Using a Holistic Approach to Wellness 

Wellness has been an important focus for both individuals and organizations, and for good reason. Hundreds of studies show that wellness programs in the workplace yield positive outcomes for both employees and employers. For example, in 2013 the Rand Report authors concluded that “workplace wellness programs can help contain the current epidemic of lifestyle-related diseases, the main driver of premature morbidity and mortality as well as health care cost in the United States.”  In addition to the physical benefits for employees, wellness programs can also save organizations money. Johnson and Johnson estimated that wellness programs showed a return on investment (ROI) of $2.71 for every dollar spent. An internal analysis done by H-E-B showed that annual health care claims were $1,500 lower among wellness program participants with a high-risk health status than among nonparticipants. (https://hbr.org/2010/12/whats-the-hard-return-on-employee-wellness-programs). 

Traditional corporate wellness programs often focus solely on physical health, offering gym memberships, health screenings, and weight loss challenges. While these initiatives are important, they do not address the multifaceted nature of employee wellbeing. At FMP, we believe in supporting our employees through a culture that acknowledges the importance of holistic well-being, a concept that recognizes the many factors that contribute to health, wellness, individual productivity, and happiness. These programs lead to higher productivity, morale, and job satisfaction. The factors that contribute to holistic well-being include: 

• Physical wellness: nutrition, exercise, sleep 

• Mental/emotional wellness: managing stress, building resilience, fostering a positive work environment 

• Financial health: financial literacy, budgeting 

• Community engagement: creating supportive communities 

• Career wellness: job satisfaction and career fulfillment 

• Social wellness: open communication and meaningful relationships, supportive workplace culture 

In addition to focusing on all the factors that contribute to holistic well-being, we also want to emphasize the importance of connection, ensuring that all employees feel welcomed and included in events and programs at FMP. Specifically, as we develop programming, we ensure that events reflect different audiences (e.g., various age groups, parental status, level of experience, educational backgrounds, geographical locations) and that the locations chosen are accessible (e.g., available parking, accessible entrances, close to public transportation). We are also focused on sustainability, being mindful of and seeking to reduce FMP’s impact on the environment. We have included these concepts at the center of our model to help maintain that focus and guide the efforts of our committees as they consider events and programs throughout the year. 

How to design a holistic wellness program 

To enjoy the benefits of a holistic wellness program, it is important to tailor your program to the needs and preferences of your workforce. Key considerations include: 

• Conduct a Needs Assessment: Conduct surveys and/or focus groups to understand the challenges and needs of your workforce. 

• Offer a Range of Programs and Initiatives: address the various dimensions of well-being, offering a mix of activities and resources that appeal to different preferences and learning styles. Examples of FMP’s offerings include: 
  • Physical wellness: Nutrition classes; exercise challenges, ergonomic information 
  • Mental/emotional wellness: Resilience training, meditation classes, yoga classes, stress management sessions 
  • Financial health: budgeting for large purchases, 401k seminar; 1:1 financial management sessions 
  • Community engagement: charity runs, foodbank assistance, participation in local charitable events 
  • Career wellness: employee development plans,  
  • Social wellness: company holiday party, family picnic, sporting event tickets, cooking classes, potluck events, craft parties 

• Ensure Your Program Encompasses Connection and Sustainability (as described above) 

• Communicate, Communicate, Communicate: Communication is one of the most important aspects of the program and includes multiple channels such as email, intranet, marketing posters, postcards placed on each employee’s desk, entries in a weekly newsletter, announcements in monthly team meetings.  

• Evaluate Success: track participation rates, employee feedback, health outcomes, retention rates to refine the program and communication strategies. 

We hope that using this model of holistic well-being will continue to enhance the activities and programming offered and, ultimately, contribute to evolving and sustaining a vibrant and inclusive culture. 

Bryanne Cordeiro Reynolds, an I/O Psychologist, has been working at FMP for almost 19 years. She provides consulting services for many of FMP’s clients, with a focus on the financial sector. She also leads FMP’s wellness program, is a certified Pilates instructor, and spends most of her “free” time with her children. When she’s not at the soccer field or baking, “healthy” treats with her kids, she loves to run outside, read, and drink coffee.