5.2 Describe factors that positively and negatively influence own wellbeing

This guide will help you answer 5.2 Describe factors that positively and negatively influence own wellbeing.

As a manager or leader in adult care, your wellbeing affects both your performance and the quality of care. Many different factors shape your sense of wellbeing at work and in your personal life. Positive factors can support you to stay healthy, happy, and motivated. Negative influences can lead to stress, low mood, or physical health problems. Being aware of these influences helps you take action to maintain your wellbeing.

Physical Health

Physical health is the foundation of wellbeing. Good physical health gives you energy, focus, and stamina.

Positive influences:

• Regular exercise such as walking, swimming, or cycling
• Balanced diet with fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Adequate sleep (7-9 hours per night for adults)
• Access to regular health checks and screenings
• Managing chronic conditions with support from healthcare professionals

Negative influences:

• Poor diet high in sugar or fat
• Lack of physical activity
• Insufficient sleep or disturbed sleep patterns
• Unmanaged long-term health issues
• Ignoring symptoms or putting off medical appointments

A leader who looks after their body can manage stress and lead by example. Ignoring physical health needs, or working through sickness, may result in lower work quality and more absences.

Mental and Emotional Health

How you think and feel shapes your wellbeing. Emotional health involves being able to handle stress, recognise your feelings, and seek support when you need it.

Positive influences:

• Access to supervision and reflective practice
• Supportive professional networks
• Positive relationships with colleagues
• Regular breaks during the working day
• Opportunities for self-expression and talking about feelings

Negative influences:

• High stress levels without healthy coping strategies
• Bullying or poor team relationships
• Excessive workload or unclear expectations
• Feeling undervalued or unappreciated
• Not enough support or isolated working

Mental health problems such as anxiety or depression often affect care leaders, especially when workloads increase or team issues arise. Addressing these factors early can help you stay resilient.

Social Connection

Connections with others build your sense of belonging and self-worth.

Positive influences:

• Effective communication with your team and managers
• Positive, open workplace culture
• Support from friends, family, or peer groups
• Involvement in social or community activities

Negative influences:

• Conflict at work, such as disputes or negative gossip
• Feelings of isolation or exclusion from the team
• Poor communication, such as mixed messages or lack of feedback
• Lack of contact with people outside work

Being part of a supportive network helps buffer stress. If a manager feels isolated, they may struggle to motivate themselves and their team.

Work-Life Balance

Work-life balance means managing job demands without sacrificing your personal life or wellbeing.

Positive influences:

• Flexible working patterns or shift swaps
• Support for family responsibilities (such as childcare help)
• Encouragement to take annual leave or rest breaks
• Clear guidance on overtime and expectations

Negative influences:

• Regularly working beyond contracted hours
• Carrying work-related worries home
• Inability to take or book annual leave when needed
• No boundary between work and personal time

Leaders can set a positive example regarding boundaries. Consistently poor balance leads to exhaustion and possible burnout.

Professional Development

Opportunities for learning and growth help leaders feel competent and valued.

Positive influences:

• Continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities
• Fair access to training or qualifications
• Regular supervision and appraisal
• Constructive feedback that recognises achievements

Negative influences:

• Limited or no access to relevant training
• Skills not being recognised or used
• No feedback or support for development
• Feeling ‘stuck’ with no opportunity to progress

Leaders who develop their skills feel greater confidence and satisfaction. Neglect in this area can lead to demotivation or leaving the sector.

Organisational Culture

The culture of your workplace is made up of values, expectations, and how people behave.

Positive influences:

• Open, honest communication at all levels
• Supportive, approachable senior staff
• Recognition of individual and team achievements
• Policies that support dignity and respect

Negative influences:

• Lack of support from senior leaders
• Unclear or unrealistic expectations
• Workplace bullying, harassment, or discrimination
• Lack of recognition or rewards for hard work

Culture affects whether you feel able to speak up about concerns or mistakes. Positive culture allows you to flourish. Negative culture increases stress and impacts health.

Personal Values and Meaning

Feeling that your work has purpose is important for wellbeing. When your personal values align with those of your organisation, it supports engagement and satisfaction.

Positive influences:

• Pride in your work and its impact on others
• Opportunities to contribute to decision-making
• Alignment between personal and organisational values
• Being recognised for your ethical standards

Negative influences:

• Witnessing poor practice or ethical concerns
• Feeling pressure to compromise on your values
• No opportunity to contribute to wider decisions
• Working in a culture where values are not respected

Clashes between values and practice can cause inner conflict or ‘moral distress’. This has a strong impact on wellbeing if not addressed.

Financial Security

Money worries cause stress for many people in adult care.

Positive influences:

• Fair pay and financial incentives
• Access to pension schemes and benefits
• Support with unexpected expenses (such as hardship loans)

Negative influences:

• Low pay for responsibility level
• Delays in payment or issues with payroll
• No support with work-related costs (such as travel)
• Anxiety about job security or redundancy

Without financial security, it is hard to focus fully on work or rest at home.

Environment

Both the physical and psychological environment at work affect how you feel.

Positive influences:

• Clean, comfortable workspace with access to facilities
• Quiet areas for breaks or reflection
• Access to resources such as computers, phones, or PPE
• Safe environment free from hazards

Negative influences:

• Noisy, cramped, or dirty workspace
• Poor lighting or ventilation
• Broken equipment that is not replaced
• Lack of facilities for staff (such as toilets or kitchens)
• Unsafe environment, with risk of violence or accidents

The right environment helps leaders perform well. Problems with the environment can increase stress and affect health.

Workload and Demands

The right balance between challenge and capacity is important.

Positive influences:

• Manageable workload that matches your skills
• Clear delegation of responsibility
• Support to prioritise tasks
• Regular reviews of team structure and resources

Negative influences:

• Unrealistic targets or too many responsibilities
• Covering for absences long-term without support
• No breaks between meetings or tasks
• Sudden changes in workload without notice

Too much pressure leads to mistakes, exhaustion, and low morale. Recognising when demand becomes excessive helps you seek support.

Recognising and Responding to the Signs

Being aware of the factors influencing your wellbeing is the first step. Notice any changes in your mood, behaviour, energy, or relationships. Managers should watch for signs such as:

• Feeling tired or ‘on edge’ most days
• Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
• Withdrawing from social contact
• Increased use of alcohol, caffeine, or medication
• Feeling irritable, anxious, or low

Sharing concerns with a trusted colleague or supervisor can help. Using formal support systems, such as Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP), can be helpful. Building routines for self-care, such as regular exercise or mindfulness, makes a big difference to wellbeing.

Strategies to Maintain and Promote Wellbeing

Simple steps can help you maintain positive wellbeing. For example:

• Building positive relationships with colleagues
• Setting clear boundaries between work and home
• Taking regular breaks and using annual leave
• Seeking feedback from others on your work
• Using reflective practice to process emotions and events
• Accessing support for physical or mental health
• Developing outside interests or hobbies

If you feel your wellbeing is affected, speak up early. Small changes can add up to a big difference.

Final Thoughts

Many factors influence your wellbeing as a care leader. Positive influences fill you with energy, purpose, and satisfaction. Negative influences drain your reserves and may lead to stress or ill health. By understanding and responding to these factors, you boost your resilience and the effectiveness of your team. Recognise when you need to take action. Make positive changes where you can and seek support when needed. Your own wellbeing is as important as the care you support others to give.