The Responsibility Dilemma of Wellbeing

I am often asked this question:

Whose responsibility is wellbeing? How much it is the individual's and the organisation's responsibility?

This was also the most popular question submitted by the audience during our panel discussion with three HR and wellbeing leaders at the Horizon Summit in Amsterdam last week.

I felt like it's time to write about it now and share my view through two simple, very practical real life examples (this time without any science or research data) that might help you to find YOUR answers.

As a good consultant would start the answer: "It depends..."

In the pursuit of peak performance, the responsibility for wellbeing often stands at the crossroads between the individual and the organization. Let's delve into two scenarios that exemplify this delicate dilemma.

Scenario 1: The Weight of Workload

Picture this: It's 10 pm, and the looming deadline for a crucial presentation at 9 am the next morning casts a shadow. Despite attending the best time and energy management trainings, the workload seems insurmountable. You know that you can't go to sleep yet, otherwise you not only don't finish this piece of work but you also get into a bigger loop of tasks piling up.

In this scenario, the employer bears a significant responsibility to manage and distribute workloads sensibly. Yet, it's not a black-and-white situation. The onus also lies on the employee to take proactive steps, initiating conversations to reshape the work environment and workload dynamics.

Scenario 2: The Netflix Dilemma

Now, consider a different scene. It's 10 pm and the allure of another episode on Netflix grabs at your attention. While the joy of entertainment is attractive, the responsibility here squarely rests on the individual.

Choosing to prioritize sleep over entertainment becomes a personal decision and responsibility of the employee crucial for performing at one's best the next day. Nevertheless, employers can play a supportive role by fostering self-awareness through training initiatives. This helps employees understand the correlation between wellbeing and optimal performance, making choices that benefit both personal and professional realms.

In both scenarios ...

... you know that you will be tired and not at your best the next day. You might skip sport as you might be exhausted, even grumpy with your colleagues and you might also eat more snacks, drink more coffee during the day.

In both scenarios, the shared responsibility between the individual and the organization underscores the complex interplay of factors influencing wellbeing.

As we navigate this landscape, let's cultivate a culture that encourages open dialogue, mutual support, and a holistic approach to wellbeing.

After all, the synergy between personal choices and organisational support forms the foundation for a thriving and sustainable work-life ecosystem.

What is your view on this?

Please share your story and view on the this topic so we can hear more voices and get closer to a common approach and answer!

Remember, together we can design a sustainable and human-centric work-life and the future of wellbeing ;)

This edition of the Wellbeing Designers Newsletter is a bonus one, on top of our monthly updates. Looking forward to hearing about your insight and take ons as always!