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ministrators who addressed administrative, facilities, and student development needs
focused on building community among residents (Riker, 1993). Although the primary
focus of the RD position continues to be supporting the out-of-classroom development
of students, the role has evolved as a result of changing campus demographics,
sociopolitical issues, and legislation (Nguyen et al., 2018). As a result, RDs have seen
an uptick in responsibilities related to administrative work, student behavior, crisis response,
parental interactions, and institutional responsibilities (Collins & Hirt, 2006).
Burnout is linked to attrition, and combating this negative impact can help to
support staff well-being and thus contribute to their retention (Collins & Hirt, 2006;
Palmer et al., 2001). General research on workplace culture in the United States suggests
that appropriate delegation of work, supportive leadership, physically safe and
comfortable offices, and fair employee policies contribute to healthy work environments
that support individual well-being (Grawitch et al., 2006). Research specific to
residence life suggests that organizational culture, relationships, and job responsibilities
and opportunities are central to retaining staff (St. Onge et al., 2008). Supervisors
can play an important role in modeling healthy well-being behaviors and directly intervening
when they see issues arise that might be impacting the well-being of their staff
(Palmer et al., 2001).
INCORPORATING WELL-BEING MODELS INTO PRACTICE
Since the 1990s, there has been an increase in the number of studies supporting the
idea that an individual's work environment impacts their holistic well-being (Grawitch
et al., 2006). When individuals are holistically well, they tend to have higher rates of
productivity and job satisfaction, which positively impact retention and contribute to
creating a cycle that promotes individual well-being (Grawitch et al., 2006). While there
are many wellness models used within organizations, such as the Wellness Wheel or
Eight Dimensions of Wellness, this research study chose to utilize the World Health
Organization's definition of health, as it identifies three distinct dimensions-physical,
mental, and social-that encompass many dimensions of health that can be impacted
by economic, environmental, personal, and social environments (WHO, 2017). This
definition focuses on individual health and acknowledges that many external factors
can influence holistic well-being. In this research study, the WHO's definition of health
is used to identify the impact of workplace practices on the physical, mental, and social
dimensions of well-being and to make meaning of participants' experiences overall.
ORGANIZATIONAL FRAMEWORK
Manning (2017) explores organizational development as it pertains to institutions of
higher education and critically considers the ways that different higher education institution
types (e.g., public versus private) operate. In constructing organizational frames
for higher education institutions, Manning used an interdisciplinary approach, given
that these institutions are unique. The organizational frames consider the complexity
of institutions, the people who work within the organizations, and the centrality of
Volume 49, No. 3 * 2023 55
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