Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Management Competencies for Health and Wellbeing

  • Reference work entry
  • First Online:
Handbook on Management and Employment Practices

Part of the book series: Handbook Series in Occupational Health Sciences ((HDBSOHS,volume 3))

Abstract

A growing body of research demonstrates the impact of management behavior on a range of individual and organizational health and wellbeing outcomes; however, efforts to train and develop managers often fall short. This chapter focuses on research to identify competencies–or the collection of skills, abilities, and knowledge–required by managers to promote, protect, maintain, and support the health and wellbeing of employees. A number of specific competency frameworks are presented: for preventing and reducing work stress, enhancing engagement, managing remote workers, and supporting return to work following sickness absence. Research examining the development of management competencies is shared and the implications of new approaches to management such as compassionate leadership and mindfulness are considered. Finally, learnings from interventions to develop management competencies for health and wellbeing are discussed. This chapter aims to provide practical insights into how we can develop managers so that they can better support their teams. We argue that if we are to equip managers to manage the health and wellbeing of others, we must not only raise awareness of health and wellbeing but also support the development of the key skills, ability, and knowledge to take action. In doing so, managing health and wellbeing is not a separate activity on top of managing performance but rather becomes an integral part of the management practices.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 249.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD 279.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • APA (2016) 2016 Work and wellbeing survey. American Psychological Society, Washington, DC

    Google Scholar 

  • Atkins PWB, Parker SK (2012) Understanding individual compassion in organizations: the role of appraisals and psychological flexibility. Acad Manag Rev 37(4):524–546. https://doi.org/10.5465/amr.2010.0490

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • BITC (2018) Mental health at work report 2018. Business in the Community, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Boyatzis (1982) The competent manager: a model for effective performance. John Wiley & Sons, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Briner R, Rousseau D (2011) Evidence-based I–O psychology: not there yet. Ind Organ Psychol 4(1):3–22

    Google Scholar 

  • Butler BS, Gray PH (2006) Reliability, mindfulness, and information systems. MIS Q 30(2):211–224

    Google Scholar 

  • Carroll M (2007) The Mindful Leader: ten principles for bringing out the best in ourselves and others. Trumpeter, Boston, MA

    Google Scholar 

  • Christensen M, Innstrand S, Saksvik P, Nielsen K (2019) The line manager’s role in implementing successful organizational interventions. Span J Psychol 22:E5. https://doi.org/10.1017/sjp.2019.4

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • CIPD (2008) Health and wellbeing at work report 2008. Chartered Institute of Personnel Development, London

    Google Scholar 

  • CIPD (2017) Resourcing and talent planning survey. Chartered Institute of Personnel Development, London

    Google Scholar 

  • CIPD (2018) Health and wellbeing at work report 2008. Chartered Institute of Personnel Development, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Day DV, Fleenor JW, Atwater LE, Sturm RE, McKee RA (2014) Advances in leader and leadership development: a review of 25 years of research and theory. Leadersh Q 25:63–82. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.leaqua.2013.11.004

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Donaldson-Feilder E, Lewis R (2011) Preventing stress: promoting positive manager behavior – Phase 4: How do organizations implement the findings in practice? Research insight. CIPD Publications, London. http://www.cipd.co.uk/hr-resources/research/preventing-stress-promoting/positive-manager-behavior-phase-4.aspx

    Google Scholar 

  • Donaldson-Feilder E, Yarker J, Lewis R (2009) Preventing stress: promoting positive manager behavior. Chartered Institute of Personnel Development, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Donaldson-Feilder E, Munir F, Lewis R (2013) Leadership and employee well-being. In: Skipton LH, Lewis R, Freedman A, Passmore J (eds) The Wiley-Blackwell handbook of leadership, change and organizational development. John Wiley & Sons, Chichester, pp 155–173. ISBN 9781119976578

    Google Scholar 

  • Donaldson-Feilder E, Lewis R, Yarker J (2018) What outcomes have mindfulness and meditation interventions for managers and leaders achieved? A systematic review. Eur J Work Organ Psy 28(1):11–29. https://doi.org/10.1080/1359432X.2018.1542379

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Donaldson-Feilder E, Lewis R, Yarker J, Whiley L (in press) Interpersonal mindfulness in management education: a Delphi Study exploring the application of interpersonal mindfulness to leadership development. J Manag Educ

    Google Scholar 

  • Einarsen S, Aasland MS, Skogstad A (2007) Destructive leadership behavior: a definition and conceptual model. Leadersh Q 18:207–216

    Google Scholar 

  • Eurofound (2019) How to respond to chronic health problems in the workplace? Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg

    Google Scholar 

  • Flanagan JC (1954) The critical incident technique. Psychol Bull 51:327–358

    Google Scholar 

  • Ford RC, Piccolo RF, Ford LR (2017) Strategies for building effective virtual teams: trust is key. Bus Horiz 60(1):25–34

    Google Scholar 

  • Garavan G, Watson S, Carbery R, O’Brien F (2015) The antecedents of leadership development practices in SMEs: the influence of HRM strategy and practice. Int Small Bus J 34(6):870–890

    Google Scholar 

  • Geister S, Konradt U, Hertel G (2006) Effects of process feedback on motivation, satisfaction, and performance in virtual teams. Small Group Res 37(5):459–489

    Google Scholar 

  • Gregersen S, Vincent-Hoper S, Nienhaus A (2016) Job-related resources, leader–member exchange and well- being – a longitudinal study. Work Stress 30(4):356–373. https://doi.org/10.1080/02678373.2016.1249440

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gurt J, Schwennen C, Elke G (2011) Health-specific leadership: is there an association between leader consideration for the health of employees and their strain and well-being? Work Stress 25(2):108–127

    Google Scholar 

  • Hayes SC, Strosahl KD, Wilson KG (1999) Acceptance and commitment therapy: an experiential approach to behavior change. Guilford Press, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Hoch JE, Dulebohn JH (2013) Shared leadership in enterprise resource planning and human resource management system implementation. Hum Resour Manag Rev 23(1):114–125

    Google Scholar 

  • Hoch JE, Kozlowski SW (2014) Leading virtual teams: hierarchical leadership, structural supports, and shared team leadership. J Appl Psychol 99(3):390

    Google Scholar 

  • Houdmont J, Jachens L, Randall R, Colwell J, Gardner S (2020) Stress management competency framework in English policing. Occup Med 70(1):31–37

    Google Scholar 

  • Hunsaker PL, Hunsaker JS (2008) Virtual teams: a leader’s guide. Team Perform Manag 14(1/2):86–101. https://doi.org/10.1108/13527590810860221

  • Inceoglu I, Thomas G, Chu C, Plans D, Gerbasi A (2018) Leadership behavior and employee well-being: an integrated review and a future research agenda. Leadersh Q 29(1):179–202

    Google Scholar 

  • Jamieson SD, Tuckey MR (2017) Mindfulness interventions in the workplace: A critique of the current state of the literature. J Occup Health Psychol 22(2):180. https://doi.org/10.1037/ocp0000048

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kabat-Zinn J (1990) Full catastrophe living. Delacorte Press, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Kuehnl A, Seubert C, Rehfuess E, von Elm E, Nowak D, Glaser J (2019) Human resource management training of supervisors for improving health and well-being of employees. Cochrane Database of Syst Rev:CD010905. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD010905.pub2

  • Lewis R, Yarker J, Donaldson-Feilder E, Flaxman P, Munir F (2010) Using a competency-based approach to identify the management behaviors required to manage workplace stress in nursing: a critical incident study. Int J Nurs Stud 47(3):307–313

    Google Scholar 

  • Lewis R, Donaldson-Feilder E, Tharani T (2011) Management competencies for enhancing employee engagement. CIPD, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Lewis R, Donaldson-Feilder E, Jones B, Johal M (2014) Developing managers to manage sustainable employee engagement, health and well-being. CIPD Publications, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Lewis R, Donaldson-Feilder E, Godfree K (2016) Developing managers to manage sustainable employee engagement, health and well-being: Research Report Phase 2. CIPD, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Lilius JM, Worline MC, Dutton JE, Kanov J, Frost PJ, Maitlis S (2003) What good is compassion at work. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI

    Google Scholar 

  • Lilius JM, Kanov J, Dutton JE, Worline MC, Maitlis S (2011) Compassion revealed: what we know about compassion at work (and where we need to know more). In: Cameron K, Spreitzer G (eds) The oxford handbook of positive organizational scholarship. Oxford University Press, Oxford, pp 273–287

    Google Scholar 

  • Lomas T, Medina JC, Ivtzan I, Rupprecht S, Hart R, Eiroa-Orosa FJ (2017) The impact of mindfulness on well-being and performance in the workplace: an inclusive systematic review of the empirical literature. Eur J Work Organ Psy 26(4):492–513

    Google Scholar 

  • Marturano J (2014) Finding the Space to Lead: A Practical Guide to Mindful Leadership. Bloomsbury Press, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Meecham F (2017) Compassion at work toolkit. National Forum for Health and Wellbeing at Work, London. https://oscarkilo.org.uk/app/uploads/2017/12/Compassion-at-Work-Toolkit-FINAL-5-December-2017.pdf. Accessed 29 Sep 2020

    Google Scholar 

  • Montano D, Reeske A, Franke F, Hüffmeier J (2017) Leadership, followers’ mental health and job performance in organizations: a comprehensive meta-analysis from an occupational health perspective. J Organ Behav 38(3):327–350

    Google Scholar 

  • Munir F, Yarker J, Hicks B, Donaldson-Feilder E (2012) Returning employees back to work: developing a measure for supervisors to support return to work (SSRW). J Occup Rehabil 22(2):196–208

    Google Scholar 

  • Nayani RJ, Nielsen K, Daniels K, Donaldson-Feilder EJ, Lewis RC (2018) Out of sight and out of mind? A literature review of occupational safety and health leadership and management of distributed workers. Work Stress 32(2):124–146

    Google Scholar 

  • Negrini A, Corbière M, Lecomte T, Coutu MF, Nieuwenhuijsen K, St-Arnaud L, Berbiche D (2018) How can supervisors contribute to the return to work of employees who have experienced depression? J Occup Rehabil 28(2):279–288

    Google Scholar 

  • NHS Improvement (2019) Developing people improving care. NHS Improvement, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Nielsen K, Yarker J (2020) Job crafting as a work adjustment strategy for workers returning after long-term sickness absence due to common mental disorders. Int J Rehabil Res 43(2):154–158. ISSN 0342-5282

    Google Scholar 

  • Nielsen ML, Rugulies R, Christiansen KB, Smith-Hansen L, Kristiansen TS (2006) Psychosocial work environment predictors of short and long spells of sickness absence during a two year follow up. J Occup Environ Med 48:591–595

    Google Scholar 

  • Nielsen K, Randall R, Yarker J, Brenner SO (2008) The effects of transformational leadership in followers perceived work characteristics and well-being: a longitudinal study. Work Stress 22:16–32

    Google Scholar 

  • Nielsen K, Nielsen MB, Chidiebere O, Kansala M, Saari E, Isaksson K (2017) Workplace resources to improve both employee well-being and performance: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Work Stress 31:101–120. https://doi.org/10.1080/02678373.2017.1304463

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nielsen K, Daniels K, Nayani R, Donaldson-Feilder E, Lewis R (2017) Out of sight, out of mind? Research into the occupational safety and health of distributed workers (Report and toolkit of practical materials available on the IOSH website: https://www.iosh.co.uk/outofsight

  • Nielsen K, Yarker J, Munir F, Bültmann U (2018) IGLOO: an integrated framework for sustainable return to work in workers with common mental disorders. Work Stress 32(4):400–417

    Google Scholar 

  • Nieuwenhuijsen K, Verbeek JHAM, De Boer AGEM, Blonk RWB, Van Dijk FJH (2004) Supervisory behavior as a predictor of return to work in employees absent from work due to mental health problems. Occup Environ Med 61(10):817–823

    Google Scholar 

  • Norder G, Van der Ben CA, Roelen CA, Heymans MW, Van der Klink JJ, Bültmann U (2017) Beyond return to work from sickness absence due to mental disorders: 5-year longitudinal study of employment status among production workers. Eur J Pub Health 27:79–83

    Google Scholar 

  • Nyberg A, Bernin P, Theorell T (2005) The impact of leadership on the health of subordinates. The National Institute for Working Life, Stockholm

    Google Scholar 

  • Offerman LR, Hellmann PS (1996) Leadership behaviour and subordinate stress: a 360o view. J Occup Health Psychol 1:382–390

    Google Scholar 

  • Orsini C, Rodrigues V (2020) Supporting motivation in teams working remotely: the role of basic psychological needs. Med Teach 30:1–2

    Google Scholar 

  • Poorkavoos M (2017) Compassionate leadership: what is it and why do organizations need more of it. Roffey Park Institute, Horsham

    Google Scholar 

  • Rankin N (2004) The new prescription for performance: the eleventh competency benchmarking survey. Competency & Emotional Intelligence Benchmarking Supplement 2004/2005. IRS, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Reb J, Narayanan J, Chaturvedi S (2014) Leading mindfully: Two studies on the influence of supervisor trait mindfulness on employee well-being and performance. Mindfulness 5(1):36–45. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-012-0144-z

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Reb J, Sim S, Chintakananda K, Bhave DP (2015) Leading with mindfulness: exploring the relation of mindfulness with leadership behaviors, styles, and development. In: Reb J, Atkins PWB (eds) Mindfulness in organizations: foundations, research and applications. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, pp 256–284

    Google Scholar 

  • Reitz M, Chaskalson M, Olivier S, Waller L (2016) The mindful leader: developing the capacity for resilience and collaboration in complex times through mindfulness practice. Hult Research, Ashridge Executive Education, Berkhamsted

    Google Scholar 

  • Rust J, Golombok S (1999) Constructing your own questionnaire. Modern psychometrics. Routledge, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Rynes SL, Bartunek JM, Dutton JE, Margolis JD (2012) Care and compassion through an organizational lens: opening up new possibilities. Acad Manag Rev 37(4):503–523. https://doi.org/10.5465/amr.2012.0124

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Saksvik PO, Nytro K, Dahl-Jorgensen C, Mikkelsen A (2002) A process evaluation of individual and organizational occupational stress and health interventions. Work Stress 16:37–57

    Google Scholar 

  • Schaufeli WB, Bakker AB (2010) Defining and measuring work engagement: bringing clarity to the concept. In: Work engagement: a handbook of essential theory and research, vol 12. Psychology Press, New York, pp 10–24

    Google Scholar 

  • Shuck B, Alagaraja M, Immekus J, Sumberland D, Honeycutt-Elliott M (2019) Does compassion matter in leadership? A two-stage sequential equal status mixed method exploratory study of compassionate leader behavior and connections to performance in human resource development. Hum Resour Dev Q 30(4):537–564

    Google Scholar 

  • Skakon J, Nielsen K, Borg V, Guzman J (2010) Are leaders’ well-being, behaviors and style associated with the affective well-being of their employees? A systematic review of three decades of research. Work Stress 24(2):107–139

    Google Scholar 

  • Stevenson D (2017) Thriving at work. The Stevenson/Farmer Review of mental health and employers. Department for Work and Pensions and Department of Health and Social Care, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Toderi S, Balducci C (2018) Stress-preventive management competencies, psychosocial work environments, and affective well-being: a multilevel, multisource investigation. Int J Environ Res Public Health 15(3):397

    Google Scholar 

  • Toderi S, Sarchielli G (2016) Psychometric properties of a 36-item version of the “stress management competency indicator tool”. Int J Environ Res Public Health 13:1086. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph13111086

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Toderi S, Gaggia A, Balducci C, Sarchielli G (2015) Reducing psychosocial risks through supervisors’ development: a contribution for a brief version of the “Stress Management Competency Indicator Tool”. Sci Total Environ 518:345–351

    Google Scholar 

  • van Dierendonck D, Haynes C, Borrill C, Stride C (2004) Leadership behavior and subordinate well-being. J Occup Health Psychol 9:165–175

    Google Scholar 

  • West MS, Chowla R (2017) Compassionate leadership for compassionate health care. In: Gilbert P (ed) Compassion: concepts, research and applications. Routledge, London, pp 237–257

    Google Scholar 

  • West MS, Eckert R, Collins B, Chowla R (2017) Caring to change. How compassionate leadership can stimulate innovation in health care. The King’s Fund, London

    Google Scholar 

  • West MS, Bailey S, Williams E (2020) The courage of compassion: supporting nurses and midwives to deliver high-quality care. The King’s Fund, London

    Google Scholar 

  • World Health Organization (‎2019) The WHO special initiative for mental health (‎2019–2023)‎: universal health coverage for mental health. World Health Organization. https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/310981

  • Worline MC, Dutton JE (2017) Awakening compassion at work: the quiet power that elevates people and organizations. Berrett-Koehler, Oakland, CA

    Google Scholar 

  • Wrzesniewski A, Dutton JE (2001) Crafting a job: revisioning employees as active crafters of their work. Acad Manag Rev 26:179–201

    Google Scholar 

  • Yarker J, Donaldson-Feilder E, Lewis R, Flaxman PE (2007) Management competencies for preventing and reducing stress at work: Identifying and developing the management behaviors necessary to implement the HSE Management Standards. HSE Books, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Yarker J, Lewis R, Donaldson-Feilder E (2008) Management competencies for preventing and reducing stress at work: identifying the management behaviors necessary to implement the management standards: phase two. Health and Safety Executive, Sheffield

    Google Scholar 

  • Yarker J, Munir F, Donaldson-Feilder E, Hicks B (2010) Managing rehabilitation: a competency framework for managers to support return to work. British Occupational Health Research Foundation, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Yarker J, Sinclair A, Donaldson-Feilder E, Lewis R (2020) Work adjustments for mental health: a review of the evidence and guidance. Acas, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang ZX, Luk W, Arthur D, Wong T (2001) Nursing competencies: personal characteristics contributing to effective nursing performance. J Adv Nurs 33(4):467–474

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Affinity Health at Work and Birkbeck, University of London, London, UK

    Jo Yarker & Rachel Lewis

  2. Affinity Health at Work and Affinity Coaching and Supervision, London, UK

    Emma Donaldson-Feilder

Authors
  1. Jo Yarker
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Emma Donaldson-Feilder
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Rachel Lewis
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jo Yarker .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Work, Organisation and Wellbeing, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia

    Paula Brough

  2. School of Management QUT Business School, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia

    Elliroma Gardiner

  3. Norwich Business School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK

    Kevin Daniels

Section Editor information

  1. School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia

    Paula Brough PhD

  2. School of Management, QUT Business School, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

    Elliroma Gardiner

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2022 Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this entry

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this entry

Yarker, J., Donaldson-Feilder, E., Lewis, R. (2022). Management Competencies for Health and Wellbeing. In: Brough, P., Gardiner, E., Daniels, K. (eds) Handbook on Management and Employment Practices. Handbook Series in Occupational Health Sciences, vol 3. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-29010-8_4

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation