New development: A strategic re-set—Sustaining public service well-being

This article explores how public servants’ well-being can be supported and enhanced strategically and sustainably. The author contemplates how a more strategic, proactive approach will benefit the public service over the medium to long term. Policy-makers, line managers and human resource professionals should consider the psycho-social well-being of public servants when organizing work and designing jobs. The significant cost in the UK of spiralling absenteeism, staff burnout and turnover must be compared to the investment required to prevent these issues. The author calls for appreciating the value of reasonable and sustainable job expectations, autonomous jobs, and sufficient feedback to further continuous growth and engagement. Challenging, fulfilling and balanced jobs support well-being, resilience and performance—ultimately ensuring trustworthy public service delivery to all citizens.