Wellbeing, Education, Environment, Personal Health
Editorial Board
Dr. Saru Essi
Dr. Essi Saru works as a University Lecturer in management and organization in Turku School of Economics, Pori unit, University of Turku. Her interests in research have been in human resource management, organizational development and leadership and these themes have also been integrated in her teaching in bachelor and master’s levels. The most recent research interest are in sustainability and responsibility in relation to human resource management including wellbeing and common good aspects. Her work has been published in peer-reviewed journals such as Journal of Business Ethics, Personnel Review, International Journal of Management Education and edited books.
Dr. Maria Järlström
Dr, Adjunct Professor Maria Järlström works as a University Lecturer and a Programme Manager in Human Resource Management at the Department of Management, University of Vaasa. She has a solid background in the field of personnel management and leadership as a teacher, researcher and trainer among students and practical professionals. Her current research interests focuses on strategic HRM, careers, and sustainable human resource management. Her work has appeared in peer-reviewed journals and books, including Journal of World Business, Journal of Business Ethics, The International Journal of Human Resource Management, European Management Journal, Career Development International, among others.
In September, as representatives of the Steinbeis School of Sustainable Innovation and Transformation, one of the associated partners of the SWEPPP project, we presented our triple transformation approach at the 6th International Congress on Forest and Its Potential for Health in Druskininkai, Lithuania. We discussed how forest therapy can be integrated into this holistic framework and shared insights from the SWEPPP project.
In this blog, you'll discover key highlights from our presentation and explore how these approaches can foster a systemic transformation towards sustainability and sustainable well-being
The practice of growing plants in the city environments brings undoubted benefits to human well-being and the natural environment. Urban gardening is a powerful tool for improving individual and community well-being, particularly in densely populated urban areas where access to green spaces is limited. It fosters healthier lifestyles, stronger communities, and a more sustainable environment, contributing to overall quality of life.
The debate over responsibility for employee well-being at work focuses on whether it lies with employers or employees. Research suggests that sustainable leadership can help employers create conditions that support professional well-being by balancing economic goals with social and environmental responsibilities. Sustainable leadership involves practices like valuing employees, fostering trust, and empowering them through decentralized decision-making. While organizations play a key role in supporting well-being, employees also contribute by actively managing their own work and engaging in practices like job crafting. Responsibility is ultimately shared between both parties.
A study from Scotland involving over 380,000 participants found that commuting by bike can improve mental wellness. The study revealed that bike commuters had a 15% lower rate of anxiety and depression medication prescriptions compared to non-bike commuters, with women experiencing an even greater reduction. This suggests a causal connection between cycling to work and improved mental health.
The SWEPPP project operates on the concept that sustainable well-being requires a comprehensive approach, integrating personal, professional, and planetary welfare. Its goal is to promote wellness across these three dimensions by equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to take meaningful actions [1]. As many of us live in an urban environment, it is particularly important to identify how urban dwellers can contribute to their own well-being and happiness in the cities via the concept of urban nature.
Consumption is part of our nature, from the moment we are born we consume resources to satisfy our needs. However, in the last decades, the concept has evolved: Higher incomes, access to credit, advertising, cheap prices, cultural norms and our capitalistic system have created a culture of consumerism.
The intersection between individual health and environmental stewardship holds significant promise for creating positive change on a larger scale. The SWEPPP project is an initiative for helping such a constructive transformation.
DISCLAIMER: Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or Fundacja Rozwoju Systemu Edukacji (FRSE). Neither the European Union nor FRSE can be held responsible for them.
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