From on-site gyms to mindfulness training, wellness at work is a hot topic as young people increasingly prioritize mental health and well-being. We spoke to Florine Eikenaar, the Network Manager for the AGS Caribbean Network, about her own wellness journey and how well-being can be achieved in the international moving industry using a people-centric approach.

The challenges of working in the international moving industry

 

Eikenaar is originally from the Netherlands but relocated to Curaçao for the Caribbean Network Manager role. While this has been an excellent opportunity for her to experience another part of the globe and cultivate her independence, it has not been without challenges:

“Moving to a place where the culture and society are different can be difficult. I moved here alone, leaving my family, friends, and support network behind. This can be especially challenging in such a demanding industry. You have to work, but you also need to take care of yourself.”

It is not just distance that is the challenge. One of the reasons why mental health and work-life balance have become such prevalent topics in the modern world is because of what Eikenaar calls the ‘24-hour economy.’

With technological changes, the world has increasingly moved online, as has work—and this online world does not sleep, especially in an industry that operates across different time zones by design.

“One of the biggest struggles is that everyone has everything available all the time—they work on their laptops, e-mail on their phones, connect with colleagues on WhatsApp—and it can make you feel like you must always be available for everyone. There’s no escape.”

Making space for her personal life has been essential in maintaining her well-being. “It’s important to disconnect now and then and enjoy things outside of work,” explained Eikenaar. But it’s also how you spend your time away from work that makes a difference: “It’s important to explore what gives you energy, because fulfilling those needs will help you find a way to recharge.”

Creating a supportive environment for employees

Eikenaar tries to promote this work-life balance with her employees to reduce stress and improve focus in the workplace. “Especially during peak seasons, I always tell my teams it’s okay for them to put in extra hours, but I would prefer them to come in an hour earlier or go home later rather than take their laptops home,” she explained. “If they take their laptops home, then they’ll likely end up working extended hours because they can. And I think that’s unhealthy. It’s better to rest and come in fresh the next morning.”

Supporting employees in areas where they may be struggling can also be an essential way of promoting well-being. Eikenaar says that if someone is often working late, it could indicate they have trouble organizing their tasks or are working inefficiently. “There might be a particular aspect of work that someone battles with, and it’s your responsibility as a manager to support them where they need assistance.”

But equally important is recognizing people’s talents and making them feel valued. “It’s important to put people in places where they can thrive and feel they are making a difference,” said Eikenaar.

Embracing diversity in wellness and encouraging employees proactivity

Like many moving companies, AGS is multinational, with over 140 locations around the world. It is important to keep in mind that employees from different cultural contexts view topics like mental health and well-being differently. “Well-being support must be rooted in a local perspective. As a global group, we can’t decide what works for everybody,” said Eikenaar, who thinks there should be tailored support at the local branch level.

Paying attention to employees and engaging with them as individuals can create space for different needs. While people may not be comfortable with topics like mental health, you can often observe when employees are not doing well. “It’s important to be available and able to listen, all the while making sure that the job still gets done.”

Supporting employee mental health requires balance. While employers play a significant role in creating a conducive atmosphere for wellness, employees also need to take proactive steps to safeguard their mental health. Workplaces can be facilitators of well-being, but they cannot take on all the responsibility.

“It’s important, especially as a manager, to have boundaries. There are certain problems we cannot fix as an employer,” said Eikenaar, “At the end of the day, wellness is a shared responsibility, and workers need to come on board. But if we see someone struggling, we can give them tools and be open to discussing solutions. It’s about giving attention to your team, and that doesn’t cost anything.”