Swiss National introduces simplified concept to corporate well-being

Medium, HR Blog & Resources, Kristina Martic (March 28, 2019) – The Science of Health Promotion recorded that the average return on investment of workplace wellness programs is 3.27. This means that for every dollar that was spent on the program the company saved $3.27 because of reduced healthcare costs. In addition, the Indiana State Department of Health suggests that employers save on average $5.82 in lower absenteeism costs for every dollar spent on employee wellness programs. Combine that with a recent survey by Virgin HealthMiles/Workforce that found 87% of employees said they consider health and wellness offerings when choosing an employer.   

Engineer and Health professional, Claudia Blumer launches a new book that introduces a five-finger approach to well-being titled Break Through with Well-Being in an attempt to simplify the methodology in a corporate and organizational environment to ensure a more pragmatic, structured and holistic approach to well-being is adopted.

Blumer recalls a story about a women and her child diagnosed with autism and intellectual disability. This woman was determined to do all to help her child learn to read and write, which were gains that specialists had thought unlikely; these goals were realised, and improved the quality of life for both and built up resilience through daily challenges.

That inspired Blumer to do a project in 2014 of running the Bibbulmun Track, a 1,001-kilometre walking track in Western Australia. The purpose was to raise funds for Sailability Port Stephens, Australia - a charity organisation that helps out children in need. She completed it within nineteen days, and it was shown to be an excellent learning experience for the mind, body, and soul. Furthermore, a recovery vessel was purchased with the funds raised, which they named the ‘Claudia B’.

Blumer discovered there were five key issues that were critical in the preparation for the journey: breathing well, appropriate hydration, healthy nutrition, physical fitness, and good planning during the entire project. She comments; ‘The challenge with today's lifestyles is that disruptions threaten our natural biological rhythms, our balance, and jeopardise our well-being in everyday life. This can result in an increased strain on our bodies, risk of disease, and threats to our health.’

This awareness evolved into the simpler and more integrated five-finger approach to well-being that features in her debut book. Break Through with Well-Being has a strong emphasis on the BEING, representing five themes and chapters within the book;

·         Breathe and Sleep

·         Encourage and Engage

·         Inquire and Inspire

·         Nourish and Flourish

·         Grow and Flow

With five focuses of Attention, Balance, Connectivity, Direction and Efficiency (ABCDE), this publication allows the reader to navigate easily through the different themes and find information quickly to keep their BEING in balance and shape.

​About Claudia Blumer

Claudia was born in and had grown up in Switzerland. She has spent a large part of her life in Australia. She has a background as an architectural draughts-person and studied engineering. She did further studies in psychology, health, and nutrition. In early 2018, she returned to Europe and lives in Norway with the aim to be closer to her parents in their retirement. She is now working in the healthcare industry.

blumer.claudia@gmail.com

https://www.fivefingerwellbeing.com/

https://www.facebook.com/FivefingerWellbeing/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/fivefingerwellbeing/about/

Reviews

Annette Messenger

B.Behavioural Studies (Psych), Grad Cert Human Nutrition, M. Education and Professional Studies (autism research)

Break Through with Well-BEING is written for everyone. I love the original approach of this book through reference to the "hand" and it's digits; something so symbolic in so many ways, as explained at the start of each chapter.  This book shows us that improved wellbeing is always at hand.  It is written and explained in plain language, with a simple and practical approach to supporting and enhancing wellbeing, and puts the responsibility to act in the hands of the reader.  

Gary Bosdyk 

Carpet Layer

A very, very thought out book. Very informative, helpful and amazing wording. It was a privilege to read it!

Leanne Cooper

Cadence College Director

Break Through With Well-Being: a five-finger approach to wellbeing offers a practical and relatable approach to find or regain balance in your life. I love the core of the principles, BEING, that we must not only take care of our ‘being’ but we too must be responsible for it, and that BEING itself is an acronym that outlines the theme throughout the book. The book works through each of the pillars of wellbeing, highlighting significant works and research that has changed the way we view life as well as providing an evidence-based exploration. The tools and strategies provided are varied to suit your individual need and preference, there is something for all walks of life, and they are engaging, easy to carry out and can provide profound outcomes.