Vitality in the workplace:
a journey, not a destination
Blog by
Mariël Ganzeboom
I used to think that vitality was something very simple. I took advantage of the fruit basket in the canteen and our fitness voucher. Done, I could tick off being vital. Until I discovered what vitality really means: vitality is all in your mind.
What’s going on in your head?
It was only when I felt good in my own skin that I noticed the difference. I had more energy, more focus. I was open to new ideas and to feedback. But what may have surprised me most was the calm in my mind. Less worrying. Less chaos. More clarity. And that mental aspect is often forgotten. We talk about moving, eating healthy, sleeping. But what goes on in your mind? How do you deal with stress, setbacks, busy schedules? Those questions are just as important. Maybe even more important.
How do I see vitality?
Vitality is about energy. Vital force. But it goes beyond being physically fit. It’s also about mental strength. The ability to stay balanced, even when things get rough. It’s that inner resilience that ensures you bounce back after a setback. That you don’t drown in the hustle, but keep your head above water. That resilience doesn’t come naturally. It’s something you can develop. By paying attention to yourself. To what you think, feel, and need. And yes, you can measure it. The Vita-16 from TNO looks at three pillars:
- Resilience: How do you deal with setbacks?
- Energy: Do you have the power to get through the day?
- Motivation: What drives you to get the best out of yourself?
These pillars are the basis. Not just for individuals, but also for organizations. Because an employee who is mentally balanced brings calmness, focus and positivity.
How to strengthen mental vitality at work
How do you make the mental aspect of vitality tangible in your organization? Here are three steps that I personally find inspiring:
Create a culture of openness
It starts with talking. About stress, about workload, about mental health. Make it normal. As a manager or HR professional, share your own experiences. That’s what lowers the threshold. I still remember one particular moment: a colleague openly shared how she struggled with stress. Not as a weakness, but as a learning process. That moved me. Because of that, more people felt comfortable sharing their own stories. It changed the atmosphere in the workplace.
Allow time for relaxation and reflection
Time to pause. How often do we allow ourselves that? Short breaks, a moment to catch your breath, can make a world of difference. Think of a relaxation room at the office. Or simple breathing exercises during a team meeting. I recently heard about a company that set up a “quiet room.” No phones, no laptops. Just a place to recharge. It might sound simple (or wishy-washy), but it worked. Employees said they felt more energetic and clearheaded.
Focus on growth, not perfection
Being mentally vital doesn’t mean you always have to be strong. It means allowing yourself to learn, to feel, and to grow. Making mistakes is part of that. So is feedback. One of the most wonderful things an organization can do is support that growth. Create an environment where it feels safe to grow. Where making mistakes isn’t punished, but seen as a chance to learn. Offer training. Think of time management or stress management. Or take a look at our own workshop ‘from work pressure to work happiness’. This provides insight into sources of energy and stress and playfully helps achieve better (mental) balance.
Vitality begins with yourself
The lesson I have learned myself is that vitality always starts with yourself. For me, that means consciously taking time to rest. Walking in nature. Going offline for a while. Thinking and feeling what I need. They’re small things, but they help me stay clear-headed. If you take good care of yourself, it radiates to your surroundings.
Vitality is not a destination. It’s a journey. A process of trying, learning and growing. And that journey can start today, if you want it to.
Want to get in touch with Mariël about this topic? Feel free to leave a message!
Also read colleague Daniëlle’s blog about using career coaching.
Mariël Ganzeboom
Marketing and communications advisor
My passion is to contribute creatively to the continued growth and brand awareness of MEPD. And with that, indirectly, to the development of people, teams and organizations.
