Introduction to wellbeing and the changing nature of work
5OS07 – Wellbeing at work
This CIPD Level 5 video introduces wellbeing at work within unit 5OS07, addressing assessment criteria AC 1.1 by explaining key issues and theories underpinning workplace wellbeing. It explores contemporary challenges reshaping work, including hybrid and remote working arrangements, shifting workplace culture, job demands, and their impact on employee stress and mental health. The video also examines individual factors such as work-life balance, care responsibilities, and financial concerns, alongside leadership approaches and positive psychology frameworks. By watching, you'll develop a foundational understanding of how organisations can support employee wellbeing amid the evolving nature of work.
What this video covers
Workplace wellbeing, as covered in this video for CIPD Level 5 Unit 5OS07, is treated not as the absence of illness but as a holistic concept spanning physical health, mental and emotional wellness, social connection, financial security, and a sense of purpose in work. The video addresses AC 1.1 by examining how these dimensions interact with contemporary working conditions, and it draws on positive psychology as a theoretical reference point for understanding wellbeing at work. The relationship between poor wellbeing and outcomes such as presenteeism, absenteeism, and turnover is among the organisational realities the video positions as context for HR professionals operating at this level.
A substantial portion of the video examines the changing nature of work in concrete terms, covering flexible working arrangements including compressed hours, flexitime, job sharing, annualised hours, and part-time working, alongside gig economy arrangements such as zero-hours contracts, agency work, and freelance models. The video considers what researchers describe as precarious work and the wellbeing implications associated with income insecurity and unpredictable schedules. Technology's role in reshaping work is also examined through the lens of "always-on" culture and the concept of psychological detachment from work, which the video identifies in relation to recovery and sustained wellbeing.
Remote working, working from home, and hybrid arrangements each receive dedicated attention, with the video weighing both their benefits — including the removal of commuting and greater autonomy — and their risks, among them social isolation, boundary erosion, and the complexity of managing home–work separation without a physical commute. Hybrid working introduces its own distinct challenges, and the video addresses coordination demands, equity concerns where only certain roles permit remote working, and the risk of proximity bias disadvantaging those who are less frequently on-site. These issues are examined as interrelated factors shaping how organisations approach wellbeing strategy rather than as isolated phenomena.
Assessment Criteria 1.1
Explain issues and key theories in wellbeing at work.
Indicative Content
Contemporary issues involving the changing nature of work, leadership styles, workers and workplaces: work patterns, culture and change, job demands; workplaces relationships, work- life balance, and individual factors such as stress, increasing prevalence of mental health conditions, care responsibilities and financial concerns, working at home and remote working, hybrid work arrangements; theories relating to wellbeing such as positive psychology.
What You'll Learn
Video covering: Introduction to wellbeing and the changing nature of work
About 5OS07 – Wellbeing at work
This unit explores the importance of wellbeing in the workplace and the relationship with people practices and organisation strategy. The design and development of effective wellbeing programmes is examined to meet people and organisational requirements
More 5OS07 Videos
Job demands, work-life balance, and theoretical frameworks
AC 1.1 – Explain issues and key theories in wellbeing at work.
Workplace culture, relationships, and leadership
AC 1.1 – Explain issues and key theories in wellbeing at work.
Connecting wellbeing management to organisational goals
AC 1.2 – Discuss how wellbeing can be managed to support organisational goals.
Key mechanisms for managing workplace wellbeing
AC 1.2 – Discuss how wellbeing can be managed to support organisational goals.
Understanding wellbeing definitions and why it matters strategically
AC 1.2 – Discuss how wellbeing can be managed to support organisational goals.
Engagement, Retention, Relationships, and Organisational Benefits
AC 1.3 – Assess the benefits of adopting wellbeing practices in organisations.
Performance, Motivation, and Productivity Benefits
AC 1.3 – Assess the benefits of adopting wellbeing practices in organisations.
Stress Prevention and Creating Positive Working Environments
AC 1.3 – Assess the benefits of adopting wellbeing practices in organisations.
Start Learning for Free
Create a free account to access study guides and HR model videos. Upgrade to full features for just £8.99 per unit when you're ready.