Peggy Swarbrick, a researcher at Rutgers University, devised the wellness model with eight dimensions, each addressing various aspects of our lives. These dimensions include physical, emotional, social, intellectual, spiritual, environmental, occupational, and financial wellness. All of these dimensions contribute to our overall well-being.
Occupational wellness is a crucial aspect of a person’s overall well-being and is often considered one of the key dimensions in the wellness model. This dimension focuses on finding satisfaction and fulfilment in one’s work and career, contributing to a sense of purpose and balance in life.
Understanding Occupational Wellness
Occupational wellness goes beyond just having a job, rather, it is the ability to maintain a balance between work and leisure to create a healthy lifestyle and a sense of personal satisfaction in your work. It also involves finding meaning and joy in the work you do and aligning your career with your values. In a sense, the occupational dimension of wellness is about maintaining a healthy work-life balance, while also finding a sense of purpose in your job and career
Developing occupational wellness is important as it allows you to find a job and career that fits within your values. Finding a sense of purpose in our job and career can also contribute to a deep level of satisfaction and meaning in other areas of life as well. Occupational wellness also allows us to have deep, fulfilling and positive relationships with our colleagues. It encourages us to find an overall sense of balance so that we can enjoy our lives during work and outside of work as well.
When people have a strong sense of occupational wellness, they are likely to experience:
- A sense of purpose in their career and work
- A positive relationship with their colleagues and team leaders
- Consistent motivation and drive to work towards skill development
- A work environment where they feel safe to express their opinions
- A feeling of satisfaction about the compensation that they receive for their work
- A sense of shared values within their organization
Whereas people who have a poor sense of occupational wellness are likely to experience:
- A sense of disconnection or dissatisfaction with their work
- Lack of motivation to participate in new projects at work
- A disconnection from their colleagues and team leaders
- A sense of discomfort with the work environment
- A sense of dissatisfaction regarding the pay they receive for their work
- A sense of dread while going to work
Let’s understand occupational wellness through an example. Imagine you love photography, and you turn it into a career. Your job allows you to express your creativity, brings joy, and aligns with your passion. Balancing work and personal lives becomes easier, contributing to overall happiness. Your occupation not only helps you pay your bills but also fulfils your passion, promoting occupational wellness.
How To Improve Occupational Wellness?
Here are some tips to improve your occupational wellness:
- Focus on consistently working towards your goals and what you want to achieve in your job and career
- Focus on building knowledge and skills that will help you reach your goals
- Consider enhancing your workspace in the office by incorporating some plants or personal elements. Studies indicate that including plants in your workspace can reduce stress and noise. Adding personal touches like photos can bring a personal touch to work
- Work towards building meaningful connections with your colleagues
- Establish appropriate boundaries at work by taking regular breaks and scheduling time in the day for things that you enjoy
- Consider talking to a trained therapist if you feel stuck or sense of dissatisfaction with your job or career.
Conclusion:
Most of us may not realize it, but we spend a significant part of our lives at work, which makes occupational wellness a crucial part of our overall well-being. Occupational wellness is about finding good balance and a sense of fulfilment at work. A strong sense of occupational wellness can lead to an overall sense of fulfilment in life
References:
- isabellecomber. (2022, April 5). What is occupational wellness? Singapore. https://employmenthero.com/sg/blog/occupational-wellness/
- Occupational Wellness | Health and Wellness | Washington State University. (n.d.). Health and Wellness. Retrieved February 16, 2024, from https://spokane.wsu.edu/wellness/occupational-wellness/
- Occupational Wellness | Occupational Health And Wellness | Stride. (n.d.). Retrieved February 16, 2024, from https://stride.com.au/dimensions-of-wellness/occupational-wellness/
- Smith, L. (n.d.). Tips on Improving Occupational Wellness.
