4 Ways To Foster Belonging And Well-Being In High-Pressure Workplaces

Forbes

2 days ago

Margaret-Ann Cole is Chief HR & People Officer, Services for the UnderServed.
In today's demanding work environment, cultivating employee wellness and belonging has become essential for organizational success. As the chief human resources officer at Services for the UnderServed (S:US), a New York City nonprofit managing a staff of 1,800 and providing $300 million in services annually, I've seen how prioritizing wellness creates thriving teams and stronger outcomes for those we serve.
What's particularly important is ensuring employees—especially those in high-stress, high-responsibility roles—feel supported and connected. With the right environment, they can sustain their passion for work while maintaining personal well-being and meaningful connections.
As CHROs, our responsibilities include nurturing and creating conditions for our people, organizations and the communities we serve to thrive. By implementing key strategies, we can significantly enhance employee wellness while improving satisfaction and productivity. Here are four proven approaches every organization should consider:
1. Embrace Preventative Healthcare
The foundation of workplace wellness begins with comprehensive healthcare and regular preventative support. When employees prioritize their physical health, they build the resilience needed to thrive in demanding environments. People with strong physical health bring more energy to their work, engage more deeply with colleagues and clients, and have the physical reserves necessary to navigate high-pressure periods.
Leaders can champion preventative care by creating supportive policies, like offering flexible time, providing wellness-related stipends and normalizing health-focused conversations (without requiring disclosure). At S:US, for example, we provide paid time off specifically for wellness appointments, send organization-wide reminders about preventative care during relevant health awareness months and share personal accounts of prioritizing health to model the importance of well-being.
2. Establish Movement And Wellness Programs
Being physically active enhances cognitive function, which is vital for sustained engagement at work. Furthermore, when people engage in movement together, they build stronger interpersonal bonds. So establishing internal programs and initiatives can be an effective strategy for supporting employee wellness.
We incorporate movement into our daily S:US operations. After noticing our staff is motivated by internal competition, we developed a "Beat the CEO" summer challenge where staff accrue points by exercising at the same level (or higher) than our top executive. The staff with the most points has a better chance of winning raffle prizes and other rewards.
The key to success is creating an environment where physical wellness activities are viewed as investments in both individual thriving and team cohesion. When employees understand that their employer genuinely values their well-being, they develop stronger connections to the organization and their colleagues.
3. Strengthen Mental Health Support And Connection
Mental health support is equally crucial when fostering belonging. Psychological well-being directly impacts how employees connect with others, contribute to teams and find meaning in their work. According to the American Psychological Association's 2023 Work and Well-being Survey, employees with access to mental health resources report higher job satisfaction and lower stress levels.
Effective mental health initiatives that enhance belonging include:
• Confidential counseling services with simple access protocols
• Mental health awareness training
• Resilience workshops that build shared language and understanding
• Renewal programs that honor long-term commitment
• Regular check-ins focused on both contribution and well-being
Wellness programs with the greatest impact are often those that normalize mental health discussions, especially from the higher levels. When leadership openly acknowledges the mental or emotional demands of work and model healthy practices, employees feel empowered to prioritize their psychological well-being and support one another.
4. Encourage Affinity Groups To Deepen Community
The profound power of community stands at the heart of belonging. Humans flourish through meaningful connections, drawing strength and purpose from shared experiences. When employees participate in workplace communities like affinity groups, their capacity for sustainable engagement grows exponentially.
Affinity groups offer numerous benefits, including:
• Fostering authentic relationships that transcend departmental boundaries
• Creating psychological safety that enables innovation and growth
• Providing perspectives that enrich both personal and professional life
• Building cross-functional relationships that improve collaboration
• Celebrating diverse backgrounds and experiences that strengthen work
To encourage affinity group formation, leaders can survey employees about shared interests or identities, provide meeting spaces and modest budgets, offer executive sponsorship and, most importantly, give groups the autonomy to define their own purpose and activities.
The Human Advantage Of Well-Being And Belonging
As we navigate increasingly complex social challenges, a focus on employee wellness and belonging can become our greatest strength. The four strategies outlined above work in harmony to help create environments where employees connect meaningfully, sustain their commitment to work and flourish.
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