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As we gear up for our [Mental Health and Wellbeing Week series of free events](https://thegrowthfaculty.com/events/managing-mental-health-for-a-thriving-workplace/overview), it's the perfect time to take a closer look at wellbeing in the workplace.

Wellbeing isn't just about being happy or healthy. It's a broader concept that encompasses our overall sense of satisfaction, purpose, and ability to function well in our daily lives. In the workplace, wellbeing also means feeling supported, engaged, and able to perform at our best.

In this article we take a brief look at the wellbeing piece of the Mental Health conversation.

What is Wellbeing?

Sometimes, it's easier to spot when things aren't right. Here are some indicators that wellbeing might be suffering in the workplace:

*   Increased absenteeism or presenteeism (being at work but not fully productive)
*   Higher levels of stress and [burnout](https://thegrowthfaculty.com/articles/howtohelpburnoutatwork)
*   Poor team morale and increased conflicts or other [signs of a toxic culture](https://thegrowthfaculty.com/articles/Toxicworkplaceculture)
*   Decreased productivity and creativity
*   Higher turnover rates
*   [Languishing](https://thegrowthfaculty.com/articles/adamgrantlanguishingsigns), that "void between depression and flourishing; the absence of wellbeing," as [Adam Grant](https://thegrowthfaculty.com/articles/adam-grant-organisational-psychologist-and-researcher) recently described it to our event attendees

Signs of Poor Wellbeing

Thriving goes beyond just getting by. When we're thriving at work, we:

*   Feel energised and motivated
*   Have a sense of [purpose](https://thegrowthfaculty.com/articles/importance-of-purpose-in-leadership) and meaning in our work
*   Experience personal and professional growth
*   Have positive relationships with colleagues
*   Feel valued and recognised for our contributions

What Does It Mean to Thrive?

Leaders play a pivotal in creating a workplace where wellbeing flourishes. Simple things they can do on a daily basis include:

*   **Lead by example**: Prioritise your own wellbeing and work-life balance
*   **Encourage open** [**communication**](https://thegrowthfaculty.com/articles/communication-skills-for-leadership): Create spaces for honest dialogue about challenges and needs
*   **Provide resources**: Offer mental health support, wellness programs, and flexible work arrangements
*   **Recognise and appreciate**: Regularly acknowledge the efforts and achievements of your team
*   **Promote psychological safety**: Create an environment where people feel safe to take risks and be themselves

How Leaders Can Support Wellbeing

As an individual, there are steps you can take to boost your wellbeing:

*   **Set boundaries**: As Kylie Lewis taught us in her [Dare to Lead™ masterclass](https://thegrowthfaculty.com/articles/barrierstocourageouscultureBreneBrown) based on the research of Dr Brené Brown, it’s extremely important to learn to say no and protect your personal time
*   **Practice self-care**: According the Duncan Young who ran our masterclass [“Build Your Ideal Day”](https://thegrowthfaculty.com/articles/wellbeingtips) we should all prioritise sleep, exercise, and activities that recharge us
*   **Seek support**: Don't hesitate to reach out to colleagues, mentors, or professionals when needed
*   **Cultivate mindfulness**: Practice being present and aware in your daily activities

**Continuous learning**: Engage in personal and [professional development](https://thegrowthfaculty.com/articles/developleadershipskills) to stay motivated and grow

Maintaining Your Own Wellbeing

Creating a culture of wellbeing at work is an extension of looking after your own wellbeing, and also requires a multifaceted approach:

*   [**Psychological Safety**](https://thegrowthfaculty.com/articles/whatispsychologicalsafety): Foster an environment where people feel safe to express ideas, ask questions, and make mistakes without fear of ridicule or punishment
*   [**Inclusion and Belonging**](https://thegrowthfaculty.com/articles/inclusionandbelongingatwork): Ensure that all employees feel valued and included, regardless of their background or identity
*   **Leadership Training**: Invest in developing empathetic and supportive leaders who understand the [importance of wellbeing](https://thegrowthfaculty.com/articles/mental-health-and-wellbeing-a-priority)
*   **Work-Life Integration**: Offer [flexible working arrangements](https://thegrowthfaculty.com/articles/workflexibility) that allow employees to balance their work and personal lives effectively
*   **Physical Environment**: Create workspaces that promote health, comfort, and collaboration
*   **Recognition Programs**: Implement systems to regularly acknowledge and appreciate employee contributions
*   **Professional Development**: Provide opportunities for [growth and learning](https://thegrowthfaculty.com/articles/Learninganddevelopmentstrategy) to stop [employees feeling disengaged](https://thegrowthfaculty.com/articles/Study-shows-employees-disengaged-at-work), and to keep them motivated

**Social Connections**: Encourage [team-building activities](https://thegrowthfaculty.com/articles/teambuilding) and social interactions to build strong relationships among colleagues

Promoting Wellbeing in the Workplace

As we approach Mental Health and Wellbeing Week, let's commit to making wellbeing a priority in our workplaces.

 Whether you're a leader or an individual contributor, you have the power to make a positive impact on workplace wellbeing. 

For a start, you can register your whole organisation to attend our [Mental Health and Wellbeing Week series of free events](https://thegrowthfaculty.com/events/managing-mental-health-for-a-thriving-workplace/overview),

Otherwise, start small, start with yourself, be consistent, and watch as the benefits ripple through your organisation.

After all, we all know deep down that a thriving workplace is one where everyone feels supported, valued, and empowered to be their best selves. Let's work together to make that a reality.

You Have the Power to Make a Positive Impact

[Growth Faculty members](https://thegrowthfaculty.com/memberships/?campaign_id=701RG000006BNNhYAO&promo=BlogGF) benefit from a world-class [immersive live virtual learning program of events](https://thegrowthfaculty.ac-page.com/GF-Program-Download) - all included in their annual subscription. It’s an engaging and entertaining way to develop leaders.

Growth Faculty recently launched a good value [Enterprise plan](https://join.thegrowthfaculty.com/enterprise/) for **larger companies** to develop leadership skills across their whole organisation.

New events are being added regularly to this highly curated program. Keep an eye on the website Growthfaculty.com for fresh additions to the line-up.

There are separate multi-week live virtual programs for [emerging leaders](https://thegrowthfaculty.com/events/a02RG000006jKwnYAE/overview?sid=a0KRG000008sQyb2AE) and for [senior leaders](https://thegrowthfaculty.com/events/a02RG00000606y1YAA/overview?sid=a0KRG0000092LET2A2) offering a condensed leadership course in a time-effective way.

For **higher level leaders,** including CEOs, there is an in-person [Good to Great® Immersion Workshop with Jim Collins](https://thegrowthfaculty.com/events/a02RG000002EGYsYAO/overview/?campaign_id=701RG00000ALpCMYA1&promo=Blog&type=Affiliate) in Chicago, U.S., in October 2024. This is exclusively for executive teams and numbers are limited.

Photo by [krakenimages](https://unsplash.com/@krakenimages?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash) on [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/man-in-white-dress-shirt-sitting-beside-woman-in-black-long-sleeve-shirt-376KN_ISplE?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash)

Signs of Workplace Wellbeing (and its Absence)

Leaders Must Aim for Employees to be Thriving not Just Surviving

Keep informed
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Signs of Workplace Wellbeing (and its Absence)

Leaders Must Aim for Employees to be Thriving not Just Surviving

Keep informedStay Inspired

Keep informed
Stay Inspired