The well-being definition…
Well-being is defined as the state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy. This is straightforward enough. It’s also usually easy enough to know when we are in this state – and especially when we are not.
However, the more subtle elements of mental wellbeing – aspects of being oneself, being engaged with other people and the world around us, self-confidence and self-esteem – can be trickier to pin down. Certainly, it can be more difficult to work out how to increase these feelings when we are in the middle of a negative situation.
In the workplace it can be very hard to work out what is at the bottom of stress, lack of confidence, lack of engagement and unhappiness – the signifiers of a lack of wellbeing, both individual and organisational.
It can be easier to shift to a task focus rather than a people focus, cross your fingers and hope that everything will work itself out in the end.
The New Economics Foundation developed five simple strategies to increase well-being in life and at work.
They are:
- Connect – talk and listen, be there, feel connected
- Give – your time, your words, your presence
- Take notice – remember the simple things that give you joy
- Keep learning – embrace new experiences, see opportunities, surprise yourself
- Be active – do what you can, enjoy what you do, move your mood.
NEF’s research suggests that these five tangible actions can boost your mood and your wellbeing at work and beyond work.
Developing an organisational culture that encourages wellbeing and resilience in employees isn’t always easy. The working environment can support people to take these five steps, or it can hinder them.
Talking to others, sharing ideas, developing skills and putting in place the opportunities for significant, steady and sustained improvements in resilience and wellbeing can all help.
Over the next few weeks, we will be posting a series of blogs on wellbeing and resilience.
How Oasis can help with improving well-being
To talk to us about developing a culture of wellbeing and resilience in your workplace contact Lise Ribeiro on 01937 541700 or use the contact form.