Shifting From Wellness at Work to Wellness in Work: Interrogating the Link Between Stress and Organization While Theorizing a Move Toward Wellness-in-Practice. (November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Harrison, Millie A.; Stephens, Keri K.
• Is Part Of: Management communication quarterly. Volume 33:Number 4(2019:Nov.)
• Page Start: 616
• Page End: 649
• Publication Date: 2019-11
• Subjects: workplace wellness -- whole-person approach -- stress -- practice theory -- wellness-in-practice -- overload -- health care; Communication in management -- Periodicals; Communication in organizations -- Periodicals; 658.4505
• DOI: 10.1177/0893318919862490
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0893-3189

Abstract

Guided by the theoretical underpinnings of the whole-person approach to wellness, we critique and adapt this framework to explain the combined complexities of organizational stress and wellness communication processes in a pediatric residency program. Using a qualitative, thematic analysis, we explore the link between employee stressors and participation in wellness resources found in a workplace wellness program (WWP). We find that despite good intentions, the organizational resources reproduced institutional norms, work, and stress, not wellness. Our findings suggest having a WWP that meets the four whole-person dimensions is not enough to ensure employee well-being and program success. Rather, WWPs must be connected to employees' daily experiences and address the structural constraints of work. We conclude by proffering wellness-in-practice, a practice-theory extension to the whole-person approach, which weaves wellness into the everyday fabric of organizational life and promotes meaningful connections between work, stress, and WWPs.