Strengths Based Leading: Leveraging Character Strengths to Improve Staff Well-Being

Strengths-Based Leading is a well-being initiative designed to enhance the well-being and engagement of staff at the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS), part of the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitation Services (DARS). This intervention addresses professional challenges such as burnout and compassion fatigue by fostering work engagement through the implementation of VIA character strengths. Our approach includes administering the VIA Survey, conducting character strengths workshops, and encouraging strengths-spotting. We also outline strategies for sustaining this initiative long-term. By leveraging character strengths, we aim to improve job satisfaction, strengthen interpersonal relationships, and enhance both client interactions and organizational effectiveness, as measured by the Gallup Q12 Survey.