TrueTribe

Careers aren't just about clocking in and climbing the ladder anymore. They're about finding a balance between growing, thriving, and staying healthy along the way. That's what the idea of Sustainable Careers is all about - creating a work life that supports your wellbeing, keeps you motivated, and helps you build the skills you need to succeed over the long haul. It's a marathon, not a sprint.

But this concept of sustainable employability requires continuous awareness and proactive action. How do you know where you stand? How do organisations identify what employees truly need to thrive?

This is where scans play a crucial role. Some call them risk assessments, some say questionnaires, but it all comes back to regularly assessing your health, vitality, and learning & development. By doing so, employees will gain more insights into their wellbeing, helping them recognise early signs of changes in their physical or mental health, motivation or skills. This proactive approach allows employees to stay ahead of potential challenges, while companies can track trends, identify risks, and tailor interventions to support employees in meaningful ways.

Here's why this type of structured assessment is essential for sustainable employability and how it can contribute to a healthier, more engaged workforce.

1. Understanding Employee Health & Wellbeing

A person's ability to work effectively is directly tied to their health, both physical and mental. Questionnaires help measure “healthy:

✅ Physical wellbeing: Fatigue, pain levels, energy balance
✅ Mental wellbeing: Stress, resilience, job satisfaction
✅ Work-life balance: The ability to recharge outside of work
🔎 Why it matters:
Regular assessments detect early warning signs of burnout, chronic stress, or health issues. This allows employees and employers to take preventive action, reducing absenteeism and long-term health risks.

2. Measuring Vitality & Engagement

Vitality (“happy”) isn't just about being physically fit - it's about having the energy and enthusiasm to perform at your best. Scans provide insight into:

✅ Motivation levels: Do employees feel connected to their work?
✅ Job demands vs. resources: Is the workload sustainable?
✅ Social support & recognition: Do employees feel valued?
🔎 Why it matters:
Declining vitality is a precursor to disengagement and turnover. By tracking engagement, organisations can identify where support is needed to boost morale and productivity.

3. Mapping Learning & Development Needs

Continuous learning (“handy”) is key to staying relevant in a changing work environment. But many employees struggle to find the time or motivation to upskill. Assessments can help assess:

✅ Current competencies: Do employees feel equipped for their roles?
✅ Learning barriers: What's preventing professional growth?
✅ Career aspirations: Where do employees see themselves in the future?
🔎 Why it matters:
By understanding employees' development needs, businesses can offer targeted training, coaching, or mentoring that aligns with both personal growth and business goals.

4. From Data to Action: The Power of Insights

Collecting questionnaire data isn't just about numbers - it's about taking action. The insights gained can help:

📌 Shape wellbeing programmes that address real employee concerns
📌 Optimise work environments to reduce stress and boost resilience
📌 Develop personalised career growth plans to keep employees engaged and future-ready

And ultimately, organisations that listen and act on employee feedback create a culture of trust, innovation, and long-term success.

Investing in Sustainable Employability

Sustainable employability isn't just a responsibility - it's a strategic advantage. By using scans and similar assessments to understand, engage, and support employees, companies can foster a healthier, happier, and more productive workforce.

Are you ready to take sustainable employability seriously? Start by asking the right questions - because what gets measured, can get improved.