Cultivating Wellness

HR leaders can leverage these strategies to foster a workplace focused on holistic well-being.

By Jessica Kozak

In today’s fast-paced work environment, the importance of employee wellness cannot be overstated. As organizations grow and evolve, the role of their HR team continues to expand far beyond the typical workday to include employees’ needs outside of the office—a transformation that moves from a narrowly focused wellness structure to one that prioritizes comprehensive employee well-being. 

Holistic wellness refers to an integrated approach that addresses multiple dimensions of health, including a person’s physical, mental, emotional, social, occupational, financial, environmental, intellectual, and spiritual well-being. Every HR leader knows that people are the most vital part of a company, but a recent survey revealed that nearly one in every four employees report being dissatisfied with their workplace culture. Recognizing and addressing the interconnected aspects of their overall wellness is crucial for fostering a thriving workplace. 

HR can play a pivotal role in promoting workplace wellness through strategic planning and program development; a process that begins with conducting an employee assessment to identify specific wellness needs and uncover current wellness gaps within the organization. Based on the insights gathered, HR teams can then create a comprehensive data-driven wellness program that touches every dimension of health, makes a real impact on their employees’ well-being, and fuels a better workplace culture.  

Here are seven strategies for HR professionals looking to get started.  

1. Start at the top. Cultivating workplace wellness is only possible with buy-in and support from leadership. When executives are actively engaged in wellness initiatives and lead by example, it sets a positive tone that spreads throughout the entire organization. In fact, 95% of C-suite executives believe they should be responsible for employees’ well-being. Not only does their involvement ensure the continued support of and investment in workplace wellness programs, but it also creates a culture where wellness is valued and prioritized. 
2. Treat all elements evenly. While physical health is critical to overall employee well-being, many organizations tend to prioritize it above all other elements of wellness. However, employees are more likely to feel supported and valued when they see that their organization is addressing all dimensions of their well-being. Holistic strategies go beyond the typical focus and put every aspect of health on an equal playing field. Because the different aspects of health are deeply intertwined, any one of them could have a significant impact on an employee’s overall well-being. Having a balanced approach to wellness ensures that each element is being prioritized.   
3. Make it customizable. No two employees are the same, which means no two employees will need the exact same wellness plan. Since employees have diverse health needs based on a variety of factors including age, lifestyle, health conditions, and personal interests, a one-size-fits-all wellness program cannot effectively address everyone’s varying priorities—no  matter how much it balances the aspects of health. Customization ensures that wellness initiatives are relevant and beneficial to all employees, increasing the likelihood of participation and enhancing their impact. 
4. Encourage social connections. Employee wellness thrives on relationships. Studies show that employees who feel connected and valued are more likely to experience higher levels of emotional well-being, emphasizing the importance of a well-connected workforce. Providing opportunities to build social connections, such as team-building activities and employee gatherings, further enhances workplace wellness because they foster genuine relationships among employees. A strong social network helps create a sense of community, belonging, and support that drives a more engaging, satisfying, and productive work environment. 
5. Promote work-life balance. Data continues to reveal the widespread benefits of a healthy work-life balance. Considering 56% of people claim no amount of money would make them sacrifice their work-life balance, ensuring employees can maintain a healthy equilibrium between their personal and professional lives is essential to an effective holistic wellness program. By promoting a healthy work-life balance through flexible work hours, ample time off, or well-defined boundaries, organizations can support employee well-being, leading to a more engaged, productive, and satisfied workforce.  
6. Provide resources. Resources enable the practical implementation of holistic wellness programs. For example, access to fitness facilities, financial literacy classes, or emotional support workshops allows employees to actively participate in the wellness program in a way that best suits their needs. Engagement is vital to the success of wellness initiatives, and offering tangible resources for all aspects of health demonstrates the organization’s commitment to their wellness while simultaneously empowering them to take control of their own well-being.  
7. Celebrate success. Recognizing milestones and achievements is critical to maintaining motivation and enthusiasm for a wellness initiative. Whether through rewards like gift cards and vouchers or recognition like certificates and public shoutouts, celebrating employees who have made significant progress in their wellness journey or are actively contributing to the program embeds wellness into the organizational culture, making it a valued and integral part of the workplace.  

As employers continue to realize the profound impact workplace wellness has on employee engagement, productivity, and satisfaction, holistic employee well-being will only become an even bigger priority. However, to truly create holistic wellness in the workplace that fosters a healthy and productive culture, HR professionals need to take actionable steps to promote employee well-being, making sure that their organizations not only thrive but that their employees feel supported and valued as whole individuals. 

Jessica Kozak is the chief human resources officer at apexanalytix.