It has taken more than forty years for the field of Wellness to expand its focus beyond its 1979 definitions of physical wellness to acknowledge the intricacy of human well-being. Physical wellness is certainly an integral component of well-being; however, it represents only a fraction of the full scope of well-being.
According to Thomas Scanlon, well-being is not a separate good that is promoted by the things that contribute to it. Instead, it is what is termed an inclusive good, one that is made up of other things that are good.
Through its global research, Gallup has identified five elements of well-being that allow us to thrive:
- Career Well-being: How you occupy your time, or simply liking what you do every day
- Social Well-being: Having strong relationships and love in your life
- Financial Well-being: Effectively managing your economic life
- Physical Well-being: Possessing good health and enough energy to complete daily activities
- Community Well-being: Retaining a sense of engagement with the area in which you live
These factors are deeply interrelated. For example, an individual’s financial well-being may be linked to their career well-being and whether their employer practices pay equity. The layout and features of one’s community, such as an abundance or lack of sidewalks or green space, may enhance or detract from their physical well-being. Or perhaps even a satisfying career may require a person to work an exorbitant number of hours, thus limiting a sense of social well-being and connection with family and friends.
Although well-being is variable and subjective and therefore difficult to quantify, we instinctively know when we are well and when we are not. When we identify which of the five elements needs a little TLC, we can seek out interventions that will amplify our experience in that arena. There are a multitude of ways we can infuse practices into various areas of our lives. Moreover, desired outcomes, although important motivators, are not what drives a sense of well-being. Rather, satisfaction is propelled by how the individual ascribe value to the well-being initiative. Is it worthwhile doing?
Well-being is also fundamental to our overall human performance across the dimensions of our cultural identities. For some it is a form of resistance. For others, it is a systems approach that supports all. And for each of us, it is a lifelong journey. We feed our well-being by connecting with colleagues and our circle of influence, being aware and savoring the moment, challenging ourselves to continuously learn to remain curious, staying active, and appreciating the interconnectedness of all things.
It is said that well-being is a kind of value, that it is good for individuals. And what is good for individuals will be good for an organization. And is good for a society. At the individual or the organizational level, what do you envision as your well-being aim and what are you curious to adopt?