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.

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 special rates for your staff.

Gamify Wellness: Apps like Wellable gamify well-being, fostering a collective spirit. Such platforms allow users to track activities, whether it’s counting steps or monitoring meditation durations, and they underscore the importance of collective healthy behavioral shifts. Similarly, apps like Calm, Headspace, Cope Notes, and Fitbit have corporate plans that support and oversee wellness activities.

Educational Initiatives: Arrange workshops on stress management, effective communication, and emotional resilience. These sessions can endow the workforce with tools to uplift and support one another. Classes on healthier nutrition choices, physical health or topics specific to your staff can be invaluable but these events should be held regularly.

Incentivize Wellbeing: Explore perks such as discounted gym memberships, in-office massage sessions, flexible scheduling, meditation classes, hybrid scheduling (if feasible), and other innovative offerings. Such initiatives can enhance morale and foster a sense of community.

Leadership Training: A two-tiered approach can be transformative. Begin by offering training opportunities for emerging leaders within your organization. Additionally, arm existing leadership with skills in communication, problem-solving, motivational techniques, pedagogical diversity, and emotional intelligence. This creates an ambiance where employees feel appreciated, innovative, and anchored.

From my consultancy with varied corporations, I’ve witnessed the positive impact of these mindful steps. Even adopting a single strategy from the list above can create a ripple of positive change. By prioritizing your team’s holistic health, you’re not just boosting morale—you’re elevating your enterprise’s mission. As our understanding of productivity in the modern workplace deepens, it’s imperative we adopt inventive and compassionate strategies for our staff. Let’s collaboratively elevate corporate wellness culture from an exception to a norm.

For those seeking expert counsel in sculpting your wellness program, we’re at your service.

Anthony Gonzalez, LCSW, QS Alere Emotional Health LLC