We all experience stress at work and in our lives. And rising stress levels have brought a greater appreciation for the importance of well-being. Now, employers are increasing investments in programs and strategies to enhance the well-being of employees.
But what if your company’s efforts aren’t moving the needle for you? Each person’s needs for well-being are unique, so even with your organization’s investments, you may not be feeling the positive effects they intend.
Taking action to impact your own well-being can be especially powerful—not just because of the outcomes you can drive for yourself, but because of the very nature of being proactive and its effects on your energy, your career, and your future.
Here’s why corporate well-being initiatives often don’t work—and what workers can do themselves to improve their own well-being.
Many organizations are trying to make a difference with well-being efforts. This is likely because they know how important well-being is to employees. In fact in the hiring process, 96% of candidates will only consider companies that place a clear emphasis on employee well-being, and 93% believe well-being to be as important as their salary, according to a poll by Gympass. In addition, 87% of workers said they would consider leaving a company not focusing on well-being.
But while the increased focus on well-being is significant, there is room for improvement. In fact, 55% of workers say their employer believes their workplace environment is better for well-being than it is, and 43% don’t feel comfortable seeking well-being support for fear of negative career implications, based on a study by the American Psychological Association (APA).
A whopping 95% of employees in the Gympass poll said they experience stress during the workday, and 30% reported that their stress was extreme or very high. And the APA study also found people struggle with emotional exhaustion (31% of people), lack of motivation (26%), or irritability toward coworkers or customers (25%)—all associated with their stress.
This stress has a critical impact on workers. In the APA study, 23% of people reported they have a desire to quit, and 20% said their productivity is reduced. Plus, 18% said they feel ineffective at their jobs.
Well-being is a two-way street. Your employer has a responsibility to create the best working conditions they can—and they benefit when they do. But you have the ultimate responsibility for your own well-being—and you can take steps which make a difference in your happiness and health. Here are a few.
When you’re considering your well-being, one of the first steps is to think broadly. Well-being is emotional, cognitive, and physical, and it encompasses all elements of your personal life as well as your work. In fact, when you’re happy within your work, it tends to have a positive spillover to your personal life. But the opposite is also true: When you’re happier outside of work, you’ll perceive greater happiness within your work experience.
Also consider additional factors affecting your well-being, such as your financial and social well-being. In the Gympass study, 33% of people considered their emotional well-being to be most important, followed by 23% who thought their financial well-being was primary and 13% who most highly prioritized their physical well-being.
All of the elements of your well-being affect each other. When you’re stronger emotionally, you can think more clearly and make better decisions about your finances. And when you feel a high level of social well-being, your physical well-being may benefit because you can exercise with your friends.
Whichever kind of well-being you choose to improve first will positively affect the others. Take a financial planning class, attend your yoga session regularly, or make a point to get together with a friend for coffee. Activities that are good for you in one area will have broad positive impacts.
In addition to thinking holistically about your well-being, you can also make a significant difference in your well-being by taking action. Even just making a plan and executing on it has positive outcomes.
Being proactive means you explore new solutions, seek feedback, create strong social networks, and take steps forward. All this results in better well-being because you’re empowering yourself, executing on wellness activities, and connecting with others.
And being proactive also has strong implications for your career as well. Being proactive helps workers thrive and grow in their careers, according to research published in the Journal of Vocational Behavior. And being proactive also makes you more likely to be promoted to leadership roles and earn a higher salary, according to research in the Journal of Applied Psychology.
Take ownership for your well-being and be proactive about what’s most important to you. Assess where you can improve—from your physical health habits to the quality of your connections with others—and then take charge of the steps which will be most important to improving your health.
Don’t wait for your employer to set up the program you need—find it or create it yourself. Show up for open swimming times at your local Y to build your physical health or start a reading club with colleagues to build your intellectual well-being. Join a community gardening effort to build connections and foster your social well-being. Empowering yourself to make things happen.
In addition to owning your well-being, it is also wise to design your workday for maximum well-being.
First, be sure you take breaks. Sometimes, people avoid getting away during the workday, because they want to power through and get things done. But a study in the Scandinavian Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology has found that breaks are critical for brain health and to help the mind recharge. Instead of working through lunch, get away from your desk, and between meetings take the longer route between conference rooms so you can have a few minutes to yourself.
You can also find ways to move more. Even short bursts of exercise can enhance your well-being, memory, and learning, according to research by Oregon Health and Science University. Make a point of getting up from your desk, walking around your office, or choosing the water filling station which is farther from your desk.
And be sure to connect with colleagues. When you feel seen by others and connected with colleagues, you tend to have better mental health as well. And this is true for both introverts and extroverts. Everyone needs at least some connection with others. But data shows that our workplace relationships have room for improvement.
In the Gympass poll, 47% of people said their relationships with colleagues weren’t as healthy as they wanted. In addition, a study by BetterUp, found that only 31% of people are happy with the amount of social connections they have at work, and 43% lack a feeling of connection with their colleagues.
You can enhance your well-being by socializing more. An academic study in the International Journal of Nursing Studies proves the point: When people in the study took time to socialize with coworkers, they were less likely to feel stressed and less likely to want to leave their jobs. Another study in the Journal of Organizational Research found even very short moments to socialize during the workday were effective in reducing negative emotions.
Of course, in addition to creating your own path to well-being, you can also ensure you’re taking advantage of your employer’s well-being benefits. Use your time off, engage the Employee Assistant Program when you need it, or join an affinity group. In addition, give your employer feedback about what you need and how you can be your most healthy self.
Your employer has a responsibility to create the best working conditions for you, but you have the ultimate responsibility for your well-being. So, empower yourself and make choices which will be best for you today, and in the future.
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