[Job Seeker Interview Guide - 5]
Wellbeing at Work
We often talk about company culture, but what does that actually feel like day to day? One way to find out is by asking about wellbeing, both mental and physical. After all, where and how you work has a huge impact on your energy, motivation, and long-term health.
What Wellbeing Really Means
It is more than just benefits. It includes:
Mental health support: how stress is handles, whether open conversations are welcomed
Physical environment: chairs, lighting, work setup, noise levels
Work-life balance: overtime expectations, vacation policies, boundaries
Healthy routines: access to gyms, nutritious food, or just time to breathe
These are valid things to consider, and asking about them is not overstepping. It shows you care about doing your best work in a place that supports you.
What You Can Ask:
Here are some natural ways to open the conversation:
 | “What’s the company’s approach to employee wellbeing?”“How do people here usually manage long or busy weeks?”“Are there any wellness initiatives, like fitness benefits or mental health support?”“What kind of working environment do you have? Is it mostly office-based, hybrid, flexible?” |
What to Listen For
The content of the answer matters, but so does the tone. Are they open? Defensive? Specific? Vague?
Green flags:
Concrete examples of real support: flexible hours, mental health days, sit-stand desks, gym discounts
Leaders who model healthy boundaries and talk openly about wellbeing
A sense of care and clarity, even if they are still improving
A healthy attitude toward time off
Red flags:
Overemphasis on hustle or “toughing it out”
Vague answers or awkward silences, discomfort and or hesitation
No mention of how employees are supported, just what is expected of them
You’re Not Asking Too Much
Wanting to understand how a company treats its people is not a red flag, it is a smart move. Asking about wellbeing support shows that you care not just about getting the job, but about staying healthy, motivated, and engaged once you are in it.
A good workplace will respect your time, your energy, and your boundaries. Because when people feel supported, mentally and physically, they do their best work, and they stay longer, too.
You can also check the company’s website or reviews ahead of time. Do they talk about wellbeing in their values or culture pages? If it looks good on paper, use the interview to confirm what it looks like in action.
Continue to other sections of our Interview Guide: |