Embedding healthy workplace culture into wellbeing curricula

Workforce wellbeing - including that of medical students and trainees - has become a global priority in response to increasing challenges such as burnout, workforce shortages and declining productivity. While workplace culture is widely recognised as a key determinant of wellbeing, most existing frameworks and curricula continue to place the burden on individuals, rather than addressing systemic factors. Current wellbeing programmes typically focus on personal behaviours and professionalism, overlooking the crucial influence of organisational culture. To address this gap, a contemporary, holistic approach is needed - one that embeds cultural literacy and systems thinking into wellbeing curricula through lectures, tutorials and case studies. A healthy workplace culture is strongly linked to an empowered workforce, as well as broader improvements in societal mental health and social cohesion. By incorporating these elements, we can better prepare future professionals to lead and sustain human-centred, psychologically safe workplaces. Training providers and accreditation bodies play a pivotal role in driving this shift by setting standards for training environments, curriculum design and accreditation processes as part of fostering a culture of training. The Royal Australasian College of Physicians has commenced this journey, with a statement of intent - 'Civility Statement' - and an examination of structures in the College that affect member and staff wellbeing. This work is the commencement of a long journey to improve wellbeing among our trainees and our colleagues.