Are We Truly Supporting Well-being and Resilience?

The concept of work-life balance has dominated discussions for years, but it’s becoming increasingly clear that the conversation needs to shift. The latest research from Unite2bwell shows that the steps required to improve well-being and resilience extend far beyond the workplace. This is about creating healthier, more fulfilling lives, not just better workdays.

Here’s what our survey has revealed so far:

• Physical Health: While many rated their physical health as "good," few felt they were thriving. This highlights a broader need to support people in achieving their full potential at work and in their overall lives.

  
  

• Exercise Habits: Only 43% of respondents exercise regularly (3–5 times a week), despite it being a proven cornerstone of resilience. Encouraging movement throughout the day isn’t just a workplace goal; it’s a societal one.

  
  

• Sleep Quality and Restorative Recovery: Nearly half of participants average only 6–7 hours of sleep per night, which falls short of the levels needed for long-term health and performance. Sleep is a critical indicator of well-being, the ultimate form of restorative recovery. It’s during sleep that the body repairs, recharges, and consolidates learning. Without sufficient, high-quality sleep, individuals face heightened stress, impaired decision-making, and an increased risk of burnout, affecting every aspect of life, both at work and beyond.

  
  

• Stress and Burnout: Over 50% reported experiencing stress or extreme fatigue “sometimes” or “often.” While the workplace plays a role in this, managing stress and building resilience is a personal journey that organisations can help enable.

  
  

• Leadership in Well-being: Respondents gave their organisations’ leadership an average score of 2.36 out of 5 for promoting well-being, with 36% rating their leaders at the lowest levels (1 or 2). This highlights a significant opportunity for improvement.

  
  

  Leadership isn’t just about supporting teams, it’s also about leading by example.

  
  

  Protecting their own physical and mental well-being is crucial for leaders to model resilience and recovery effectively. By prioritising their health and openly promoting well-being strategies, leaders can inspire their teams to do the same, fostering a culture where physical and mental health are valued, supported, and integrated into daily life.

  
  

Moving Beyond Work-Life Balance

The results are clear: we need to stop compartmentalising work and life. The focus must shift toward holistic well-being, enabling individuals to build resilience that benefits every aspect of their lives.

Steps to Improve General Well-being and Resilience:

1. Prioritise Recovery and Energy Management. Recovery isn’t just for the workplace, it’s essential for personal health and resilience. Whether it’s better sleep habits, downtime, or active rest, leaders and organisations can promote strategies for recovery that work.

   
   

2. Encourage Movement and Activity. Physical activity is one of the best tools for building resilience and maintaining mental health. Support movement in all its forms, from daily walks to gym sessions, as part of a balanced lifestyle.

   
   

3. Champion Resilience Training. Equip people with the skills to manage stress, adapt to challenges, and develop mental toughness. This applies to leaders and their teams, creating ripple effects at home and supporting communities.

   
   

4. Lead by Example. Leaders have the unique opportunity to model resilient behaviours, not just in how they work, but also in how they live. This authenticity inspires trust and action.

   
   

A Holistic Call to Action

This isn’t just about better workplaces, it’s about better lives. When we take steps to improve resilience and well-being, the effects extend far beyond office walls. People become healthier, more fulfilled, and better equipped to handle life’s challenges.

A couple of questions to consider, moving forward:

• Are we ready to stop separating work from life and instead focus on what matters, well-being in every sense?

• How can we create environments, at home, in communities, and at work, that build resilience and promote healthier lives?

  
  

The conversation about work-life balance was a starting point. It’s time to move forward. At Unite2bwell, we’re committed to driving this shift through ongoing research, insights, and actionable solutions. Together, we can make resilience and well-being the foundation of a healthier future.