Prioritizing Eco-friendly Growth and Emphasizing Employee Mental and Physical Health in the Workplace
In the pursuit of a healthier and happier society, the focus is shifting beyond economic and clinical data to encompass the quality of relationships, social trust, stress management, work-life balance, and satisfaction in various aspects of life. This holistic approach, known as psychophysical well-being, is considered a valuable element for evaluating the health of society.
Recently, the Order of Psychologists of Lombardy, CNOP - National Council of Psychologists, and the Adriano Ossicini Foundation of the Psychological Profession have joined the ASviS - Italian Alliance for Sustainable Development network, signifying a shared commitment to this cause.
New metrics and models are being developed to measure psychophysical well-being in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda. These developments involve several key elements:
1. Psychological well-being serves as a foundation for promoting sustainable behaviours, but it is often hindered by economic and cognitive barriers. Therefore, metrics should account for these factors.
2. The SDGs emphasize a holistic approach to well-being, including psychophysical health, which involves both psychological and physical aspects. Metrics should reflect this comprehensive view.
3. The 2030 Agenda encompasses 17 goals, each with specific targets. Metrics for psychophysical well-being should align with these goals, particularly those related to health (SDG 3), education (SDG 4), and well-being (SDG 8).
4. Innovative interventions, such as computer game therapy, which can enhance motor, cognitive, and relational skills, are being considered to promote psychophysical well-being.
5. Research on sleep and memory reactivation suggests that interventions targeting aversive memories can enhance psychological health, providing a novel area for metrics development.
6. The use of machine learning models to predict psychological states and provide insights into psychophysical well-being is also being explored.
Ensuring the psychophysical well-being of workers and citizens is a significant challenge for companies and institutions. A new approach is needed, one that integrates well-being assessment interventions into HR policies, workplace psychoeducation programs, listening stations, and regular internal climate monitoring.
A measure that expresses quality of life, well-being, and happiness needs to be found. Interestingly, the Harvard Study of Adult Development, which began in 1938 and is still ongoing, confirms that the quality of interpersonal relationships is the most reliable predictor of long-term happiness and health.
Valentina Di Mattei, president of the Order of Psychologists of Lombardy, explains that evaluating psychophysical well-being requires a multidimensional perspective, considering economic, cognitive, and technological factors. Awareness of this challenge is growing, but the context is often characterized by transformation rhythms that are too slow.
It is crucial to note that the creation of value should not be limited to profit economics. Psychology can offer validated tools to monitor these dimensions, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of well-being and happiness. The alignment of these evaluations with the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda underscores the importance of this work in creating a healthier, happier, and more sustainable world.
The science of workplace wellness should incorporate mental health and health-and-wellness practices into the evaluation of psychophysical well-being, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the holistic approach of psychophysical well-being. In this new approach, metrics should cover economic, cognitive, and technological factors to ensure the well-being of workers and citizens, reflecting the comprehensive view of well-being promoted by the SDGs.
