Workplace well-being arises in respectful, safe and comfortable work environments in which workers enjoy good employment conditions and there is open and fluid communication between personnel of diverse hierarchy.
Occupational well-being is a state or reality that every person should achieve throughout their years of work. It is achieved through the fulfillment of multiple issues that cause general satisfaction reflected in emotions, sensations, behaviors and favorable evaluations.
For workplace well-being to be possible, each employee must be guaranteed job security, financial stability and a positive work environment, as well as recognition and opportunities that stimulate and promote professional development .
Ideally, the staff of any organization or company would have to have healthy work spaces , psychological security and appropriate conditions to achieve a good work-life balance .
Importance of workplace well-being
Workplace well-being is of utmost importance in all areas since it enhances productivity and stimulates organizational commitment, beyond having a positive impact on the health and mood of employees .
It should be noted that job satisfaction leads workers to experience a fulfillment that is reflected in the body and in the attitudes of employees. When the employee experience is optimal thanks to the implementation of breaks and active breaks , a flexible working day , inspiring work dynamics , non-monetary incentives or benefits and a pleasant climate in the professional environment, to list a few possibilities, absenteeism is usually reduced. , staff turnover and work stress , for example. Meanwhile, the motivation and emotional well-being of the team increase, since the members feel that they are not only a human resource but that they are seen and valued as individuals with needs and rights.
Companies benefit when, driven by workplace well-being , employee participation grows in meetings that are enriched by the sharing of innovative ideas, there is team cohesion and a lot of individual dedication in pursuit of meeting objectives at the group level.
Characteristics
Workplace well-being basically focuses on generating special conditions so that each member of an organization or company feels good, whether the format is in-person or remote work .
The well-being of employees is not exclusive to the in-person format: those who telework also deserve decent conditions, security, rewards and other work support to feel motivated and satisfied with the job.
The physical and mental plenitude of the staff bears good results: people are not only more cheerful, satisfied, healthy and full of energy, but they also perform at their best at work, letting all their knowledge and abilities emerge. Spaces are also opening up to want to train continuously.
More productivity , desire for self-improvement and professional growth , both individual and group motivation and respectful interpersonal relationships are expected consequences when reaching a state of well-being at work .
It is important not to overlook that a good work environment requires the constant exercise of tolerance , respect , active listening , communication and empathy . Equality, diversity and inclusion policies and workplace harassment prevention programs are essential to demonstrate responsibility at the institutional level.
Types of work well-being
According to the theory, it is possible to distinguish several types of work well-being .
One of them is physical well-being approached from a work performance perspective. In this sense, the good state of each employee's body is valued, that is, whether they can exploit their full potential in their position or function without any physical inconvenience. Respecting the daily hours of rest, knowing how to organize oneself to be able to face daily obligations without giving up moments of leisure or time dedicated exclusively to exercise and physical activity , not downplaying self-care and not neglecting nutrition at work help to feel good. minimizing the chances of getting sick. Undergoing regular health evaluations , adopting healthy habits and applying stress prevention strategies are constructive actions to enjoy the benefits of feeling physically well.
Emotional well-being , meanwhile, is essential to recognize and master one's own emotions and manage reactions in order to act appropriately in each circumstance. Ergonomics in the work environment and appropriate lighting of the environments are factors that generate comfort, good spirits, security, confidence and fulfillment when carrying out different tasks. We must not lose sight of the fact that the excess of activities or professional commitments undertaken is bad: that is why it is advisable to take care of the prevention of burnout so as not to reach the instance of exhaustion or psycho-emotional saturation that is accompanied by a chronic picture of stress , loss significant occupational performance , etc.
Workers have the right to perform tasks in safe environments and have the guarantees, policies and tools necessary to minimize or prevent work accidents and/or occupational diseases.
We must also take care of the economic/financial well-being of the staff because uncertainty and insecurity in this aspect translates into problems and concerns that negatively affect the mental and physical health of the population.
It must even be met to provide environmental well-being at the site where work tasks are carried out. To do this, it is necessary to implement protective measures and comply with safety regulations with the aim of minimizing the possibility of suffering workplace accidents, for example.