5 Ways to Wellbeing at Work

'Friendship with oneself is all important, because without it one cannot be friends with anyone else in the world.' — Eleanor Roosevelt.

What is Wellbeing?

Wellbeing is more than just the absence of illness, it's about how people feel about themselves and their lives. While there’s no single definition, it’s generally understood to include the experience of positive emotions, a sense of purpose, and overall life satisfaction.

Wellbeing is shaped by our physical, mental, and social health and it also plays a powerful role in influencing how we experience and recover from different health conditions.

What are the Five Ways to Wellbeing?

The 5 Ways to Wellbeing, developed by the New Economics Foundation, offer simple, evidence-based actions we can all take to look after our mental health. Similar to eating five portions of fruit and vegetables a day to keep our bodies healthy, these five steps support a healthier, happier mind.

Even small improvements in our wellbeing can make a real difference, helping to reduce the risk of mental health problems and enabling us to thrive. The 5 Steps to Mental Wellbeing are simple, everyday actions you can take to boost your own mental health. And when you look after yourself, you're in a better place to support those around you.

To learn more about this wellbeing model and generate ideas for your self-care strategies, download your free five ways to wellbeing pdf.

1. Connect

As humans, we have a fundamental need to connect with others. We should invest time in developing strong and healthy relationships. These connections will support and enrich you every day. In your daily life, you can:

• Talk to someone instead of sending an email
• Arrange a lunch meeting
• Ask how someone’s weekend was and genuinely listen when they tell you
• Create a playlist for a friend
• Schedule a Teams/Zoom coffee meetup

2. Be Active

Engaging in exercise releases endorphins and helps relieve feelings of anxiety and depression. It also helps improve brain cognition. In your everyday life, you can:

• Practice 'desk stretches' or mini exercises throughout your day
• Go for a walk at lunchtime
• Take the stairs instead of the lift
• Engage in sports
• Organise a work nature walk

3. Take Notice

Focusing on the present can boost and expand your awareness, and also deepen your understanding of yourself. By thinking about your experiences, you gain appreciation for what's important to you. In your daily life, you can:

• List three things you are grateful for at the end of each day
• Notice nature and the seasons
• Practice a mindfulness meditation
• Visit a new place for lunch
• Rearrange your workspace

4. Learn

Continued learning through life enhances self-esteem and encourages social interaction and a more active life. Learning new things can help you improve your confidence as well as being fun. In your everyday life, you can:

• Learn a new word for the day
• Find out something new about your colleagues
• Learn how to say hello in different languages
• Teach yourself a new skill
• Complete an online course

5. Give

Random acts of kindness trigger the release of oxytocin, which is often called the 'cuddle hormone' or 'love hormone'. Studies on ways to boost happiness suggest that doing an act of kindness weekly for six weeks can enhance your wellbeing. Those who lend a hand to others are more inclined to consider themselves happy. In your daily routine, you might:

• Volunteer
• Thank someone and smile
• Perform random acts of kindness
• Celebrate a colleague on LinkedIn
• Make a cup of tea for someone

Extra tip

How can you incorporate 2 or more of the five ways to wellbeing into one action? E.g. walking to work with a colleague encompasses 'Connect' and 'Be Active'.

The 5 Ways to Wellbeing, Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Keep Learning, and Give are simple, impactful actions that can strengthen your mental wellbeing and support those around you.

Conclusion

Integrating these steps into daily life doesn’t require major changes. Whether it's having a meaningful conversation, taking a mindful walk, or offering your time or skills to help someone else, small, intentional actions can lead to lasting positive outcomes.

By prioritising your wellbeing, you’re also better equipped to contribute to a healthier, more resilient workplace and community.

Our Mental Health Training for Managers Course enables employers and employees to implement the 5 Ways to Wellbeing into their culture and daily practices.