Workplace Wellbeing

Module title	Workplace Wellbeing
Module code	BEP2110
Academic year	2024/5
Credits	15
Module staff	Ms Jenny Tunley Price (Lecturer)

Duration: Term	1	2	3
Duration: Weeks		11

Number students taking module (anticipated)	50

Module description

Remote working, physical and mental ill-health, work-life balance, toxic workplace environments, leadership and culture are critical factors which organisations must consider in order to create positive work spaces. In parallel, an aging population in the UK, rising demand for human capital,techological advancements, and significant talent gaps which are forecast for Western economies are additional incentives for improving the wellbeing, engagement and productivity of workers.

This makes it necessary to develop broader understanding both of policies and practices which support positive work spaces, as well as the actions which detriment them.

This module will start from the assumption of redefining wellbeing – as a state of being that is shaped by engagement and other workplace factors as much as by physical and psychological health, hence making wellbeing central to business strategy, which opens an important new avenue to increasing organisational effectiveness. As the post-recession world economy slowly takes shape, those organisations that choose to follow this path are more likely to boost workforce productivity, drive business performance and realise core strategicgoals.

In this module we examine the political, social and philosophical dimensions behind modern business approaches to employee wellbeing and responsible business practice, the extent to which a biopsychosocial approach is a critical factor in developing strategies to address the challenges of the future.

Module aims - intentions of the module

This module aims to provide learners with a broad understanding of the workplace as a complex system and the fundamentals of how investing in workplace wellbeing and responsible business practices contribute to business success.

You will gain a good understanding of how government policy drives this agenda, perspectives on happiness at work and social capital development, as well as the role of leaders and culture in enabling and preventing negative acts. The module will introduce relevant theory that underpins successful interventions, models to identify the issues which need addressing and equip you with the tools to implement yourown programmes.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

1. describe workplace wellbeing from a social, cultural, legal and economic perspective.
2. examine the philosophical roots of workplace happiness.
3. apply a biopsychosocial approach to develop human and social capital.
4. explain and explore the role of leadership in the workplace.
5. articulate the concept of the work environment.
6. evaluate causes and impacts of workplace conflict.
7. outline the role of workplace culture.
8. examine the HRM models and frameworks that inform workplace practice.

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

9. critically analyse policy decisions
10. apply, as directed relevant models and use data effectively in workplace settings

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

11. advance written communication skills
12. demonstrate problem solving skills
13. effectively work individually and as part of a group and develop strategies to be a resilient self-advocate

Syllabus plan

Introduction to the module and wellbeing

Happiness at work

Social Capital at Work

The Role of Managers and Leaders

The Work Environment

Understanding Culture

HRM approaches and perspectives

Contemporary issues

Innovations

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	Guided independent study	Placement / study abroad
30	120	0

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities	20	Seminars
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities	10	Lectures
Independent Study	120	Independent study

Formative assessment

Form of assessment	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
Case study work during tutorial sessions	5 mins feedback to group	10-15	Verbal

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Coursework	Written exams	Practical exams
100	0	0

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment	% of credit	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
Group Presentation	30	5 min recorded presentation	1, 2, 3, 9, 10, 11	Written and verbal
Individual Report	70	3,500 words	2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13	Written and verbal

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Original form of assessment	Form of re-assessment	ILOs re-assessed	Timescale for re-assessment
Group Presentation	Literature Review Essay (2,000 words, 30%)	1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 16	Referral/deferral period
Individual Report	Organisational Audit (2,500 words, 70%)	2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13	Referral/deferral period

Re-assessment notes

Deferral – if you have been deferred for any assessment you will be expected to submit the relevant assessment. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.

Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be expected to submit the relevant assessment. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of referral will be capped at 40%

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

In addition students will also have access to The European Centre for Environment & Human Health (ECEHH) as this module will be delivered by academics from UofE Medical School, based at the Truro Campus

Indicative learning resources - Other resources

http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=5904

Key words search

Wellbeing, Workplace, Employee, Work, Health, Performance Management, Organisations

Credit value	15
Module ECTS	7.5
Module pre-requisites	None
Module co-requisites	None
NQF level (module)	5
Available as distance learning?	Yes
Origin date	18/02/2019
Last revision date	05/05/2024