Supporting Employee Wellbeing from edX

Psychologically healthy workplaces are increasingly becoming a prerequisite for high performance. But how can organizations create workplaces that support and promote wellbeing among employees? Using psychological theories and the latest research, this course explores factors which promote wellbeing and create inclusive workplaces, where employees are able to perform at their best.

We will start by defining wellbeing and how it links to other concepts that we’ve discussed in the course, like engagement. We’ll talk about what factors promote wellbeing at work and how organizations can ensure these factors are in place.

Another key topic in this course is how to prevent stress and burnout, and we’ll spend our next section learning about what these concepts mean, how they are related to each other and to wellbeing, and how they can be prevented.

The concept of work-life balance is often discussed in media as an important factor, and we’ll take a good look at what this is, how it relates to wellbeing, and how it can be supported by organizations.

Next, we move on to psychological safety and inclusion, two related and increasingly important topics in the workplace. We’ll look at how to create psychologically safe workplaces and how this supports inclusion, and performance.

Finally, we’ll spend some time exploring the role of meaningful work for wellbeing, how employees can be supported in feeling like their jobs matter, and what employees can do themselves to feel better about their work.

This course is part of the UCx Micromasters in Organisational Psychology, each teaching key topics that will increase your knowledge about this exciting field. In order to qualify for the MicroMasters Credential you will need to earn a Verified Certificate in each of the five courses

What's inside

Learning objectives

Definitions of wellbeing, stress, psychological safety, work-life balance
Models of wellbeing and stress
How organizations can support wellbeing and minimize stress

How workplaces can create inclusion by focusing on psychological safety
How organizations can support work-life balance and the experience of meaning at work

Definitions of wellbeing, stress, psychological safety, work-life balance
Models of wellbeing and stress
How organizations can support wellbeing and minimize stress
How workplaces can create inclusion by focusing on psychological safety
How organizations can support work-life balance and the experience of meaning at work

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Introduces the concept of workplace wellbeing and its link to employee performance

Emphasizes the role of organizations in creating supportive and inclusive work environments

Provides practical strategies for preventing stress and burnout in the workplace

Addresses the concept of work-life balance and its impact on employee well-being

Explores the significance of psychological safety and inclusion in enhancing workplace performance

Highlights the importance of meaningful work for employee well-being and job satisfaction

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Supporting Employee Wellbeing with these activities:

Complete the 'Stress Reduction Techniques' online quiz

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Engaging with quizzes can help retain and deepen your understanding of key course material.

Browse courses on Stress Management

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Take the 'Stress Reduction Techniques' online quiz.
Review your answers and identify areas where you need improvement.

Join a study group to discuss course content and concepts

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Collaboration and peer instruction are powerful methods to strengthen your knowledge retention and deepen your understanding of complex material.

Browse courses on Organizational Psychology

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Form a study group with classmates or colleagues.
Meet regularly to discuss course content, share insights, and work on assignments together.

Review 'Positive Psychology: The Science of Happiness'

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This book provides an overview of the field of positive psychology which is directly relevant to the course.

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Read and take notes on the introduction and first chapter of the book.
Identify the main concepts and theories of positive psychology.
Reflect on how these concepts and theories relate to your own life and experiences.

Five other activities

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Attend a workshop on 'Creating a Psychologically Safe Workplace'

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Participating in workshops allows you to learn from experts, network with other professionals, and gain practical skills.

Browse courses on Psychological Safety

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Research and identify a reputable workshop on 'Creating a Psychologically Safe Workplace'.
Attend the workshop and actively participate in the discussions and activities.
Apply the knowledge and skills you gained from the workshop to your own workplace.

Create a blog post about the importance of psychological safety in the workplace

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This activity requires you to synthesize information from the course and apply it to a real-world scenario.

Browse courses on Psychological Safety

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Research the topic of psychological safety and its importance in the workplace.
Identify real-world examples of how psychological safety can impact employee performance and wellbeing.
Write a blog post that presents your findings and insights.

Volunteer at a local mental health organization

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Volunteering provides an opportunity to gain practical experience, apply your knowledge in a real-world setting, and contribute to your community.

Browse courses on Organizational Psychology

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Research and identify a reputable local mental health organization.
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Volunteer your time and assist with their programs and services.

Complete the 'Mindfulness for Work' online course

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This course offers practical techniques for managing stress and promoting wellbeing which directly aligns with course content.

Browse courses on Mindfulness

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Enroll in the 'Mindfulness for Work' online course.
Complete all the lessons and exercises in the course.
Apply the mindfulness techniques you learn in your daily life and at work.

Develop a wellbeing plan for your workplace

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This activity allows you to apply your knowledge from the course to a practical scenario and make a meaningful contribution to your workplace.

Browse courses on Organizational Psychology

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Research best practices for promoting wellbeing in the workplace.
Identify the specific needs and challenges of your workplace.
Develop a comprehensive wellbeing plan that addresses the identified needs and challenges.
Present your plan to your manager or HR department.

Career center

Learners who complete Supporting Employee Wellbeing will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Chief Wellbeing Officer

The role of a Chief Wellbeing Officer is to lead an organization's efforts to promote and support employee wellbeing. By completing this course, you will gain a deep understanding of the factors that contribute to employee wellbeing, as well as the strategies and interventions that can be used to create a more supportive and inclusive workplace. This will give you the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Wellbeing Officer

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Manager

EAP Managers oversee employee assistance programs, which provide confidential counseling and support services to employees. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to understand the needs of employees, develop and implement effective EAP programs, and evaluate their effectiveness. This will give you the foundation you need to be successful in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Manager

Human Resources Manager

HR Managers are responsible for a wide range of tasks that relate to employee wellbeing, including recruiting, hiring, performance management, and compensation. By completing this course, you will gain a deeper understanding of the factors that contribute to employee wellbeing, as well as the strategies and interventions that organizations can use to create a more supportive and inclusive workplace. This will give you the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Manager

Organizational Development Manager

Organizational Development Managers are responsible for developing and implementing programs to improve organizational performance. By completing this course, you will gain a better understanding of the factors that contribute to employee wellbeing, as well as the strategies and interventions that organizations can use to create a more supportive and inclusive workplace. This will give you the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Organizational Development Manager

Work-Life Consultant

Work-Life Consultants help organizations to develop and implement programs that support employee work-life balance. By completing this course, you will gain a deep understanding of the factors that contribute to employee wellbeing, as well as the strategies and interventions that organizations can use to create a more supportive and inclusive workplace. This will give you the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Work-Life Consultant

Wellness Coach

Wellness Coaches help individuals and groups to improve their health and wellbeing. By completing this course, you will gain a deep understanding of the factors that contribute to employee wellbeing, as well as the strategies and interventions that can be used to create a more supportive and inclusive workplace. This will give you the foundation you need to be successful in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Wellness Coach

Occupational Health and Safety Manager

Occupational Health and Safety Managers are responsible for developing and implementing programs to protect employees from workplace hazards. By completing this course, you will gain a better understanding of the factors that contribute to employee wellbeing, as well as the strategies and interventions that organizations can use to create a safer and more supportive workplace. This will give you the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Occupational Health and Safety Manager

Psychologist

Psychologists work with individuals and groups to improve their mental health and well-being. By completing this course, you will gain a deep understanding of the factors that contribute to employee wellbeing, as well as the strategies and interventions that can be used to create a more supportive and inclusive workplace. This will give you the foundation you need to be successful in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Psychologist

Sociologist

Sociologists study the social behavior of humans. By completing this course, you may gain an understanding of the factors that contribute to employee wellbeing, as well as the strategies and interventions that organizations can use to create a more supportive and inclusive workplace. This may give you a foundation for a role as a sociologist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sociologist

Business Analyst

Business Analysts help organizations to improve their performance by identifying and solving business problems. By completing this course, you may gain an understanding of the factors that contribute to employee wellbeing, as well as the strategies and interventions that organizations can use to create a more supportive and inclusive workplace. This may give you a foundation for a role as a business analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Manager

Managers oversee the work of others and are responsible for achieving organizational goals. By completing this course, you may gain an understanding of the factors that contribute to employee wellbeing, as well as the strategies and interventions that organizations can use to create a more supportive and inclusive workplace. This may give you a foundation for a role as a manager.

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Teacher

Teachers educate and train students in a variety of academic subjects. By completing this course, you may gain an understanding of the factors that contribute to employee wellbeing, as well as the strategies and interventions that organizations can use to create a more supportive and inclusive workplace. This may give you a foundation for a role as a teacher.

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Consultant

Consultants help organizations to improve their performance by providing expert advice and guidance. By completing this course, you may gain an understanding of the factors that contribute to employee wellbeing, as well as the strategies and interventions that organizations can use to create a more supportive and inclusive workplace. This may give you a foundation for a role as a consultant.

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Nurse

Nurses provide care to patients in a variety of settings. By completing this course, you may gain an understanding of the factors that contribute to employee wellbeing, as well as the strategies and interventions that organizations can use to create a more supportive and inclusive workplace. This may give you a foundation for a role as a nurse.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nurse

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help organizations make informed decisions. By completing this course, you may gain an understanding of the factors that contribute to employee wellbeing, as well as the strategies and interventions that organizations can use to create a more supportive and inclusive workplace. This may give you a foundation for a role as a data analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst