Wellbeing is an umbrella term encompassing emotional and physical health, connections between individuals, and communities, as well as financial security. Many factors impact wellbeing such as balanced nutrition, exercise, sleep patterns, work environments that foster this form of well-being as well as financial security.
Colleges can facilitate wellbeing programs and resources on campus through pre-orientation materials and events aimed at students.
Employee engagement
Employee engagement refers to an individual’s sense of attachment with his/her work and company. Engaged employees are deeply immersed in their roles, motivated to go above and beyond expectations, and possess positive attitudes; those who lack engagement may lack any emotional attachment with their jobs and often act in ways which negatively affect both culture and productivity within an organization.
Employees who are engaged are more likely to show up, perform their best and care for customers, seek new challenges and opportunities for professional growth, and volunteer their services when needed. It’s essential that employers encourage employee engagement by offering access to various well-being tools and initiatives – such as volunteering opportunities, fitness subsidies or mental health days. In addition, employers should hold employee feedback sessions regularly allowing anonymous channels for employees to express any grievances that may arise; creating safe spaces where employees can express themselves helps maintain engagement and increase workplace productivity.
Financial wellbeing
Financial wellness and building healthy money habits are fundamental components of social wellbeing. Achieve this balance requires understanding your short and long-term goals as well as knowing who to turn to when help is required.
Financial wellbeing refers to an individual’s overall sense of security and confidence about their future financial well-being, including spending habits, savings plans and retirement options. Financial wellbeing should be prioritized because it affects quality of life and can cause stress.
Employees place high expectations on their employers when it comes to helping them build financial resilience. A comprehensive program should make employees feel supported and valued – leading to greater engagement and productivity at work. According to research conducted by Mercer, companies offering such programs typically see their FW Index ratings improve by as much as 30%.
Work relationships
Positive workplace relationships enhance job satisfaction, performance and well-being. Studies show that having friends at work can lower stress levels, promote healthy sleeping patterns and bring down blood pressure levels.
Recent exploratory qualitative case research discovered that participants’ perceptions of work interactions as either beneficial or detrimental were strongly determined by certain characteristics – trusting, collaborative, openness positive sociality etc – present or absent in each interaction. Interactions that did not possess these features were perceived more negatively by participants and negatively impacted well-being practices, health behaviors personal relations professional identities.
Participants shared their experiences of interactions that enhanced and diminished through interviews and journals, then coded using community of practice (CoP) methodology for analysis of influencing factors. For instance, one participant mentioned how an initial misunderstanding with her manager turned into an unprofessional exchange that negatively impacted her sleeping and eating patterns as well as emotional wellbeing.
Mental health
Mental wellness is a vital aspect of overall wellbeing that needs special consideration and support. While everyone may experience negative thoughts or feelings from time to time, if these disrupt daily functioning it may be time to seek professional assistance.
Ability to take action and engage in meaningful roles within families, work environments and communities are integral parts of maintaining good mental health. Individuals can take charge of their mental wellbeing by taking self-help steps or seeking professional help such as primary care clinicians, psychiatrists or psychologists.
There are also numerous groups, community organizations and specialized mental health clinics offering help and services, so asking your primary doctor for referral is often the most efficient way to find one. Early treatment may involve psychotherapy (talk therapy) and/or medication; often combining therapies and medications provides optimal results; additionally complementary and alternative treatments may help enhance mental wellbeing as well.
