Well-being support has become an increasing focus for workplaces. It increases productivity, reduces employee turnover, sparks innovation and customer retention and can keep employees healthy and motivated.
Emotional wellbeing involves understanding your emotions and knowing how to regulate them, while having access to supportive networks which can assist with overcoming difficult situations and maintaining mental wellness.
Employee engagement
Employee engagement extends far beyond company game rooms, free massages and Friday keg parties; rather it means developing deeper and more personal connections between employees and their work. Engaged employees take pride in what they do for colleagues and customers – often going the extra mile themselves and even working longer hours or weekends to complete projects successfully.
Wellbeing refers to an employee’s physical, emotional and social wellbeing in its entirety – unlike wellness which typically only addresses physical wellbeing. Wellbeing encompasses stress management techniques as well as family financial security measures and fostering a sense of community engagement.
Employees who are engaged and experiencing high levels of wellbeing tend to be more productive, less stressed, have fewer sick days and medical costs, and take fewer sick leave/medical costs days than their counterparts who don’t. Employers can support this goal by using strategies integrating engagement and well-being strategies together and emphasizing all five elements of wellbeing as an approach that cares for employees’ holistic wellbeing while still making sure their employees feel cared for by managers.
Workplace culture
Companies with a well-being culture encourage employees to prioritize both physical and mental wellness, creating a better work-life balance for themselves and the organization as a whole. Such companies typically offer flexible employment agreements as well as wellness programs like fitness classes and nutritional guidance to employees as part of an employee benefits package. They may also help employees address workplace-related stress or depression which costs organizations billions annually in lost productivity.
Leadership must set an example to promote a well-being culture. Managers should participate in wellness activities with their teams and publicize them on the intranet, while at the same time honoring individuals who choose healthier lifestyle options with personalized email blasts or non-monetary incentives.
Employees need to feel safe discussing personal matters with their managers, and training can assist in this regard. A carefully tailored training path featuring modules on empathy and vulnerability can increase psychological safety while building trust between team members – which in turn, boost team performance and retention rates.
Mental health
Mental health refers to an individual’s emotional wellbeing, which can be enhanced through activities such as exercise, sleep, nutrition and meaningful work or volunteering. Healthy relationships and having a sense of purpose in life also play a part in improving an individual’s mental wellbeing.
People may have medical conditions that affect their mental health, such as depression or anxiety. These disorders can have serious repercussions and impair a person’s ability to work and socialize effectively.
Mental illnesses can often be managed successfully when seeking assistance early, following their treatment plan and taking medication as directed. Lifestyle practices, psychotherapy (talk therapy) and support groups may also help. A combination of interventions may be required for successful mental health treatment; if one of your loved ones is struggling with their mental health it is important that you talk openly and be supportive; encourage them to seek professional help by making an appointment with a counselor or psychiatrist.
Physical health
Physical wellbeing is a central pillar of overall wellbeing that impacts on your ability to engage in daily activities and maintain long-term wellbeing. This encompasses how you move your body, what nutrition you consume and the decisions made regarding alcohol, nicotine or other drugs.
Life’s challenges require rest, nutrition and activity; physical wellbeing includes getting enough restful sleep each night, eating healthfully and attending preventative healthcare appointments regularly.
Healthy bodies provide many advantages that can help you excel at school and beyond. If you’re interested in physical education and wellbeing as a potential career, look no further than University of the Cumberlands’ Bachelor’s degree program in Physical Education and Wellbeing; request more information today, or apply now.
