The definition of wellbeing is a little amorphous depending on what study or book you are reading and the perspective of each particular author: At Ascent Coaching and Training we take the following approach to defining wellbeing: Wellbeing is more than the absence of ill-health As the above image from Dodge (2012) illustrates, wellbeing is “transactional”: It involves a negotiation between an individual’s perceived social, emotional, psychological and physical resources and their perception of the particular challenges they face – be they emotional, psychological or physical. These challenges can occur in all areas of their life, including both their personal and work life. When an individual perceives that they have more challenges than resources in induces a stress response which alters their brain chemistry, with implications for the way they think and act. If not effectively managed it can impact both their work performance, ability to engage effectively with life and have detrimental effects on both their mental and physical health. According to the Global Wellness Institute’s 2016 Research Report, “The Future of Wellness at Work”: Of note in their report is the critical role played by leadership in attending both their own wellbeing needs and the needs of those they lead. There have been a number of tools developed over time to measure wellbeing, e.g.The Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) and the Subjective Well Being (SWB) assessment. These are widely used, particularly in research settings, less so in the corporate sector. In recent years an in-depth and nuanced measurement tool has been developed by E.E.K & Sense Partners called the Global Leadership Wellbeing SurveyTM. (GLWSTM) The GLWSTM is a purpose designed, evidence-based tool developed exclusively for leaders and their teams. It takes a holistic approach to individual wellness – Working Well and Living Well: This approach provides deep insights and actionable steps to support individual and team wellness and to support sustainable engaged and meaningful work and home life. Acknowledging the critical role played by leadership, The GLWSTM helps leaders and their teams tackle wellbeing priorities head on, providing expert advice, leadership coaching, support and encouragement every step of the way. Ascent Coaching is proud to an accredited provider of the GLWSTM . To find out more about this ground breaking approach to assessing wellness please and obtain some sample reports please contact us at: For more information on the history of the GLWSTM, and the evidence based approach used in its development please visit:
Wellbeing is multi-dimensional
Wellbeing is dynamic rather than stable – it fluctuates, but within a ‘set-range’
Wellbeing is subjective – it is an individual perception and perspective and therefore will vary from individual to individual
Why is Well-being Important?
Can Well-being be Measured?
