FACTS — WORKPLACE WELLBEING
“Workplace wellbeing includes more than mental health.”
Workplace wellbeing describes a person’s overall experience of being at work. Mental health is an important part of this, but wellbeing can also be affected by physical health, workload, relationships, the working environment, financial pressures, accessibility, job security and life outside work.
A person can appear to be coping or performing well while using a significant amount of energy simply to get through their working day.
What can affect workplace wellbeing?
Mental & emotional health
Stress, anxiety, low mood, confidence, emotional regulation, burnout and difficult experiences outside work can all affect how someone feels and functions.
Physical health & energy
Pain, fatigue, disability, chronic health conditions, hormonal changes, sleep difficulties and medication can influence concentration, stamina and attendance.
Workload & expectations
Unmanageable workloads, unrealistic deadlines, unclear priorities and constantly changing demands can contribute to prolonged stress.
The working environment
Noise, lighting, temperature, interruptions, crowded spaces and a lack of privacy can affect concentration, comfort and sensory regulation.
Relationships & communication
Feeling respected, listened to and included matters. Conflict, bullying, poor communication or feeling unable to speak openly can significantly affect wellbeing.
Neurodiversity & accessibility
Different people process information, communication and sensory environments differently. Clear instructions, predictable routines, additional processing time or environmental adjustments may help.
Work–life balance
Regularly working beyond someone's capacity without enough time for rest and recovery can gradually affect both physical and emotional health.
Financial wellbeing & job security
Concerns about income, reduced hours, redundancy or job security can create additional stress that follows someone beyond the workplace.
Signs someone may be struggling
Changes are not always obvious. Someone might experience increased tiredness, difficulty concentrating, irritability, reduced confidence, forgetfulness, withdrawal, difficulty starting tasks, increased absence or feeling overwhelmed by things they previously managed.
These changes should not automatically be viewed as poor attitude, laziness or lack of commitment.
What can workplaces do?
Support does not always require major changes. Helpful approaches can include flexible working, clear written communication, realistic workloads, regular supportive check-ins, quieter working spaces, predictable routines, additional breaks, assistive technology and reasonable adjustments.
Most importantly, support should be individual rather than one-size-fits-all.
Remember
Workplace wellbeing is not simply about teaching employees to cope with difficult environments.
It is also about looking at the environment, expectations, culture and systems around the person and asking what could be changed to help them work safely and sustainably.
When people feel supported, understood and able to ask for what they need, both individual wellbeing and the workplace can benefit.
Space to Breathe Therapy
