What is Wellbeing?

When discussing wellbeing, you’ll often encounter terms like “Pillars,” “Aspects,” or “Dimensions.” Some experts propose different numbers—ranging from 4 to 11—but the essence remains consistent.

Wellbeing encompasses positive feelings and growth across three core areas:

1. Physical Wellbeing: This includes exercise, nutrition, sleep, and hygiene. Maintaining a healthy body is essential for overall wellness.
2. Mental Wellbeing: Focusing on mental health, emotional resilience, and coping strategies. It’s about nurturing a positive mindset and managing stress.
3. Financial Wellbeing: Understanding and managing your financial situation. Feeling secure and having a sense of control over finances contributes to overall wellbeing.

In the workplace, wellbeing extends beyond these aspects to include feelings related to organizational culture, environment, and work dynamics.

The Facts

Here’s a concise overview of the challenges related to wellbeing in the UK:

1. Loneliness: A significant concern is that 1 in 13 people in the UK consistently feel lonely, affecting their overall life satisfaction and sense of worth.
2. Stress Levels: Recent data indicates that 76% of professionals are currently experiencing moderate to high levels of stress—a 13% increase compared to 2022.
3. Anxiety and Depression: Approximately 60% of employees report feeling anxious, and 56% exhibit symptoms of depression. Poor mental health significantly impacts productivity for nearly 1 in 5 workers.
4. Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders: In 2022, the UK lost 7.3 million working days due to work-related musculoskeletal disorders, highlighting the importance of addressing physical health in the workplace.
5. Financial Pressure: Financial stress affects 37% of individuals, surpassing other external stressors like relationships (32%) and parenting (29%).

These challenges underscore the need for comprehensive strategies to enhance wellbeing across various dimensions.

*Data from ONS and Champion Health