From me to we: The everyday habits that build a healthier workplace

We do not experience work alone. Our day is shaped by the people around us: how we speak, how we listen, what we notice, and what we ignore.

That shared experience is called collective wellbeing. It is the shared emotional and psychological health of a team or workplace. It is shaped by how people work together, the team's norms, the workplace culture, and shared experiences.

Here is what matters most: collective well-being affects each of us, and each of us can shape it.

Why collective wellbeing matters

One person’s behaviour can ripple through a team, either positively or negatively. A warm greeting can lift the tone of a shift. Taking time to listen can help someone feel supported. A dismissive comment can shut someone down. Small moments add up.

Collective well-being is a shared responsibility. It is not something only leaders create, or only organizations “do.” Each person can make a meaningful difference in the space that affects them every day.

Think of it like a community garden

Collective well-being is like a community garden. If each person tends their patch, the garden thrives, and everyone benefits. If patches are neglected, weeds spread, flowers do not bloom, and everyone feels the impact.

Shared spaces need shared care.

A lived practice, not just a policy

Organizations create policies, set expectations, and introduce initiatives. But collective well-being becomes real through everyday choices. It is a lived practice, not just a policy.

Culture is built in ordinary moments:

• How we respond when someone is stressed
• Whether we include people who are new or feel isolated
• Whether we listen or rush past someone
• Whether we show compassion or judgment towards others

Individual and collective well-being support each other

Individual well-being and collective well-being are connected. Being part of a healthy workplace supports your individual well-being. When individuals are well, they are better able to contribute to a healthy, supportive workplace.

Collective wellbeing does not mean there will never be conflict or hard moments. Those are inevitable. It means there is more support to soften the impact, and the team is better positioned to work through tough times together.

Collective wellbeing is a lived practice, shaped by how we speak, listen, include, and check in with each other, especially when things get hard. 

Example: If a coworker seems unusually quiet, you could check in with: “Hey, I noticed you seem quiet today, how are you doing?” You do not need to fix the problem. You are showing the person they matter.

What will you do today?

What will you do today to support the collective wellbeing of your workplace? Choose one small action and try it today.