Wellbeing: How to help your team attain it — and maintain it

Trends in wellbeing always evolve as society's needs shift. As new research emerges and individual priorities change, so too do the latest preoccupations. 

Wellbeing as a whole has become an prominent concern in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic –  with people around the world expressing the need for positive working environments. 

• Flexible working and the Future of Work: managing employees since Covid-19
• Hybrid working: Culture and wellbeing in the “new normal”

In a CMI poll of managers and employees during the pandemic, 72% of respondents identified that wellbeing was a manager’s key responsibility. Furthermore, much of workplace wellbeing was attributed to the formation of high levels of trust between supervisors and their subordinates. 

Wellbeing at work revolves around positive emotions, genuine engagement, deep relationships and finding shared meaning in accomplishments. 

As workplaces are transforming and prioritising their wellbeing provision, it becomes important for individuals to understand what we mean by the term – and what they may be able to gain by investing in it. 

What exactly is ‘personal wellbeing’?

Personal wellbeing is the overall health and contentment experienced by an individual in various aspects of their life. It’s a complex psychological picture, hinging on factors such as their personal experiences, satisfaction, growth, success, self-acceptance, autonomy and self-determination. 

But looking after the physical aspects of wellbeing is important too. This reduces the risk of chronic diseases, contributing to an individual's overall sense of wellness and vitality and enhancing their overall quality of life. 

In light of all of this, managers need to stress to their employees the importance of reflecting on their thoughts, feelings, emotions and functioning in their daily life. Integrating these practices into everyday routines is key to achieving and sustaining physical and psychological wellbeing, and helping individuals to reduce the impact of stress. Establishing relationships with others and making healthy lifestyle choices are also key.

Here are seven ‘ tips for personal wellbeing that will help you feel more confident  in moving through your working life with purpose.