Supporting wellbeing at work

Practical ways for companies and employees

Work shouldn’t be just about getting things done. When everyday life leaves room for well‑being, you have more energy, recover faster, and approach your tasks with a sense of joy. Workplace well‑being is the foundation that supports both your own health and the success of your entire team.

Nowadays, more and more companies understand that employee well‑being is essential for building sustainable business. But staying well at work isn’t only the employer’s responsibility. You have many ways to influence your own well‑being every day. We’ve gathered practical tools and tips that can help you strengthen your resilience and increase your job satisfaction.

The core pillars of sustaining wellbeing at work

Staying well at work means being able to handle everyday tasks and pressures without constant fatigue or a sense of exhaustion. It’s not only about physical endurance, but also about mental balance and resilience. Good well‑being requires habits and practices that support stress management, recovery, and sufficient energy regulation. The ability to manage your workload, set boundaries, and find ways to unwind after the workday is a key element in maintaining long‑term well‑being at work.

When wellbeing at work is on a good level, the effects show up in many practical ways:

• Calmness in the midst of pressure: Employees are able to maintain peace of mind even when schedules tighten or task lists grow. This helps prevent overstimulation and improves decision‑making.
• More effective problem‑solving: A calm mind and good stress management support creative thinking and the ability to find solutions even under pressure.
• Faster recovery from setbacks: When internal resources are strong, recovery from stressful situations is quicker, and individual setbacks don’t weaken overall work energy for long.
• A balanced relationship between work and free time: Good well‑being makes it easier to separate work from leisure so that both have their own space. This helps prevent chronic stress and supports long‑term work ability.

Supporting wellbeing at work doesn’t benefit only the individual its impact extends widely to work performance and the functioning of the entire workplace community. When employees feel well, the quality of work improves, mistakes decrease, and there is more flexibility and willingness to collaborate. Internal motivation grows, which shows up as initiative, perseverance, and a desire to develop one’s work.

Strong wellbeing at work also creates a solid foundation for a sustainable career. When work supports both mental and physical endurance, a positive cycle emerges: work feels meaningful, experiences of success increase, and daily work brings more joy and satisfaction.

Practical strategies for strengthening well‑being at work

1. Keep your workload manageable

Why this matters: An excessive workload inevitably leads to stress and exhaustion, as constant busyness activates the body’s stress system. Over time, this can weaken concentration, memory, and decision‑making, and increase health risks such as sleep disturbances and heart conditions. A manageable workload helps you maintain your functional capacity and mental flexibility, which in turn supports both the quality of your work and your overall wellbeing.

Practical tips:

• Create a daily task list and prioritise items into three categories: essential, important, and can wait.

•  Schedule empty space in your calendar for breaks. Even a single 10‑minute pause helps.

• Learn to say no politely but firmly: “This sounds interesting, but my schedule is full at the moment.”

2. Set clear boundaries between work and free time

Why this matters: Without clear boundaries, work and free time start to blend together, leaving too little room for recovery. After an active work phase, the brain needs enough rest and different kinds of stimulation to process the information gathered during the day and to recharge. If work matters spill into your free time, stress hormone levels remain high, increasing the risk of chronic stress and burnout. Clear boundaries support recovery, improve sleep quality, and strengthen motivation.

Practicaltips: 

• Agree with yourself on a clear “end‑of‑workday time” and stick to it.

• Turn off your work email outside working hours. You can also use an automatic reply: “I will respond to your message on the next working day.”
• Create a transition ritual at the end of your day. Good examples include a short walk outside, a cup of coffee without your phone, or writing a brief journal entry.

3. Invest in relationships at the workplace

Why this matters: Good social connections at work build a sense of belonging and trust, both of which are essential sources of wellbeing. Feeling connected protects against stress, reduces experiences of loneliness or exclusion, and increases the sense of meaning at work. Strong relationships also improve collaboration and help manage conflicts, making everyday work smoother and less draining.

• Start each week by asking one colleague how they’re doing. It can be a short and light conversation, but it builds connection.
• Give positive feedback at least once a week – even small successes are worth acknowledging.
• Take part in shared moments such as coffee breaks or informal workplace events whenever possible. Still, remember your own wellbeing and participate according to your energy levels.

4. Make use of career development opportunities

Why this matters: Professional growth increases the sense of meaning at work and helps maintain internal motivation. When you learn new things and see yourself progressing, it strengthens your sense of control over your work and boosts confidence. Learning new skills also builds resilience — the ability to adapt to change — which is essential in today’s rapidly evolving working life. Without opportunities to grow, work can start to feel monotonous and meaningless, increasing the risk of disengagement or burnout.

• Make a list of the skills you want to develop over the next year.
• Find and book one training session, webinar, or course each quarter.
• Ask your supervisor for feedback regularly and discuss your next development steps together.

5. Recognise early signs of burnout

Why this matters: Burnout often develops gradually and can go unnoticed, and the further the symptoms progress, the harder recovery becomes. Recognising early stress signals such as irritability, withdrawal, difficulty concentrating, and a decline in work quality gives you the chance to address the situation before the strain becomes unmanageable. When spotted early, burnout can be halted with short breaks, reorganising work tasks, and seeking support, which helps prevent more serious health consequences.

• Have a small weekly self‑check: how am I feeling? Have I noticed irritability, withdrawal, or difficulty concentrating?
• If you notice signs, take a short break — for example, an extended weekend — and see whether the symptoms ease.
• Talk early with your supervisor or occupational safety representative if your workload feels overwhelming.

Everyday wellbeing: practical tips

1. Take micro‑breaks: a 5‑minute pause every hour

Why this works:

Short breaks prevent cognitive overload, improve concentration, and reduce static strain on the body. During breaks, the brain’s energy reserves are replenished, which enhances cognitive performance and overall stamina.

Practical example: Set a reminder on your phone or smartwatch to prompt you to stand up once an hour. Get a glass of water, look out the window, or do a few light stretches at your workstation.

2. Remember recovery: spend time outdoors, enjoy nature, or do light exercise

Why this works:

Natural environments and light physical activity, such as walking, lower stress hormone levels, improve mood, and support the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for calming the body and promoting recovery.

Practical example:

Set aside a 15‑minute walk in the afternoon in a nearby forest, park, or simply along your street. Leave your phone and headphones at home and let your senses rest in the sounds and scenery of nature.

3. Calm your evenings: switch off screens early and give your mind time to detach from work

Why this works:

Blue light from screens reduces melatonin production, making it harder to fall asleep and lowering sleep quality. Thinking about work late in the evening also keeps the stress response active, preventing the body from shifting into a recovery state.

Practical example:

Set a personal “digital cutoff” for example, after 8 p.m. Turn off your computer and phone, and spend the rest of the evening reading a book, doing gentle stretching, or listening to calming music.

4. Make time for joy: do something you enjoy every day

Why this works:

Positive emotions  such as joy, curiosity, and gratitude activate the brain’s reward systems, increasing vitality and mental resilience. Moments of joy also help balance stress responses and strengthen your capacity to cope.

Practical example:

Write a list of things that bring you joy, such as listening to your favourite music, painting, chatting with a friend, or gardening. Choose one item from the list to do each day. Sustaining your energy at work requires daily choices that build long‑term wellbeing and balance in your life.

Take small steps: look after your recovery, set clear boundaries for your working hours, and develop your strengths. By taking care of your own wellbeing, you’re also building a better future for yourself and your whole team.

Edenred’s employee benefits are concrete ways to support everyday wellbeing at work. Proactive investment in wellbeing improves stamina, reduces sick leave, and strengthens the organisation’s overall ability to adapt to change.

Explore Edenred’s services that enhance work ability and start building a better everyday work life today!

Frequently asked questions

How can I tell whether my workload is harmful or manageable?

Workload is a natural part of working life, but its impact depends on its intensity and duration. Harmful workload often shows up as persistent fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and sleep problems. If you notice these signs, it’s important to assess your situation and discuss possible adjustments with your supervisor or occupational health services.

When is the right time to seek help to prevent burnout?

It’s wise to seek help as soon as you notice early signs of burnout, such as constant tiredness, declining motivation, or growing cynicism toward your work. Early intervention can prevent the situation from worsening. Occupational health services, your supervisor, and the workplace safety representative are all people you can turn to for support.

How can an employer support employee wellbeing in practice?

Employers can promote wellbeing by offering flexible working arrangements, ensuring good ergonomics, holding regular development discussions, and providing opportunities for skill development. Open communication and involving employees in decision‑making also strengthen engagement and wellbeing.

Can you fully recover from burnout, and how does recovery happen?

Yes, full recovery from burnout is possible, but it takes time and often requires changes both at work and in personal life. Recovery may include reorganising work tasks, supporting rest and recovery, taking sick leave if needed, and seeking professional help such as therapy.

How does remote work affect wellbeing, and what should be considered?

Remote work offers flexibility but can blur the boundaries between work and free time, which may increase strain. It’s important to maintain clear working hours, take regular breaks, and ensure social connection with colleagues — for example through virtual coffee breaks.

Does your company already offer employee benefits?