The Four Levels of Work Wellness
Recently, I held a couple of online Facebook webinars covering the topic of work stress and occupational wellness. The main intended audience was for women who are working in exhausting and likely abusive situations. The goal was to provide resources for an intervention to avoid the eventual anxiety, depression, isolation, breakdown of relationships, and physical health issues that can happen if these situations are permitted to progress. To discuss the background and the landscape of the workplace, I categorized four levels of work wellness.
Level 0 would be unemployment, seeking work and needing to pay the bills. This is a tough level to be at, but many of us have been here. Being proactive is #1. Seeking opportunities to network, even volunteer is a start. Applying for temporary contract work or even minimum wage jobs can be helpful to keep the mind busy throughout the day if needed.
Level 1 would be equivalent to the minimum wage job that is just a step better than having no job, giving you something to do, remaining social, and keeping your mind busy. This is that part-time job at fast food that you took, just to have a job, stay out of the house and please your parents, while you continue to apply for something more serious. It's marginally enjoyable because you know that it is a temporary place to be, and you can meet some interesting people there.
Level 2 is the job that is hostile, unkind, abusive, and an utter nightmare to work at. It pays the bills, but no one is happy to be there and it shows. Even the management is miserable and treats employees with hostility, and ridiculous regulations (like no socializing at work) are the norm. It is the home of the grumpy call center operator that you speak to for bill payments, student loans, and to file customer complaints. It is the place where petty fights, office politics, and conflict are a regular part of the environment. Yes, it pays the bills, but you are praying for that next job offer to come your way.
Level 3 is that job that is actually tolerable and OK to be at. The actual work or the business itself is basically of no interest to you, but the work environment is just so kind, warm, and you feel like you're part of the family. This may be that job where you're hired to work full time in the office of a city utilities company, when your dream was to study fashion design. This job doesn't meet any of your personal life goals or aspirations, but it's a safe and secure place for you to be. You might get promoted, but even if not, things are just not so bad here. It's nice here - but you know you risk burying away your dreams. Or, you find ways to make time outside of work to pursue your true interests. Some people are just truly OK to be here.
Level 2 and 3 are where most people tend to stay. But my dream is for women to aspire to reach Level 4.
Level 4 is a place of excitement, where you love what you are doing at work. This can be in a profession you have always dreamed of working in, or this can be the design of your dream business. You have worked hard and taken risks to get here but it is an amazing place to be. Your skills are valued, you enjoy so many aspects of your work day, and you are living in a place of fulfillment. This is a wonderful place to be, where you will be equipped to begin the next adventure, if you choose something new.
Each of these levels is more than just about the work place - they are a state of being. If you can set your mind and activities to reach beyond each level, great things can take place.
As a mindful wellness coach, I help my clients get to the next level of living with joy, wholeness, and fulfillment. I'm here to support your achievements at the next level.