Healthy UNCG supports UNCG faculty and staff through connection, engagement, and listening to what people actually need. We meet employees where they are in their wellness — no expectations, no checklist. Wellness isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s flexible. Could be a walk, therapy, a social event, or just closing your office door for 10 minutes. We use the 8 dimensions of wellness to shape programming. The goal is a balanced, sustainable approach to well-being — not a forced version of “healthy.” Healthy UNCG is a resource — not a rulebook.
spartans Thrive: 8 Dimensions of Wellness
Well-being is the combination of what we think and feel about our lives; the experience of positive emotions such as happiness and contentment, as well as the development of one’s potential, having some control over one’s life, having a sense of purpose, experiencing positive relationships, and overall life satisfaction. At UNCG, we use the Eight Dimensions of Wellness as a framework for our life-long process of becoming aware of and making choices towards a healthy and fulfilling life.
Employee wellness is most effective when it considers multiple facets of wellbeing, often referred to as the 8 dimensions of wellness. These dimensions highlight that true wellness is holistic—it’s not just physical health, but also emotional, social, and professional balance.
Definition: The functional and operational soundness of the body to include nutrition, exercise, and sleep. Workplace examples: Fitness challenges, walking meetings, standing desks, access to wellness centers, health screenings.
Definition: An increased self-awareness, expression, and acceptance of a wide range of thoughts and feelings for ourselves and others. Workplace examples: Mindfulness programs, counseling resources, stress management workshops, employee assistance programs (EAP).
Definition: Our capacity to manage our financial resources to promote our autonomy and security. Workplace examples: Retirement planning resources, budgeting workshops, financial counseling, benefits education.
Definition: Being creative and engaging through stimulating mental activities that expand your knowledge and skills. Intellectual wellness helps you discover your personal gifts and how to share them with others. Workplace examples: Lunch-and-learn sessions, workshops, book clubs, innovation challenges.
Definition: Finding satisfaction and growth in your work; balancing career and personal life. Workplace examples: Professional development, skill-building workshops, recognition programs, flexible scheduling.
Definition: Living and working in a way that is respectful to surroundings, encourages us to live in harmony with the Earth by taking action to protect it, and promotes interaction with nature and your personal environment. Workplace examples: Ergonomic workspaces, clean and safe facilities, recycling programs, access to green spaces.
Definition: Finding purpose, meaning, and alignment with your values. A commitment to explore your cultural journey to recognize the benefits of embracing our background, as well as diversity and richness in other cultures. Workplace examples: Mindfulness sessions, reflective activities, access to meditation or prayer spaces, opportunities to engage in meaningful work.
Definition: The ability to successfully interact with people in our world. Participating and feeling connected to your community. Workplace examples: Team-building activities, social events, mentoring programs, networking opportunities.
