The Well-being of Professionals in Public Sectors

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Running head: THE WELL-BEING OF PROFFESIONALS IN PUBLIC SECTORS
The Well-being of Professionals in Public Sectors
Student’s Name
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THE WELL-BEING OF PROFESSIONALS IN PUBLIC SECTORS
The well-being of an employee is quite ambiguous since it focuses on different areas that
helps him maintain an equilibrium between the resources he has and the challenges that comes
along his way (Nash 2014). Well-being of an employee can be classified into psychological,
physical and social well-being. It can be termed as the experience of an employee in a certain
organization, that is, if the employee feels a sense of satisfaction while doing the job. The extent
at which an employee feels as part and person of an organization can also help in determining his
well-being. Another key determinant of well-being of employees is the kind of relationship
between leaders and their juniors. This has a way of influencing how the employees view their
work. Let us focus on the nursing profession. It's a profession that demands a lot of commitment
from them. Their well-being has a direct effect not only to themselves but also to the patients
they handle daily (Kreitzer & Koithan 2014). This makes their well-being to a matter to be
considered important. What are their experiences? Do they feel they have enough resources to
counter the challenges they face daily? Are they satisfied in their profession? How is their
productivity? This are some of the question that can help in answering the question of their well-
being.
In New Zealand, the health sector seems to be unique. According to research, this country
has quite a long history of building a stable NHS. The nurses in this country depict a high sense
of satisfaction and their input toward building a stable NHS is evident (Hally 2009). Recently,
the country launched a health sector's strategy called ‘The New Zealand Health Strategy'. This
was a move aimed at defining the direction of the health sector in this country for a decade. The
nurses' response to this strategy was amazing. From the chief nursing officer, they interpreted it
in five simple guidelines. First, is to be people-centered so as to understand their needs and
desired results. Secondly was to take services closer to where people are located. This includes

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THE WELL-BEING OF PROFESSIONALS IN PUBLIC SECTORS
workplaces and homes for more convenience. Thirdly, the nurses also hold on valuable and high-
performance healthcare services. Fourthly, the nurses believe that they are one team and they
will work to enhance their relationship at work. Lastly, they have decided to be at the forefront in
embracing the new technology so as to cope with the world's new trends. This clearly indicates a
high level of satisfaction among the nursing profession. Countries such as the UK can learn so
much from New Zealand should they consider to emulate their model ensuring well-being in the
health sector (Tschudin & Davis 2008).
As indicated earlier, the well-being of an employee can take three directions. We will
start by understanding psychological well-being. This a state of fulfillment and satisfaction with
what one is doing. Some would term it as being happy with the profession (Chin 2012). In the
case of nursing, this kind of well-being can affect the relationship between a nurse and the
patient and also the relationship with other health professionals. It has been seen to help in
improving the level of employee performance and innovativeness. An organization which
considers the psychological well-being of their staffs tends to use programs that reduce
employees stress. This state of well-being can be enhanced by a number of activities. To begin
with, one has to accept and appreciate his or her profession and give the best out of it
(NSchwarz, Diener & Kahneman 1999). One has to feel that he is advancing as far as his
profession is concerned. He must be able to see that he is a better nurse today than she was
yesterday. There must be a certain state that this nurse wants to reach and this acts as a guide and
a motivator in his profession. One must also learn the art of developing a relationship with
others, especially in his field.
Social well-being is the extent someone feels as part of a certain group or even
environment. For a person to fully experience the full state of well-being, he must have the sense

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THE WELL-BEING OF PROFESSIONALS IN PUBLIC SECTORS
of belonging in that field (psFigart& Marangos, 2011). This kind of state is built on the
commonly shared values, traditions, beliefs, and norms. This link helps in one in upgrading his
profession and eventually improving the overall performance. They also bring happiness and
satisfaction in one's career. This state is enhanced by allowing an employee to join social groups
that will suit his needs at will. This was the major reasons for the introduction of trade unions.
They ensure that once social needs are taken care of accordingly. This could be working
conditions, entitlements or even appropriate remuneration for the work done. In the UK, the
Royal College of Nurses is one of the biggest union that stands in the front line of protecting,
supporting and advising nurses all across in the country (Ambrosio 2018).
The third face of the well-being of an employee is the physical well-being. This focuses
on the health of an employee. This helps an organization not to suffer from the effects brought
about by the bad health of the employees such as low productivity due to absenteeism (Bach &
Edwards 2013). For example in the health sector, the government can choose to introduce
programs that ensure nurses enjoy good health. This can be done by helping them access
healthcare and exercise facilities. It can also be done by giving appropriate meals. It is also
possible by introducing some affordable health plans such as NHIF in Kenya. An employee can
also be given free medical checkups from time to time to ensure they are in good health
conditions. In every year, every Kenyan nurse receives a leave to just rest away from work. This
is also a trend in many organizations in the quest for the physical wellness of their employees
(Eby & Allen 2012). It is worth noting that physical well-being is not the absence of an ailment
but it is measured by the strength required to easily perform a certain task.
Nurses find themselves in very tight programs that are likely to cause burnouts. Maybe
you are wondering what this is. It is a condition of extreme physical and mental exhaustion. It is