What on Earth does SELF-CARE mean?

As an independent contractor, I often find myself straddling worlds... for-profit, non-profit, corporate, human services, manufacturing, criminal justice, behavioral health and more – basically, wherever people gather to do work with and for other people. While there are broad similarities in language and performance expectations, some concepts just don’t translate exactly across environments.
 
Take Self-Care. Among human services and healthcare providers with high rates of mission-driven stress, secondary trauma and burn-out, it’s a pretty well-known concept. There are professional opportunities to learn what it is and how to implement it organizationally, as well as dedicated, paid time to practice self-care for individuals and mixed work groups. In fact, Meaningful Trainings has written and delivered more than a few customized self-care workshops for employers and employees alike.
 
It makes great sense; in professions where one is asked to help another individual (or community!) achieve wellness, it would stand to reason that the professional providing the service maintain a pretty good level of wellness themselves. And, there’s some pretty reliable research that suggests investing in self-care can save employers a lot of money. Think lost productivity, acute or chronic injury, stress-related disorders, personal and/or medical leave, not to mention the enormous cost of employee turnover.
 
So, I’m wondering why we get such quizzical looks and so many questions in manufacturing and “high stakes” corporate environments where long hours, physical and mental stress are often considered acceptable (desirable?) parts of the company culture. If all companies survive on the strength of their people, it seems reasonable to suggest that employee retention might better be served by a broader cultural definition… one that includes leadership driven and supported opportunities for on-site self-care – not just at the bar for Friday night happy hour or a weekend jaunt on the boss’ boat.
 
I know, I hear you… lots of companies have on-site fitness rooms, child care facilities, juice bars, conversation pits and game tables, too… but, sadly, lots more companies do not. So, for them, incorporating a little intentional “self-care” for their very valuable human resources might be a smart business decision.