Wellbeing: more than wellness
Wellbeing also includes mental health and the broader concept of a well-lived life. There are various aspects that can be looked at.
“It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.” – Mahatma Gandhi
Wellness is an important part of everyday living and concerns your physical health. Most of us are familiar with wellness and some companies look after their employees’ wellness with programmes and wellness days that are in place to monitor the basics like blood pressure, blood/glucose levels, etc. Wellness differs in the different stages of ageing and is supported by eating habits, physical activity and quality of sleep. Wellbeing however is a different concept altogether.
Wellbeing also includes mental health and the broader concept of a well-lived life. There are various aspects that can be looked at. Here are a few to consider according to Gallup’s global research (www.gallup.com )
Career wellbeing
When you are happy to do the job you do and therefore like going to work every day.
Social wellbeing
When you have good relationships and friendships that mean a lot to you.
Financial wellbeing
When you get by with the money you earn, and you are capable of managing your money.
Physical wellbeing
When you are physically well and have the energy required to do things you have to get done, and things you like to get done.
Community wellbeing
When you like the area you live in and if you could choose, would choose it again. Knowing your neighbours and local shops can contribute to a feeling of community wellbeing
Wellness plays a big role in overall wellbeing, although many more factors must be kept in mind when referring to overall wellbeing. Wellbeing concerns our emotional, cognitive, and physical state as well, and a feeling of discontent on a mental level will inevitably spill over our physical wellness.
Mental health is one of the main causes of absenteeism due to illness at work. Part of the problem is the stigma that still clings to mental health and therefore people just don’t talk about it. Very few workplaces have mental health support structures in place for employees, which results in the employees not dealing with mental health issues unless they receive help or therapy outside of the workplace. Having a safe place to discuss mental health is crucial.
Apart from employee absenteeism due to mental health issues, there is a huge impact on an employee’s overall productivity and linked to that the performance of the employee. Since bonuses are being linked to performance, employees feel even more demotivated if they don’t receive the financial boost of a bonus, and this results in a vicious circle that can cause said employees to spiral down even further.
Mental health is an issue that requires serious attention, more so in these trying times of a pandemic and insecurity caused by it. It is time to break down the stigma around mental health and get people talking about it. If people start talking about it, we have a very good chance of helping those that need it most.
Medwell SA specialises in providing managed home health care as an alternative to long-term hospitalisation and care in specialised facilities. Medwell SA’s service offering includes managed care at home, post-hospitalisation and discharge from rehabilitation facilities as well as the supply of all needed medical equipment through our incorporated partner: EDNA Medical Distributors. Medwell SA’s services are offered to all age groups including the elderly that have become frail. Medwell SA also offers Occupational Health & Wellbeing packages for companies, for more information visit www.medwell.co.za or send an e-mail to info@medwell.co.za
