Workplace Culture, Wellbeing and ShfWIT

Last week I had the privilege of being involved in Sheffield Women in Tech’s (ShfWIT) latest event on the theme of wellbeing in the tech industry. 

It was an inspiring evening and one I was grateful to be a part of because I have a lot to thank the tech industry for. Initiatives like Creative Mornings, research like Google’s Project Aristotle and brilliant apps like Calm or Headspace have taught me loads about wellbeing, the workplace and how creativity can help unlock ways to feeling better and thriving. I love the way the tech industry seeks to problem solve in imaginative ways and push boundaries. They inspire me.

At the turn of the millennium people like Rafael Calvo began talking of “positive computing.”  This concept was simple – that as we grow in our technological capabilities we have a duty to create things that help people and make life better. It’s not all about the buck but instead technology has the opportunity to help life genuinely flourish. How are we doing on that?

A WHO study found that of all health-related apps created, 29% were focused on mental health diagnosis, self-care and support. This is important as reports suggest young people and young adults often turn first to apps for mental health support. This is something to be grateful for.

But at the ShfWIT event, two areas of help and support came to the fore. 

Firstly, many wanted to have practical advice about how to reduce stress and to switch off in the tech world.  It’s common at interview for example to be asked about hobbies and if they’re not tech related people can worry this will count against them.  How can you have a life outside tech?

As we chatted, I wanted to ask the question “what makes you thrive?” Some of what we discuss around wellbeing is preventative and that’s important, but the wider question is what makes you thrive? What makes up you and how do you live in that more each day?  

For some this will involve having conscious time off from tech – leaving the phone at home whilst you walk, or exercise or create or play. Make time for this.  

For others there will be simple resources and ideas which help you get off the treadmill and reconnect with yourself – you could check out meditations for example as a way of finding five minutes for yourself to ease stress and enable you to breathe and grow again.

But for others, tech is a passion as well as job. Instructing people to switch off the thing they love may not be the best, either for their stress or for their flourishing. In these circumstances giving space for creativity may well be the answer. I love how companies like Google and others began by encouraging side-projects from employees – time to try things that are wacky, different or creative but that might become something tangible and useful. Creativity is a language that we can use to share who we are and to help us grow. Give space to it if you can.

Secondly there’s the cultural elements of working in the tech industry. Implicit male-bias at times, struggle to balance life and work, how to ask for flexible working?

Culture is crucial in the workplace and we’ve discussed this often on this website. But here I was amazed and inspired by the stories of women who’ve asked difficult questions, pushed boundaries and changed working culture by showing courage and speaking up. Many of us have better working lives because they’ve done this.  

Sadly, this is often the way for women in any industry. It seems we rely on their courage to break glass ceilings and to bring change. This must be tiring and tough. But this bravery makes working lives better and for that again, I find myself grateful.

My hope would echo the words of Marin Alsop, the first female conductor of the Last Night of the Proms in its 118-year history.  When asked about the achievement, she simply replied that she longed for the day when the talk of female firsts was irrelevant because we genuinely lived in a culture of equality.   

I hope the same for all those women currently speaking up for others in the workplace. Thanks for inspiring me.