Occupational Wellness

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Occupational Wellness!

Occupational Wellness involves one's active pursuit to experience purpose and satisfaction at work.  A job should not exclusively be a means of surviving in a capitalist society.  The work you perform should be aligned with your personal values and interests.  

Some of the main components of Occupational Wellness include:

      ·       Exploring opportunities for growth and advancement
·       Effectively managing work related stress to avoid burnout
·       Doing work that is consistent with your values and beliefs
·       Communicating and collaborating with others
·       Having a sense of accomplishment at the end of the workday

 

Many of us spend the bulk of our waking hours preparing for work, engaging in work and decompressing from work.  It is important to have things to look forward to outside of work such as spending time with loved ones, pursuing hobbies and enjoying quality rest and relaxation. 

Achieving balance between work and leisure can contribute to optimal Occupational Wellness.  There are many ways to achieve this.  Many employers offer incentives to promote wellness of their workforce.  Such incentives may include:

·       Health screenings

·       Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

·       Volunteer opportunities

·       Flexible work hours and telework options

·       Career development resources

 

I consider my participation in All In The Family Toastmasters Club as a great example of how I achieve Occupational Wellness!  My employer pays my membership fees and in return, I am permitted to participate in club meetings during my workday.  This club has been beneficial to my growth in both communication and leadership skills.  These skills enhance other areas of my life; they are not exclusive to my job performance.  I have also formed relationships with club members that extend beyond the club environment.  I find this beneficial to meet my need for regular human contact and connection.   

Increasing Occupational Wellness can mean leaving a work environment that is unsatisfying to pursuit a different field.  As you work on your own strategies to achieve Occupational Wellness, I encourage you to put thought into how content you are with the work you currently do.  It is never too late to explore other opportunities of interest! 

It could also mean developing stronger skills in your current field of work.  If you love the work you do, seek opportunities for professional development to be recognized as an expert in your field.  Consider opportunities for promotion and mentorship so that you can offer guidance to others.  Even if those goals seem lofty now, keep in mind that "the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step." - LaoTzu

Finding a sense of meaning from your occupation and feeling like an asset to your team brings you closer to building a life that inspires you to increase wellness in all dimensions of life.

What workplace incentives to you find most beneficial at your current place of employment?  Drop them in the comments so we can compare notes! 📝