Leadership Letter: Wellness in Times of Change

Friends and Supporters,

As we continue our journey toward transforming the culture and systems within our schools, staff, and communities, I want to take a moment to recognize the incredible dedication and hard work that goes into this mission every day. The environments in which we operate can often feel overwhelming, where educators, community leaders, and support staff are continually called upon to step in as "firefighters," addressing urgent needs and challenges. 

While this work is essential, it is also exhausting, and we must acknowledge that a reactive approach cannot sustain us long-term.

At Higher Ground, our mission is clear: to empower one life at a time to reach, transform, and elevate their community through love and character building. We strive to move beyond the cycle of crisis management by creating systems centered on prevention, support, and overall well-being. Through our innovative strategies and scaffolding techniques, we are laying the foundations for a more resilient and proactive environment. However, to truly succeed, it is not enough to change the systems around us—we must also change how we approach wellness in our own lives. 

Jansen and I always say we can’t take you where we have never been. 

So how do we not live in crisis mode, how do we handle vicarious trauma, and how do we care for our own families as we are serving others? 

Training to Go Against the Flow

In our pursuit of systemic change, we are challenging deeply entrenched habits and norms within these systems. 

This endeavor is not without its difficulties, but it presents us with a unique opportunity to lead by example. We must train ourselves to resist the pull of constant crisis management and instead focus on cultivating a culture of care, not just for our students, staff, and communities, but also for ourselves. 

This shift requires embracing the discomfort of change and being intentional about integrating moments of rest and reflection into our daily lives. At Higher Ground, we believe that rest is not a luxury but a necessity for sustained impact. Research (1) underscores that adequate rest enhances cognitive function, reduces stress, and strengthens our immune systems. 

By prioritizing rest, we are not only caring for our mental and physical health but also sharpening our ability to perform effectively in our roles as educators, community leaders, and changemakers.

What Does Rest Look Like?

Rest is more than just taking time off; it involves intentionally recharging our minds and bodies. 

Whether it’s through a moment of mindfulness, a walk outside, or simply stepping away from work to breathe, rest should be an integral part of our daily routines. These small, intentional moments allow us to reset and reconnect with our purpose.

At Higher Ground, we actively support this practice through our Power House Fridays. On these days, our staff are encouraged to step away from their usual workspaces to engage in different activities designed to refresh and inspire. This time together encourages our staff to leave their chairs, their sites, and their usual spaces, fostering creativity, learning, and team bonding in a relaxed environment.

By embracing Power House Fridays, we are fostering a culture that values rest and well-being. Let’s continue to support each other in taking breaks, respecting boundaries, and prioritizing wellness without guilt. When we build a culture that prioritizes rest, we empower our bodies and minds to function at their best, directly enhancing our collective ability to serve our students, families, and communities.

Applying Wellness Beyond the Job

The principles of wellness should extend beyond the workplace; they should influence every aspect of our lives. Changing culture is not just about what we do at work; it’s about a holistic shift in how we live. How can we apply the principles of rest, balance, and proactive care in our personal lives? How can we ensure that our lives, both professional and personal, reflect the values we hold dear?

Consider these statistics (2): Organizations with robust wellness programs experience up to a 26% reduction in healthcare costs and a 10% increase in productivity. Individuals who feel supported in their well-being are 38% more engaged and 18% more likely to go the extra mile for their community. These figures remind us that investing in wellness isn’t just beneficial for us as individuals—it’s essential for the health and success of our entire society.

As we move forward together, let us commit to these principles. Let’s be the change we wish to see, which applies to our own lives, too. I believe in the transformative work we are doing, and I believe in each of you who supports this mission. Together, we can build a healthier, more sustainable culture for ourselves and the future.

Thank you for your dedication, passion, and commitment to this mission. Let’s take care of ourselves so that we can continue to take care of those who rely on us.

Reaching A Higher Ground Together,
Barbie

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Sources:

1. Healthcare Costs and Productivity:

Studies have shown that companies with strong wellness programs experience up to a 26% reduction in healthcare costs and a 10% increase in employee productivity. These statistics are often cited by organizations like the Harvard Business Review and RAND Corporation in their reports on workplace wellness programs.

Harvard Business Review: Reference: Berry, L. L., Mirabito, A. M., & Baun, W. B. (2010). What's the Hard Return on Employee Wellness Programs? Harvard Business Review. Link

RAND Corporation: Reference: Mattke, S., Liu, H., Caloyeras, J. P., Huang, C. Y., Van Busum, K. R., Khodyakov, D., & Shier, V. (2013). Workplace Wellness Programs Study. RAND Corporation. Link

2. Employee Engagement and Going the Extra Mile:

The statistic that employees who feel supported in their well-being are 38% more engaged and 18% more likely to go the extra mile is based on research from Gallup and PwC.

Gallup: Reference: Harter, J. K., Schmidt, F. L., & Keyes, C. L. M. (2002). Well-Being in the Workplace and its Relationship to Business Outcomes: A Review of the Gallup Studies. Gallup. Link

PwC: Reference: PwC. (2018). PwC Employee Well-being Research. PwC Global. Link