As more and more businesses continue to review the 9-to-5 work schedule and the demands of being in-office, many employees are finding that the flexibility helps them balance their professional and personal responsibilities. But even in the age of remote and hybrid work schedules, we still spend the majority of our days working, which is often sedentary and screen-centered. 

It is important for businesses to consider that while employees are on the job they have the support they need to thrive, this not only includes flexible schedules and professional development opportunities, but community-driven activities, and wellness initiatives. A series of recent articles by some of the world’s top CEOs emphasizes that the future of business requires creating deeper connections with and among employees.

“Realizing a relational orientation requires learning new ways of listening and communicating: with curiosity, humility, empathy, and authenticity. These skills allow a CEO to cultivate a “first among equals” relationship with their Board and teams, expanding their self- and organizational awareness by inviting inspiration and insights from diverse perspectives, including responses to their own leadership. Treating these relationships as sacrosanct, defined by mutual trust and respect, will prove essential to CEOs hoping to propel their organizations’ transformation and performance through an increasingly complex landscape.”

Here in New Albany, where many prominent businesses are putting down roots, we find that these workplace culture shifts include more time out in the community, participating in volunteer activities, and encouraging physical and emotional well-being. Through Healthy New Albany’s Wellness Works programs, we are learning what matters most to our local businesses: education, accessibility, and sustainability.

Michael Hofer, HR Manager at Steiner and Associates, a partner in our Wellness Works program, shared, “Having Healthy New Albany curate a wellness journey for our associates was the perfect way to improve overall health, efficiency, creativity, and productivity in our personal and professional lives. I am so grateful to work for a company that invests in its employee’s health and wellbeing.”

In addition to Steiner and Associates, we are working with Meta, AMGEN, Buckeye Innovation, and others to create innovative and authentic programming. This year, we developed a Retreat Experience that combines functional nutrition education, nature engagement, and team building around cooking along with movement.

Pharmavite, another Wellness Works partner, recently had their team participate in this program, and the employees provided their feedback. “I am still buzzing with enthusiasm from the experience!” one team member said. “One of the highlights was the focus on healthy snack options. The [Healthy New Albany Wellness Works] team provided a delightful spread of nutritious snacks and meals that were not only tasty but also beautifully presented. It was inspiring to see how easy it is to incorporate nutritious choices into our daily lives.”

Healthy New Albany Wellness Works is a valuable wellness and well-being resource for the community. Connect with Pamela Conn, Director of Corporate Engagement, to discover how Wellness Works can support your organization – large or small – in achieving wellness goals. You can also encourage your workplace to get more involved in health and wellness by visiting www.hnawellnessworks.org.