The difference between wellbeing and wellness

Wellbeing and Wellness

We often use these terms interchangeably. However, there is a growing distinction between wellbeing and wellness as consumers become more involved in their holistic health decisions.

Wellness and wellbeing are not the same thing. Wellbeing refers to a more holistic whole-of-life experience, whereas wellness refers just to physical health. Employers can have a big influence over employees’ wellbeing.

The essential elements of wellbeing were discussed at a presentation to HR Practices Day, conducted by the Australian Human Resources Institute (AHRI) in Sydney on 10 March 2011.

Watkinson identified five essential elements of wellbeing:

1. Career wellbeing — the most important one — whether you like what you do each day (which is not necessarily work)
2. Social wellbeing — relationships and love
3. Financial wellbeing — managing finances in order to reduce stress and increase security
4. Physical wellbeing — levels of health and energy
5. Community wellbeing — involvement in community activities.

He added that it is perceptions rather than actual measurement that influence wellbeing; that is, comparisons with the circumstances of others. For example, a person who has average wealth is more likely to be unhappy with it if he/she lives in a ‘rich’ locality than in a ‘poor’ one.

Another problem is that many people over-focus on one element at the expense of others (eg career versus social). A balance is required, but just 7% of survey respondents said they were ‘thriving’ in all five elements.

Source: The difference between wellness and wellbeing | Workplace Info

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