When basic psychological or mental fitness needs are met within daily corporate routines and relationships, employees experience a greater sense of personal well-being, demonstrate higher levels of motivation, and perform optimally when addressing personal and work-related challenges and goals. According to current evidence, mental fitness needs are associated with relatedness (inclusion and connectedness), competency (recognition, worth and meaningful use of strengths), and autonomy-support (engagement respect, and participation in problem-solving processes).
When mental fitness needs are met within workplace environments, people are more likely to be engaged, to be motivated to initiate and embrace personal life changes, and to perform at their best in individual and team workplace activities. In contrast, the absence of mental fitness practices within organizations can potentially contribute to increased employee and organizational stress related to feelings of isolation, lack of recognition, perceptions of limited choice or self-doubt, diminished trust in relationships, and even unsupportive peer interactions. Such stresses can lead to a loss in focus and productivity, as well as increased absenteeism, and can contribute over time to increased conflict and more intensified social and emotional concerns for employees and their organizations.
Embedding mental fitness practices is foundational to the psychological well-being of employees. In other words, helping individuals be at their best in both their workplace and life contexts contributes to resilient people and environments. When people are at their best within their workplace settings, they are more likely to feel connected, valued and engaged as team members, even exceeding organizational goals and commitments.
Relatedness refers to the need for connection or closeness to family, peers, and other significant individuals. Fulfillment of this need requires interaction with others, membership in groups, and support and encouragement.
Competency refers to the need for recognition and using personal gifts and strengths in achieving goals. Fulfillment of this need provides individuals with a sense of personal achievement and accomplishment.
Autonomy support refers to the need for personal freedom to make choices or decisions. When this need is satisfied in conjunction with other need areas, freedom and choice are expressed in ways in which respect is demonstrated for self and others.
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