What is Employee Wellbeing?

Wellbeing can be defined as being happy, comfortable, healthy, safe and secure. Its definition suggests a positivity of physical and mental health, mood and emotion. It encompasses a wide range of factors that are impacted by an individual’s health, lifestyle, responsibilities and preferences. While some of these factors are in the individual’s control others are less preventable or manageable.

The workplace can have a significant effect on wellbeing. It can be the main cause in changes to an employee’s wellbeing, or it can be the environment in which the consequences of negative wellbeing occur. Organizations can certainly be proactive in their approach to wellbeing, providing health promotion information, choices that can meet their employees’ physical, mental or lifestyle needs. Employers can also provide an environment that responds in a supportive and responsible way when wellbeing is deteriorating.