MINDFULNESS
Cultivating Work Wellbeing By Anthony Gonzalez, LCSW, QS During my college years, I spent most of my summers and winters working in a cardboard factory. It was invaluable work for an 18-year-old grappling with life’s directions. Among the skills and work ethics I learned there, the pre-shift routines stand out. Our shift manager would gather the team, and we’d engage in basic stretching, movement exercises, twists, and bends— preparing our bodies for the physical labor ahead. Reflecting on it, this was my introduction to a “wellness” program, priming the body for the shift’s demands, fostering camaraderie, and sharpening our focus. An apt practice for a blue-collar setting. 8
Thankfully, companies of all sizes now recognize the significance of employee and corporate wellness programs. These initiatives do more than just elevate team spirit and overall well-being. The “Return on Wellbeing Study” by GymPass (2023) suggests that a well-structured wellness program can bolster the company’s bottom line by reducing absenteeism, enhancing retention, and boosting productivity. Intriguingly, the study showed that 90% of companies assessing their wellness programs observed a notable positive return on their investment. However, integrating such programs can be daunting, especially for small businesses and startups operating on limited budgets. So thequestion we as ourselves as company owners, investors, HR managers are where do we start? Below I’ve included a few ideas and channels to consider when building a comprehensve employee wellness culture. Prioritize Mental and Emotional Health: Consider implementing a comprehensive Employee Assistance Program (EAP) like Telus Health or one available through your insurance provider. Research underscores that mental health profoundly affects performance and absenteeism. Facilitating access to mental health resources can diminish the stigma associated with seeking assistance. If budgets are tight, collaborate with local therapists to secure
