Organisational Wellbeing: Framework for Universal Wellbeing

Balance financial health, environmental respect, and stakeholder wellbeing through holistic "dharma" for sustainable success.

Organisational Wellbeing: Framework for Universal Wellbeing

Balance financial health, environmental respect, and stakeholder wellbeing through holistic "dharma" for sustainable success.

Introduction

Organisational wellbeing refers to the overall health, performance, and effectiveness of an organisation. It is also an essential path to global wellbeing as individual organisations collectively impact the universe. The concept of wellbeing is different from success and for that matter financial success. An organisation can be financially very successful, but in the process may have significantly harmed the environment through its actions. Therefore, wellbeing is not about financial performance alone but goes beyond performance to help generate sustainable performance. Ultimately the aim of every organisation should be to collectively contribute positively to universal wellbeing.

3 Swirls Image

Sustainable organisational wellness requires a holistic approach. If one aspect is missing, then the others cannot be sustained for long. The framework for organisational wellbeing is developed using the concept of “dharma” which means doing the right thing, not just to oneself, but to the whole universe. It offers guidance for conducting business or operations that applies to all types of organisations. Replicating, the “Dharma Chakra”, the three swirls of the framework represents suppliers, employees, and customers. They are the three jewels of any organisation as suppliers, employees, and customers are three key stakeholders essential to the success of any organisation. Each plays a critical role in the organisation’s ecosystem, and maintaining healthy relationships with all three is vital for sustained growth, efficiency, and profitability. Representing the eight spokes along the wheel of a “Dharma Chakra”, is the eight-fold path an organisation could follow for overall wellness.

The world faces significant challenges such as depression, natural disasters, extreme poverty, unhappiness, hunger, geopolitical disputes, aggression, inequality, physical and mental health issues, stress, lack of trust, and selfishness. A holistic approach to organisational wellbeing is required to build resilience and ensure wellbeing of every human, living organism, and our physical environment. For universal wellbeing to be achieved, both individuals and organisations need to be in a state of balance, where the needs of people and the planet are met without compromising future generations.

Wheel of organisational wellbeing FEEDLGCS

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Organisational life cycle and implementation of FEEDLGCS

The life cycle of an organisation typically follows several stages as it evolves, similar to the life cycle of a living organism. Irrespective of the stage in the life cycle, an organisation is expected to implement the framework based on FEEDLGCS effectively and efficiently. Organisations could adopt and embrace the eightfold path to wellbeing. It can be part of their charter. As organisations practice and implement the fold path to wellbeing, their performance will improve with time as they experience cultural change. However, the intensity and the scope of application would vary depending on the life cycle stage. For example, a start-up organisation is not expected to make profit but should have consistent cash flow to ensure its commitment to ongoing projects, and payments to suppliers and employees.

Start Up

The organisation is newly formed, focusing on product development, funding, customer base, and ethical governance amid market uncertainties.

Growth

As the organisation scales, it experiences rapid growth, formalizes operations, and manages complexity. It must maintain financial health, ethical governance, and responsibility to society and the environment.

Maturity

Stable organisations with steady growth and strong market positions must innovate, maintain revenue, and uphold wellbeing.

Decline

Organisations facing growth slowdown must explore new markets or products, while maintaining financial responsibility, ethical governance, and societal respect.

Individual wellbeing - organisational wellbeing - universal wellbeing

The connection between individual wellbeing, organisational wellbeing, and universal wellbeing is deeply intertwined, as each level influences the others. Individual wellbeing fosters better performance and collaboration, strengthening organisational wellbeing. Healthy organisations, in turn, contribute to universal wellbeing by engaging in responsible business practices and community engagement, which elevate societal welfare. When individuals experience high levels of wellbeing, they are more productive, motivated, and engaged. This positive state contributes to organisational wellbeing by fostering a healthy work environment, better collaboration, and higher performance. By ensuring that both individuals and organisations are in a state of balance, the resulting alignment supports sustainable development and long-term societal progress. In contrast, when either individuals or organisations suffer, it can lead to broader issues that compromise universal wellbeing, such as social tensions, environmental harm, and health crises. At the universal level, the collective wellbeing of individuals contributes to societal and global health, improving quality of life, reducing social tensions, and promoting sustainable development. An organisation that prioritises wellbeing ensures its employees are supported, leading to greater employee satisfaction and productivity. This positive cycle feeds back into individual wellbeing, as employees feel valued and motivated. On a broader scale, organisations with a focus on wellbeing contribute to societal welfare through ethical business practices, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and sustainable operations, which align with universal wellbeing goals like reducing inequality and promoting environmental sustainability. Therefore, universal wellbeing depends on the health of individuals and organisations. For universal wellbeing to be achieved, both individuals and organisations need to be in a state of balance, where the needs of people and the planet are met without compromising future generations.

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Dr. Mukesh Garg

Founder