Differentiate between well-being and wellness

Well-being and wellness are synonymous since they are essential to leading a healthy and happy life. While well-being is more holistic and encompasses various aspects of life, such as physical, mental, social, emotional and financial wellness, health is more action-oriented. It involves following a healthy lifestyle through mindfulness, regular physical activity, and preventive wellness screenings.

 Employers have recognized their pivotal role in helping employees reduce unhealthy behaviors and promote wellness through workplace wellness programs. This is not just a trend but a promising shift in the corporate landscape. A study by the RAND Corporation, a renowned independent research institution, revealed that between 85% and 91% of US companies with 1,000 or more employees have embraced these programs. In recent years, employers have also acknowledged the significance of employee mental wellness as a positive outcome for well-being. Many insurance programs now cover mental health services, and employers have included them in their benefits package, demonstrating a proactive response to the current high demand for mental health care.

To date, five elements of well-being have been identified as contributing to a prosperous life: professional, social, financial, physical, and community wellness. Each of these elements plays a vital role in leading a successful life. Poor employee well-being can substantially negatively impact employee engagement, productivity, and performance and ultimately affect the organization's bottom line.

 Wellness issues are typically related to physical wellness and often indicate an imbalance caused by lifestyle, genes, or environment. They range from common wellness problems, such as seasonal allergies and obesity, to emerging wellness problems, such as gluten sensitivity and sugar intake. Those who only thrive physically are likelier to miss work, file a workers' compensation claim, look for a new employer, or change jobs. In light of these factors, it is a fact that measuring physical health is insufficient to determine employee productivity and workplace satisfaction.

Wellness is a powerful indicator of how things are going for individuals; its benefits are self-explanatory, from feeling confident and fulfilled to improving relationships, aging gracefully and living a longer, happier life. However, wellness problems are diverse and involve a vital mental/emotional component. Financial stress, burnout from overwork, social isolation, difficult living conditions or illness can affect a person's well-being. It is essential to care for and cultivate wellness through exercise, a healthy diet, supplements, and developing skills, hobbies and relationships that encourage a feeling of happiness and fulfillment.

 Offering a workplace wellness program is a step in the right direction, but it's not a magic bullet. Recent surveys show that only 24% of employees participate in the wellness programs offered by their companies. The impact of wellness programs depends significantly on the quality and nuances of the program and the underlying organizational culture. It's not just about ticking a box but about fostering a supportive work environment that encourages and supports healthy habits. This is a shared responsibility that can significantly enhance employee well-being and wellness.

Well-being and wellness are not just buzzwords but the cornerstones of a healthy and happy life. Employers have a mission, not just a duty, to promote employee well-being and create a supportive work environment. Individuals and organizations can significantly improve their wellness, happiness, and productivity by prioritizing well-being. It's not a luxury but a necessity in today's fast-paced and demanding world.