disengage entirely . For businesses , this translates into lower turnover , decreased productivity and increased healthcare costs due to stress-related illnesses .
The good news is that this cycle can be broken . Workplace environments that actively promote mental wellbeing see higher levels of engagement , innovation and resilience among their teams .
How health coaches can make a difference
Health coaching focuses on preventative measures that address physical , mental and emotional wellbeing . Here ’ s how they can help businesses create a more confident and engaged workforce :
1 . Reframing negative beliefs
Health coaches specialise in helping individuals identify and challenge self-limiting beliefs . Through techniques like mindfulness , positive self-talk and goal setting , they assist employees in rewiring their RAS to focus on strengths and opportunities rather than perceived failures .
CONFIDENT , HEALTHY EMPLOYEES ARE THE FOUNDATION OF SUCCESSFUL BUSINESSES .
2 . Promoting resilience through self-compassion
Research shows that self-compassion reduces stress and fosters motivation without harsh self-criticism . Health coaches can guide employees in cultivating this mindset , helping them to recover more quickly from setbacks and view challenges as opportunities for growth .
Mary Walker , Health Coach and Mindfulness Teacher at Health Coaches Academy , said : “ When learning about mindfulness and selfcompassion , participants become aware that self-compassion is the antidote to the inner critic and negative beliefs and that there is another way to respond , allowing for the www . intelligentcxo . com
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