Introducing our WellBeing Wheel

I have been asked many a time what are elements of well-being and why are there six? The truth is they are called many things (components, categories, parts, etc.) and there aren’t necessarily six elements …there can be as many or as few as we want to define.

Let’s start with why we chose to call them “elements”. First, we wanted some consistency in how we talked about well-being. Second, we felt the definition of element fit well. By definition, element means “a part or aspect of something abstract, especially one that is essential or characteristic; a distinct group within a larger group or community”. We truly felt each element is essential, but we also knew we couldn’t have the whole (person) without all of them. And, it aligned with our guiding principles to “support people from the whole is greater than the sum of its parts” philosophy and to recognize the importance and value of all elements of well-being!

Then, for ISU WellBeing, we took a look at what you (the employee) wanted, what we (as an institution) wanted to create, and aligned those with university priorities. From there, we settled on the six found in our well-being wheel. We started with the four core elements (mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional) as defined long ago by Elizabeth Kubler-Ross. Then we included financial and community to truly embrace all aspects of one’s well-being and to align more fully with current research by Gallup.

Bottom line, to create conditions in which well-being and healthy lifestyles can thrive in our every day, we needed to look beyond physical health. As we continue this shift from wellness to well-being and expand services through ISU WellBeing, we will provide support and encouragement in all elements, hence the individual tabs. That way, regardless of where you are on your adventure, we will have something to support and encourage you along the way!