Occupational Wellness
The 8 dimensions of Wellness
A holistic approach to career takes into consideration the whole person; the occupational dimension is one of many. Every aspect of wellness can affect a person’s quality of life.
Wellness is being healthy in all dimensions of our lives, including the emotional, intellectual, occupational, financial, environmental, physical, social, and spiritual parts. The dimensions are interconnected, one dimension building on another. For example, when people are not working (occupational), they may loose opportunities to interact with others (social) and not be able to afford medical care (physical) and may need to move (environmental).
Balance in the 8 dimensions of wellness includes working - paid or unpaid (occupational), making and saving money (financial), doing things that make us feel happy (emotional), learning (intellectual), spending time with family and friends (social), participating in the community (environmental), exercising (physical), connecting with ourself (spiritual).
The definitions of the 8 dimensions are:
Emotional: the knowledge and skills to identify personal feelings and the ability to handle those emotions; the ability to handle life’s stresses and adapt to change and difficult times
Intellectual: all aspects of wellbeing pertaining to brain health and growth via thought-provoking mental activities
Occupational: all aspects pertaining to personal satisfaction in your job/career
Financial: pertaining to finances including knowledge and skills of financial planning and managing expenses
Environmental: areas of health that relate to the environment and how the environment can impact human health (recycling, water conservation, sustainability, use of eco-friendly products)
Physical: anything related to the body including, nutrition, exercise, weight management, ergonomics, substances use, disease, disease prevention
Social: pertaining to social connections, relationships, and personal expression
Spiritual: pertaining to the search for purpose and meaning in life (belief in a higher power, connection with the universe)
The Occupational Wellness Dimension involves participating in activities that provide meaning and purpose and reflect personal values, interests, and beliefs, including employment.
Questions to consider when evaluating your occupational wellness:
• Are you involved in a career that fits your values?
• Do you have an open line of communication with your boss/ coworkers?
• Does your work offer personal satisfaction and stimulation, and allow you to contribute your talents, gifts, and knowledge?
• Do you schedule time for leisure and to relax?
• Are you in a career that gives you a sense of accomplishment and pride?
• Are celebrating your accomplishments?
To have good occupational wellness means finding work that is aligned with your values, interests, and where you use your unique talents and skills to find meaning and satisfaction.
Working is a way to affirm your self-worth so it’s important to find work that is gratifying and rewarding to you.
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