EQ or EWb?

williammcpeck@gmail.com

A colleague recently asked me how they might begin to help an employer they are working with begin to address employee emotions in the workplace?

In some workplace wellbeing models, emotions are included in a domain commonly labeled Mental Health or Mental Wellbeing. Other models of wellbeing contain two separate domains for each. There is no one “right” way to incorporate the subject of emotions into your organization’s employee wellbeing model. But address emotions you must.

This then leads to the question of how to best address the subject of emotions in the workplace. At the moment, there are two different, distinct possible approaches: Emotional intelligence or EQ and emotional wellbeing or EWb.

Let’s compare and contrast the two.

Emotional intelligence and emotional wellbeing are two important, but distinct concepts within the realm of psychology and personal development.

Emotional Intelligence

• Definition: Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to recognize, understand, and manage one’s own emotions and the emotions of others. It involves being aware of how emotions can influence thoughts and behaviors, and using this understanding to guide one’s actions and interpersonal relationships.
• Components: Emotional intelligence typically includes components such as self-awareness, self-regulation, social awareness, and relationship management. These skills enable individuals to navigate social complexities and make personal decisions that achieve positive results.
• Development: Emotional intelligence can be developed and enhanced through practice and learning. Techniques such as mindfulness, empathy training, and communication skills can improve various aspects of emotional intelligence.
• Impact: High emotional intelligence can lead to better relationships, improved leadership abilities, and success in various aspects of life, including work and personal life. It’s also associated with better conflict resolution skills and higher resilience.

Emotional Wellbeing

• Definition: Emotional wellbeing refers to the overall state of one’s emotional health, including happiness. It encompasses a wide range of both positive and negative emotions such as joy, contentment, sadness, anger and so on. The exact number of emotions are a matter of some debate. Emotions have been classified as being primary and secondary. Emotional wellbeing also includes how well an individual manages their emotions in daily life.
• Components: Emotional wellbeing includes factors such as life satisfaction, a sense of meaning or purpose, the ability to enjoy life and resilience in the face of challenges. Emotional wellbeing is seen as not being just the absence of mental health problems, but also the presence of positive emotions and moods.
• Development: Emotional wellbeing can be influenced by various factors, including genetics, life experiences and personal choices. Activities that promote emotional wellbeing include exercise, social connections, stress management and pursuing activities that bring joy and fulfillment.
• Impact: High levels of emotional wellbeing are associated with numerous benefits, including lower rates of illness, longer life expectancy, better physical and mental health and improved relationships.

Comparing and Contrasting:

• Similarities: Both emotional intelligence and emotional wellbeing are integral to managing emotions and navigating life’s ups and downs. Both contribute to healthier relationships, personal satisfaction and overall life success. Additionally, improving emotional intelligence can have a positive impact on one’s emotional wellbeing.
• Differences: Emotional intelligence is more about the skills and abilities related to understanding and managing emotions in oneself and others. In contrast, emotional wellbeing is a broader term that reflects one’s overall emotional health and happiness. While emotional intelligence can influence emotional wellbeing, the latter also depends on other factors like life circumstances, physical health and personal values.

Emotional intelligence and emotional wellbeing are interconnected, yet distinct areas. Emotional intelligence provides the tools and skills to navigate emotional landscapes effectively, which can in turn influence one’s overall emotional wellbeing. Conversely, a state of good emotional wellbeing can enhance one’s capacity to develop and apply emotional intelligence skills.

My observation at the moment is that the term emotional intelligence is more widely known and accepted in workplaces today. This fact and the above information suggest to me that the wise employer pr workplace wellbeing practitioner would be best served by first addressing emotional intelligence. As EQ understanding increases, opportunities will present themselves in which the nuances between the two can be introduced and incorporated into the employer’s approach to the subject of addressing emotions in the workplace.

This is my thinking, what’s yours?