Prioritising Subjective Well-being and Health: Outcomes for the Workplace

Abstract

Poor health and well-being have led to less productive employees, lower quality decisions and higher levels of absenteeism. Physical activity, psychological well-being, general health and happiness are constructs that all influence a person’s overall well-being in their professional and personal lives. This quantitative study investigated the impact of general health and psychological well-being on happiness of cyclists in Namibia that took part in the Nedbank Cycle Challenge 2019 (n=160). Making use of descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and regression analysis the data was analysed. This study found a relationship between somatic symptoms, anxiety/insomnia, social dysfunction (general health), personal relations (psychological well-being) and happiness. Regression analysis identified that personal relations (positively), social dysfunction and anxiety/insomnia (negatively) predicted happiness of cyclists in Namibia. Interventions for employees such as team building and emotional intelligence training are needed to increase personal relations between colleagues, subordinates and supervisors. It is suggested that there is a need for an increase in awareness regarding the benefits of exercise since this may have a positive impact on employees, reducing absenteeism, improving productivity, work engagement and organisational commitment. Employees and organisations need to prioritise psychological and physical well-being of all employees to ensure longevity, quality of life and organisational prosperity.