The First Dimension: Emotional Wellbeing at Work
When we talk about “wellbeing” in the workplace, we’re not just talking about standing desks and mental health days. True wellbeing is multidimensional.
At Nimble Up, we define wellbeing across 8 interconnected dimensions: emotional, physical, social, intellectual, spiritual, environmental, occupational, and financial. When one is struggling, the others usually feel it too.
This week, we’re starting with the emotional layer, which can serve as the foundation for personal and organizational resilience.
What Is Emotional Wellbeing?
Emotional wellbeing is the ability to recognize, manage, and express emotions in ways that are healthy and productive.
As the American Psychological Association defines it, emotional wellbeing hinges on resilience: our capacity to bounce back from challenge, failure, or change without shutting down or burning out.
What It Looks Like on the Job
When emotional wellbeing is strong, it shows up in small but meaningful ways across the workday:
You can name and talk about how you’re feeling (beyond just “fine”).
You manage stress without it taking down your whole day.
You face hard conversations without avoiding or spiraling.
You extend self-compassion when mistakes happen.
You show up with empathy and patience for others—even when things get hard.
Emotionally resilient leaders create space for their teams to be human, not just productive, and that builds trust, loyalty, and sustainable performance.
What to Watch For
In high-pressure environments, emotional wellbeing is often the first dimension to falter and one of the last to get attention. Here are some signs it may need support:
Mood swings or emotional numbness
Avoiding conflict or hard conversations
Constant multitasking to avoid “feeling”
Escalating frustration, anxiety, or detachment
Self-talk that sounds more like a drill sergeant than a coach
These aren’t flaws. They’re signals. And noticing them is the first step to restoring balance for yourself and your team.
Next up: Physical Wellbeing (and why it matters beyond office step count challenges).