Occupational wellness is a dimension of holistic wellness that often gets overlooked. It pertains to the level of satisfaction, fulfillment, and enrichment you get from your occupation. All people have an occupation, whether it is paid or unpaid, or whether your work is supplied by an organization or by the existence of others' needs. For those who are employed by BYU, aligning your occupation with the mission of the university, for example, can significantly enhance your contributions as an employee.
Occupational wellness is the degree to which an individual derives personal satisfaction and enrichment from their work. It encompasses finding an occupation that harmonizes with your individual passions, ethical beliefs, and unique skill set, while also fostering a sense of equilibrium in your life. An individual with high occupational wellness experiences joy in their daily duties and sees their work as meaningful, contributing to a wider objective or cause. This concept extends beyond mere job satisfaction; it’s about nurturing a sense of purpose in your profession and feeling that your contributions are valuable and impactful.
Each of the dimensions of wellness play a vital role in shaping our overall wellness, with a lapse in one area likely to affect the others. Occupational wellness, given the significant part work plays in our lives, is an essential part of this puzzle. When we experience satisfaction and fulfillment in our work, it positively influences our holistic wellness. The contentment derived from occupational wellness can lead to an overall balanced life, minimizing stress and positively impacting other facets of our wellness. The absence of occupational wellness, on the other hand, can lead to stress and dissatisfaction, which can negatively impact holistic wellness. Therefore, nurturing occupational wellness is critical for maintaining a harmonious balance in our holistic health.
The road to enhancing occupational wellness and consequently bolstering employee effectiveness is a proactive journey. Key to this is finding work that aligns with your personal interests and values. This alignment results in an increased sense of job satisfaction and motivation, driving productivity upward. You also want to set career goals that give a sense of direction and purpose. Striving towards these goals creates a feeling of progress, fueling motivation. Professional development opportunities, continuous learning, and skills enhancement can lead to a more engaging work experience, providing new challenges and opportunities for growth. Additionally, maintaining a work-life balance or appropriate work-life integration is essential. Overworking can lead to burnout, negatively affecting job performance, personal endeavors outside your job, and overall wellness. Balancing work with rest and recreation aids in rejuvenation, allowing for sustained productivity. Remember, occupational wellness isn't just about working hard, but working smart with a focus on personal satisfaction and holistic wellness.
When there's harmony between an employee's personal aspirations and the overarching goals of an organization, it's referred to as mission fit. A strong mission fit can boost occupational wellness, as it instills a greater sense of purpose and connection to the work being done. This deeper level of engagement often leads to enhanced job performance. The relationship between occupational wellness and mission fit is symbiotic. When an individual feels that their work is helping to further a mission they believe in, their level of satisfaction and fulfillment at work, or occupational wellness, is likely to increase. Therefore, finding an organization whose mission resonates with your personal values and goals is a vital step towards achieving occupational wellness.
A good reflection question you can ask yourself is "Is the mission of BYU changing me or am I trying to change BYU?"