Inner Authority: A Missing Piece in Workplace Wellbeing

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Since it is well established that employee wellbeing is a function of the intersection and interplay between the organization and the individual employee, any employer wishing to effectively and successfully address employee wellbeing must address both the individual and the organization. Addressing only one or the other is only doing half the job that needs to be done.

It is also important to remember that employee wellbeing is not a program, but rather a system operating along with multiple other systems within a workplace setting. In the context of a workplace, a system is a structured set of interrelated elements that work together to achieve a common goal. These elements can include people, processes, technology, policies, structures, and culture—all functioning as a cohesive whole.

Employee wellbeing is a system because its strategic frameworks for supporting employee wellbeing functions as an interconnected, dynamic network of factors that influence and reinforce one another, rather than as an isolated program or set of initiatives. The elements of an employee wellbeing system consist of the various domains of wellbeing, along with workplace policies and the various employer sponsored and voluntary benefits available to employees.

Since people are an element of a system, when focusing on the individual component of employee wellbeing, employers and workplace wellbeing practitioners need to remember that the individual approach also involves a number of elements. Recently, I have written about the elements of Inner Core and Mindset. This article will focus on a third element, the element of Inner Authority. Despite being a critical element of the individual component, most employers and practitioners overlook and underappreciate the role of the Inner Authority in employee wellbeing.

Inner Authority can be described as the ability of an individual to trust their own judgment, make confident decisions and align their actions with their values, without being overly influenced and motivated by external pressures. Inner Authority is often describes as our internal compass that helps us navigate life challenges, set boundaries and take ownership of our work and personal lives and growth. Unfortunately, despite its value, few employers and practitioners actively seek to build this capability in employees as part of the workplace wellbeing efforts.

Why Inner Authority Matters for Employee Wellbeing

Research shows that a strong Inner Authority directly impacts an employee’s psychological and emotional wellbeing, thereby influencing how they handle stress, make decisions and engage with their work and the workplace. Addressing Inner Authority as part of an employer’s wellbeing efforts can lead to:

1. Greater Psychological Safety & Self-Trust - When employees trust their own judgment, they experience lower anxiety about making mistakes or seeking approval. They are more likely to voice concerns, contribute ideas and advocate for themselves, fostering an environment where psychological safety thrives. Employees who lack Inner Authority often struggle with self-doubt and become overly reliant on external validation which leads to stress and disengagement.

2. Stronger Emotional Regulation & Resilience - A strong, well-developed Inner Authority helps employees stay grounded in the face of workplace pressures. They are less likely to react impulsively to stressors and more likely to approach challenges with composure and confidence. Emotional resilience is a cornerstone of employee wellbeing and Inner Authority serves as an anchor, helping individuals manage emotions effectively rather than feeling overwhelmed by them.

3. Healthier Boundaries & Work-Life Balance - Employees with a strong Inner Authority recognize their limits and advocate for their own needs. They are more likely to say "No" to unrealistic demands and "Yes" to actions that preserve their energy and wellbeing. The ability to set boundaries is essential for preventing overload, high levels of stress, frustration and exhaustion all of which are a growing concern in today’s workplaces, especially where employees feel pressure to be constantly available.

4. A Greater Sense of Autonomy & Engagement - Autonomy has been found to be one of the most significant drivers of job satisfaction and engagement. Employees with strong Inner Authority feel in control of their decisions and contributions, leading to greater motivation, productivity and personal fulfillment. When employees lack Inner Authority, they may feel powerless and wait for direction instead of taking the initiative. The lack of initiative can lead to disengagement and dissatisfaction.

5. Meaning & Purpose in Work - Inner Authority helps employees align their work with their personal values, fostering a sense of purpose. Employees who operate from this inner clarity view their roles as more than just working for a paycheck. They see their work as an extension of their identity and contribution to something meaningful. This sense of alignment enhances wellbeing by reducing workplace frustration, role ambiguity and dissatisfaction.

Inner Authority & The Employee Wellbeing Pyramid

In developing a comprehensive approach to workplace wellbeing, Inner Authority plays a crucial role in supporting employees at every level of their experience. It helps individuals transition from basic satisfaction (the foundation of wellbeing) to high engagement and performance (the pinnacle).

By strengthening individual employee Inner Authority, employers empower employees to not just to feel well, but rather to thrive and flourish, take the initiative and reach their full potential. This results in creating a healthier and more dynamic workplace environment.

How Employers Can Develop and Grow Inner Authority in Employees

Employers and workplace wellbeing practitioners can integrate Inner Authority into workplace wellbeing efforts by:

• Encouraging a Growth Mindset – Providing learning? and development opportunities help employees grow and develop trust in their ability to adapt and grow.
• Fostering Psychological Safety – Create a workplace environment where employees feel safe to express ideas, ask questions and make mistakes without fear of rejection and retribution.
• Promoting Decision-Making Autonomy – Giving employees more control over their work and responsibilities allows them to develop confidence in their own judgment.
• Teaching Boundary-Setting Skills – Offering training on boundary setting, assertiveness and work-life balance helps employees maintain healthy boundaries.
• Supporting Personal Reflection & Self-Mastery – Encouraging and supporting practices like coaching, mentorship, visioning or journaling can help employees develop self-awareness and strengthen their Inner Core.

Adding A New Dimension To Employee Wellbeing

As the concept and constructs of employee wellbeing continue to evolve, addressing all the levels of what it means to be human, including Inner Authority, must be part of the conversation. The essence of what it means to be human can no longer be overlooked and underappreciated. When employees trust themselves, set boundaries and take ownership of their work, they not only enhance their own wellbeing, but also contribute to a more engaged, productive and psychologically healthy workplace.

By supporting the development of employee Inner Authority, employers move beyond today’s predominant surface-level or How-To health and wellbeing programming. This results in a workplace environment and organizational culture where wellbeing, trust, autonomy, resilience and high performance are the norm. This creates a win for the individual employee, the team or work unit, the leaders and managers and the organization as a whole. Everybody wins!????