In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on mental health and wellness. However, wellness extends beyond mental health. It is a multifaceted concept that encompasses various dimensions of our lives.
GUS Canada, as shared by HR Training and Development Officer, Cecilia Ma, are recognizing this and are implementing comprehensive wellness programs that touch upon all dimensions of wellness, demonstrating the real-world application of a holistic approach to wellness.
The National Wellness Institute (NWI) provides a comprehensive framework for understanding wellness in its entirety through its Six Dimensions of Wellness model. This model, developed by Dr. Bill Hettler, co-founder of NWI, offers a holistic approach to achieving one’s full potential.
Understanding Wellness
Wellness is a conscious, self-directed and evolving process of achieving one’s full potential. It is a positive and affirming concept that contributes to living a long and healthy life. Wellness is multicultural and holistic, involving multiple dimensions. It is about functioning optimally within one’s current environment and building resilience to thrive amidst life’s challenges.
The Six Dimensions of Wellness
The NWI promotes Six Dimensions of Wellness: Emotional, Physical, Intellectual, Occupational, Spiritual and Social. These dimensions are interconnected and addressing all six helps individuals understand what it means to be holistically W.E.L.L. by focusing on their Whole Person, Environment, Lifestyle and Learning.
Organizations like GUS Canada are recognizing the importance of these dimensions and are implementing comprehensive wellness programs that touch upon all of them. Cecilia Ma shared insights into how to incorporate these dimensions into their employee wellness programs.
A holistic approach to wellness, one that encompasses all six dimensions is essential in the workplace. Here’s why:
- Emotional Wellness: Emotional wellness is about understanding and managing our feelings. This can involve handling work-related stress or balancing work and personal life. By focusing on emotional wellness, employees can better handle life’s challenges and maintain a positive outlook.
- Physical Wellness: Regular physical activity and proper nutrition are key to maintaining physical wellness. This can lead to reduced sick days, increased energy levels and improved productivity.
- Intellectual Wellness: Lifelong learning and intellectual growth are vital. Continuous learning can lead to career advancement and job satisfaction. Intellectual wellness also promotes creativity, problem-solving skills and critical thinking.
- Occupational Wellness: Satisfaction in one’s work is crucial for overall wellness. Occupational wellness can lead to increased job satisfaction, better performance and a positive work environment.
- Spiritual Wellness: This dimension involves seeking meaning and purpose in life. Spiritual wellness can provide a sense of purpose in work and personal life, contributing to overall happiness and satisfaction.
- Social Wellness: Healthy relationships and a strong social network are essential for overall wellness. A positive social environment can lead to a more enjoyable work experience and better teamwork.
By addressing all these dimensions, workplaces can create an environment that promotes overall wellness. This holistic approach benefits not only the individual, but also the community as a whole. It leads to happier, healthier and more productive employees, and fosters a positive environment where everyone can thrive.
Insights from GUS Canada: Applying the Six Dimensions of Wellness
Cecilia Ma provided valuable insights into GUS Canada incorporates the Six Dimensions of Wellness into their employee wellness programs:
- Emotional Wellness: GUS Canada offers an Employee Family Assistance program (EFAP), providing employees and their dependents with 24/7 access to confidential support on a broad range of issues.
- Physical Wellness: The company’s extended health and dental plans include a generous annual allowance for health care practitioners. Additionally, a Lifestyle Spending Allowance (LSA) provides an annual allowance for items like gym memberships, sports equipment and travel costs to/from work.
- Intellectual & Occupational Wellness: GUS Canada supports continuous learning and career growth through an annual Professional Development program. Employees and their family members also receive discounted rates for courses at GUS Canada institutional brands.
- Spiritual Wellness: GUS Canada is observes and celebrates over 12 statutory holidays to provide employees with time off. In addition, GUS Canada provides its employees with paid volunteer days and paid personal days.
- Social Wellness: GUS Canada holds multiple social events throughout the year, including virtual team building event s and in-person holiday celebrations.
These initiatives are part of a comprehensive benefits package designed to touch upon all six dimensions of wellness, demonstrating a practical application of the holistic approach to wellness.
Applying Wellness
Applying the Six Dimensions of Wellness model brings forth awareness of the interconnectedness of each dimension and how they contribute to living a healthy life. It helps individuals achieve their full potential, recognize and address multiple dimensions of wellness and affirm and mobilize their unique qualities and strengths.
In the context of workplace wellness, this holistic approach can be instrumental in proving overall well-being. It encourages employees to take care of their emotional health, stay physically active, stimulate their minds, find fulfilment in their work, seek spiritual understanding and maintain healthy social relationships.
Advice for Implementing a Holistic Approach to Staff Wellness
Cecilia Ma offers valuable advice to other organizations looking to implement a holistic approach to staff wellness. She emphasizes the importance of gathering ongoing data, maintaining an ongoing conversation about wellness, and ensuring clear communication about wellness programs. She advises, “Knowing what the employees want is key to drive engagement and ensuring that business decisions to any changes to our wellness program(s) is driven by data that will make the most important impact(s) to our employees and their dependents.”