Wellbeing

Wellbeing
Introduction
Contact	Wilfred Pinfold
Topics	Age-Inclusive Communities Community Engagement Economic Development Education and Training Measurement Mental Health Physical Health Quality of Life
NEWS California Statewide Study Investigates Causes and Impacts of Homelessness The University of California, San Francisco Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative (BHHI) today released the largest representative study of homelessness in the United States since the mid-1990s, providing a comprehensive look at the causes and consequences of homelessness in California and recommending policy changes to shape programs in response. Championing Schools to Improve Student Family and Neighborhood Well-being Research consistently shows that a neighborhood’s overall well-being and localized school performance go hand in hand. Treasury Remarks on Digital Assets Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen delivered remarks on digital assets policy, innovation, and regulation at American University’s Kogod School of Business Center for Innovation. REPORTS Black & Veatch’s Annual Sustainability Report 2022 Climate Change 2022 School Infrastructure Toolkit Global Synthesis Report on Local Climate Action 2022 Smart Cities in the Age of Pandemic The New Map of Life Report Methodological guide on smart cities

Authors

Humans are social animals. From a biological perspective, humans are highly social creatures and have a strong need for social connection and interaction with others. Throughout human history, people have lived in groups and communities, and have developed a wide range of social norms and institutions to facilitate cooperation and collaboration. Even today, most people spend a significant portion of their time interacting with others, whether it be with family, friends, colleagues, or strangers. The importance of social connections for human well-being is well-documented. Research has shown that people who have strong social connections tend to be happier, live longer, and have better overall health outcomes. So it seems that, as a species, humans are hardwired to be social, and our relationships with others play a central role in our overall well-being.

Why focus on Wellbeing

The introduction to the 2022 U.S. Surgeon General's Framework for Workplace Mental Health & Well-Being emphasizes the significance of work in people's lives, highlighting its impact on health, wealth, and overall well-being. It acknowledges that work, at its best, not only provides financial support but also a sense of meaning, personal growth, and community. Thriving in the workplace is linked to better physical and mental health, as well as positive contributions to the work environment. Leaders are called upon to create workplaces that prioritise the health and well-being of employees.

While the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated discussions on workplace mental health, the recognition of the connection between work, culture, and health predates the pandemic. The introduction acknowledges that well-being can be influenced by external factors like economic inequality, food and housing insecurity, and debt, but it also emphasizes that organizations can serve as catalysts for mental health and well-being. This presents an unprecedented opportunity for leaders, managers, supervisors, and workers to examine the role of work in people's lives and find ways to promote thriving within and beyond the workplace.

The introduction also underscores that workplace mental health and well-being is a priority for public health, with far-reaching impacts on individuals, families, organizations, the economy, and productivity. The U.S. has a historical context of labor organizing and legislation to protect workers' rights and welfare. The establishment of the U.S. Department of Labor and subsequent laws such as the Fair Labor Standards Act, Civil Rights Act, and Americans with Disabilities Act have provided essential protections for workers. While these laws set minimum standards, organizations and employers have the opportunity to go beyond legal requirements. Scientific bodies, professional societies, and government agencies have emphasized the influence of the workplace on health, further drawing attention to this issue.

Migration to Cities

More people are moving to cities around the world. One reason for this trend is that cities tend to offer a wider range of job opportunities and a more diverse and vibrant economy. Many people are attracted to cities because they offer the opportunity to work in a range of industries and pursue a variety of career paths. In addition to economic factors, cities can also offer a wider range of cultural and recreational opportunities, as well as improved access to education and other services. For many people, the amenities and conveniences that cities offer are a major draw. Another factor that may be driving the trend of people moving to cities is the availability of affordable housing. In many cities, rising housing costs have made it difficult for people to afford to live in the suburbs or rural areas, leading them to seek out more affordable options in urban areas. It is worth noting that this trend is not universal, and there are still many people who prefer to live in smaller towns or rural areas. The decision to live in a city or not will depend on an individual's personal preferences and circumstances.

Benefits

There are many potential benefits to living in a city, including:

• Access to a wider range of services and amenities: Cities often have a wider range of services and amenities available, such as cultural institutions, restaurants, and entertainment options.
• Greater job opportunities: Cities tend to have a more diverse and vibrant economy, which can provide more job opportunities for residents.
• Improved access to education: Cities often have a larger number of educational institutions, including universities, colleges, and trade schools.
• Enhanced public transportation: Cities often have more developed public transportation systems, which can make it easier for residents to get around.
• Greater cultural diversity: Cities are often more diverse and cosmopolitan, which can provide a rich cultural experience for residents.
• Stronger sense of community: Despite the larger population size, some people find that living in a city can provide a stronger sense of community, due to the concentration of people in a smaller area.

These are just a few examples, and the specific benefits of living in a city will depend on the individual and the city in question.

Purpose

The purpose of a city or municipality is to provide a range of services and facilities to meet the needs of its citizens. Cities and municipalities are local governments that have the power to make and enforce laws, collect taxes, and provide a range of services and facilities to their citizens.

Some common examples of the services and facilities that cities and municipalities provide include:

• Public Safety: Cities and municipalities are responsible for maintaining law and order and protecting the public. This may include activities such as providing police and fire services.
• Infrastructure: Cities and municipalities are responsible for maintaining and improving the infrastructure of the community, such as roads, bridges, and buildings.
• Municipal Services: Cities and municipalities provide a range of services to their citizens, including things like garbage collection, water and sewage treatment, and public transportation.
• Community Development: Cities and municipalities work to improve the quality of life in their communities by supporting the development of local businesses and promoting economic development, as well as by providing facilities such as parks, libraries, and community centers.

Overall, the purpose of a city or municipality is to serve as the local government for a specific community, and to work to improve the quality of life for its citizens.

Technology

Technology can play a number of important roles in cities, including:

• Improving Efficiency and Productivity: Technology can help cities run more efficiently by automating processes, streamlining communication, and providing access to real-time data.
• Enhancing Municipal Services: Technology can be used to improve the delivery of public services, such as healthcare, education, and transportation. For example, telemedicine can bring healthcare services to underserved areas, and online education platforms can make it easier for people to access educational resources.
• Enhancing Public Safety: Technology can be used to improve public safety by enabling better communication and information sharing among first responders, and by providing tools like surveillance cameras and emergency notification systems.
• Promoting Economic Development: Technology can help cities attract and retain businesses by providing a modern, innovative environment that is attractive to companies and employees.
• Enhancing Quality of Life: Technology can be used to improve the quality of life for city residents by providing access to amenities like WiFi hotspots, online entertainment, and other digital services.

Overall, the role of technology in cities is to help them function more efficiently, effectively, and equitably, and to create a better quality of life for all residents.