Table 1 Five Ways to Wellbeing at work... | Emerald Publishing

Table 1

Five Ways to Wellbeing at work

Five ways	Generic actions	Actions at work
Connect–Building strong relationships and being there for others, talking and listening, and feeling a sense of belonging, can support daily life	Talk to someone and really listen; reconnect with an old friend; play with your kids; join a team or club	Talk or phone instead of emailing; organise a lunch with colleagues; find new ways to collaborate; plan a social event at work
Be Active–Regular physical activity can increase productivity and perceptions of self-efficacy and mastery, and decrease negative thoughts, anxiety and depression	Join a sports team; take a yoga, Pilates or Tai Chi class; do some gardening	Move or stand more at work; go for a gentle stroll at lunchtime; have walking meetings; use the stairs instead of the lift; try some stretches
Keep Learning–Being curious and continuing to learn throughout life can enhance self-esteem and confidence, positively stimulate the brain, and lead to more positive effects on wellbeing, life satisfaction and optimism	Take a course; learn an instrument or language; visit a public art space; join a book club; listen to a podcast or read a journal article	Add to your work knowledge; organise lunchtime workshops; set a goal and work towards achieving it; take on a new task or help someone; get to know your colleagues more
Give–Helping others, sharing and giving behaviours, and volunteering are linked to an increased sense of self-worth and happiness and an enhanced sense of purpose in life. Giving something to self (self-care) is also important	Compliment someone; get involved with a charity; express gratitude–thank someone; do the dishes for someone; perform a random act of kindness for a friend, neighbour or a complete stranger	Help a colleague with their work; share your ideas or feedback; make someone a cup of tea; perform a random act of kindness for a colleague
Take Notice–Being attentive to and aware of what is taking place in the present (mindfulness) can lead to better positive mental states and enhance resilience, as well as creativity, accuracy, and productivity	Look up at the night sky; notice signs of the season changing; practise gratitude; try mindfulness meditation; sit quietly in a garden or park; listen to your favourite music	Keep a beautiful object near your desk; take a break from digital devices; do one thing (a single task) at a time

Five ways	Generic actions	Actions at work
Connect–Building strong relationships and being there for others, talking and listening, and feeling a sense of belonging, can support daily life	Talk to someone and really listen; reconnect with an old friend; play with your kids; join a team or club	Talk or phone instead of emailing; organise a lunch with colleagues; find new ways to collaborate; plan a social event at work
Be Active–Regular physical activity can increase productivity and perceptions of self-efficacy and mastery, and decrease negative thoughts, anxiety and depression	Join a sports team; take a yoga, Pilates or Tai Chi class; do some gardening	Move or stand more at work; go for a gentle stroll at lunchtime; have walking meetings; use the stairs instead of the lift; try some stretches
Keep Learning–Being curious and continuing to learn throughout life can enhance self-esteem and confidence, positively stimulate the brain, and lead to more positive effects on wellbeing, life satisfaction and optimism	Take a course; learn an instrument or language; visit a public art space; join a book club; listen to a podcast or read a journal article	Add to your work knowledge; organise lunchtime workshops; set a goal and work towards achieving it; take on a new task or help someone; get to know your colleagues more
Give–Helping others, sharing and giving behaviours, and volunteering are linked to an increased sense of self-worth and happiness and an enhanced sense of purpose in life. Giving something to self (self-care) is also important	Compliment someone; get involved with a charity; express gratitude–thank someone; do the dishes for someone; perform a random act of kindness for a friend, neighbour or a complete stranger	Help a colleague with their work; share your ideas or feedback; make someone a cup of tea; perform a random act of kindness for a colleague
Take Notice–Being attentive to and aware of what is taking place in the present (mindfulness) can lead to better positive mental states and enhance resilience, as well as creativity, accuracy, and productivity	Look up at the night sky; notice signs of the season changing; practise gratitude; try mindfulness meditation; sit quietly in a garden or park; listen to your favourite music	Keep a beautiful object near your desk; take a break from digital devices; do one thing (a single task) at a time

Source(s): Adapted from Mental Health Foundation (2018)