Latest news with #employeeWellness
Forbes
07-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Hedge Funds Are Investing In Employee Wellness To Enable Peak Performance
A focus on employee wellness contributes to a deeper sense of trust, empathy and loyalty amongst the ... More workforce. Top-tier hedge fund Citadel announced last week that it will be hiring its first ever Chief Medical Officer. The role will be filled by Dr. David Stark, a Harvard trained pediatric neurologist. Per Citadel, the hire comes at a time when Ken Griffen, founder of the firm, is pushing for higher performance from employees. Per Sjoerd Geharing, the firm's chief people officer, Dr. Stark 'will be responsible for driving innovation in employee benefits and wellness to further enhance the employee experience and support peak performance of our colleagues.' The firm already provides some degree of on-site medical services enabled by third-party healthcare providers; the new role will aim to optimize healthcare benefits, concierge care and health plans. The industry overall has been increasing these kind of offerings in recent years amidst the significant competition for top talent. Many firms employ a wide range of roles specifically dedicated to employee wellness, including personal trainers, performance coaches and even chefs. Especially given the heavy workloads and high performance environments required of jobs in the industry, these roles aim to alleviate the day-to-day pressures for employees. Dr. Stark is no stranger to high finance or this type of work; prior to this role, he was chief medical officer and the global head of benefits for Morgan Stanley, helping redesign the firm's approach to employee health plans. Interestingly, this concept is not unique to high finance. Technology companies have been known to follow a similar model for decades, both as a means to ensure employee wellness and performance but also to inculcate a sense of unique culture and camaraderie. For example, Meta is famous for its wellness perks, including an on-site clinic for employees, a barbershop, spa, free meals and onsite fitness facilities. Google similarly offers numerous benefits geared towards employee wellness and success, including cafeterias with free meals, game and activity rooms, child care centers and generous healthcare benefits, such as significantly subsidized fertility assistance. The whole trend has even been popularized in pop-culture; the tv show Billions portrays the work of a psychiatrist at a high-capital hedge fund and the nuances of the industry. The science behind this is also sound. Former U.S. Surgeon General, Vice Admiral (VADM) Jerome Adams, MD, MPH, published a powerful research study in Public Health Reports in 2020, entitled 'The Value of Worker Well-being.' In it, Dr. Adams explains that 'employees who are in good physical, mental, and emotional health are more likely to deliver optimal performance in the workplace than employees who are not.' Additionally, a piece by the Harvard Business Review (HBR) explains how healthy employees tend to stay with companies longer, indicating that 'organizations with highly effective wellness programs report significantly lower voluntary attrition than do those whose programs have low effectiveness (9% vs. 15%).' Furthermore, parallel to these efforts being the means to improve performance and profitability, many of these initiatives are important incentives for employees to maintain a sense of normalcy and zeal for their careers. A sense of culture and loyalty is fostered as the employer-employee relationship is one of give and take; people ultimately care about companies that care about them. The HBR piece poignantly highlights this exact sentiment: 'The inherent nature of workplace wellness—a partnership between employee and employer—requires trust. Because personal health is such an intimate issue, investment in wellness can, when executed appropriately, create deep bonds.'
Forbes
15-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
How Employee Wellness Is Becoming Hospitality's Most Valuable Amenity
Clark Fang, director of operations at the Grand Hyatt Taipei. The hotel has a new employee wellness program that includes time with an emotional-support Labrador. Aren Elliott When you think of wellness, a friendly chocolate Lab roaming the back office at the Grand Hyatt Taipei may not be the first thing that comes to mind. But it is for Clark Fang. His eyes light up as he describes the emotional support dog that will visit the hotel next month. "He helps us feel less stressed," says Fang, the hotel's director of operations. "We love him." The dog is part of a new employee wellness program. After COVID-19 gutted Taipei's hospitality workforce, leaving staff working 10-hour days without breaks, Fang and his team needed a radical change. The solution? An emotional-support Labrador, free massages — and employee movie nights. "If we don't have happy employees," he adds, "guests won't be happy either." In Taiwan, where tourism is still struggling to recover from a pandemic downturn, employee stress is a significant concern. But Grand Hyatt's pivot reflects a global shift. Hotel managers worldwide are recognizing the importance of employee wellness in boosting job performance and loyalty, according to a recent study in the journal Administrative Sciences. And there's something in it for discerning guests, too. Grand Hyatt Taipei employees at a local animal shelter in Taipei. The dogs were such a hit that they became part of the hotel's Wellness Day. Grand Hyatt The lodging industry is doubling down on employee wellness for good reason, says Denise Rousseau, a professor of organizational behavior and public policy at Carnegie Mellon University. The programs help employees manage job stress, which increases employee satisfaction, reduces absenteeism and turnover, and improves employee satisfaction. One study suggested that participation in the wellness program increased average worker productivity by over 5 percent. That's roughly equivalent to adding one additional day of productive work per month for the average employee. It also affects the guest experience. "When employees believe they work for a good employer, it spills over into the customer experience," says Rousseau. "Employees express positive feelings and go the extra mile." Eva Pacheco, director of human resources at TMC Hospitality, a hospitality development company, says the trend reflects how society sees wellness. "In hospitality, we're here to help people feel good while they travel," she adds, "and making wellness part of that experience isn't just thoughtful, it's good business sense." A singing bowl class for employees at the Four Seasons Hong Kong. Four Seasons Hong Kong At the Grand Hyatt, employee wellness isn't corporate lip service. It's woven into daily operations. During the hotel's Global Wellness Day, therapists give on-site massages to housekeepers and front-desk staff. Teams unwind at screenings of films like the latest installment of Mission: Impossible. Managers also host weekly listening sessions where employees vent their frustrations. Fang's philosophy is simple: "Our general manager is the parent of this home. We work as a team, even when we disagree." The results? After a 2023 exodus of burned-out staff, retention rates are climbing. And even though the hotel is large — there are 850 rooms and suites — customers say it delivers a personal touch. For example, it isn't unusual to see the hotel's executive chef, Tan Ban Khim, asking guests at his famous vegetarian buffet if he can help them choose a dish. And everyone from housekeepers to front desk employees is always friendly and goes the extra mile to ensure guests have everything they need, which is uncommon for a large hotel. Some employee wellness programs are already well established. At Schloss Elmau in the Bavarian Alps, one of the most luxurious independently owned and operated spa resorts in Germany, employees can access all of the resort's wellness offerings, including a world-famous spa, outdoor pools, tennis and skiing. Once a year employees can spend one night at the resort, all inclusive. Other programs are newer. For example: A boutique hotel takes care of its "soul." At La Coralina Island House, a boutique eco-luxury retreat in Bocas del Toro, Panama, employee wellness is central to the guest experience. Managing Director Ariel Barrionuevo says employee support is fundamental to delivering the property's peaceful, restorative experience. "Our team is the soul of this place," Barrionuevo says. "If we expect them to take care of travelers in a meaningful way, we have to take care of them first." This philosophy translates into practical measures: Staff meals are prepared in the same organic kitchen that serves guests. Biweekly wellness check-ins provide space for employees to discuss their well-being beyond work performance. On-site offerings include language development and mindfulness training. The hotel also emphasizes fair wages and flexible scheduling to prevent burnout. Barrionuevo links this approach directly to guest perception, noting reviews often highlight the staff's warmth and attentiveness, with some guests returning specifically to reconnect with team members. "That kind of hospitality isn't trained," she says. "It's cultivated through care." Sports competitions and singing bowls at the Four Seasons. At the Four Seasons Hong Kong, employees mark wellness day with mindfulness sessions featuring a singing bowl class, therapeutic tea servings and badminton competitions. "A healthy, engaged workforce directly translates to lower staff turnover rate and a higher score in employee engagement," says hotel spokeswoman Priscilla Chan. Broadening employee support at Hilton. For example, Hilton offers a long list of benefits to support employees through various life stages and challenges, according to Derrick Steinour, director of sales and marketing at Hilton West Palm Beach. These include logistical support for those managing caregiving responsibilities, as well as access to mental health therapists, specialized resources supporting all pathways to parenthood, and a nationwide gym program. "When our team members take care of themselves, they're better equipped to take care of our guests," he says. Taking a bite out of burnout at Great Wolf Resorts. Wellness programs aren't confined to luxury hotels. Great Wolf Resorts, a chain of indoor water park resorts based in Chicago, recently launched a program called "Be Pack Positive" – a company-wide initiative rolling out to its 13,000 employees. The wellness initiative has several components, including mental health, physical health, social connections and fostering healthy habits. "We often overlook that promoting mental fitness is the foundation for fostering positivity," explains Romie Mushtaq, a board-certified physician and Great Wolf Resorts' chief wellness officer. "This positivity is the catalyst for high-performing, engaged, and creative teams, which leads to better guest service for families visiting our resorts." These wellness programs aren't happening in a vacuum. While employee satisfaction has always been a concern, customer service experts say guests are no longer content to get service with a smile. "Guests today are more attuned to human interaction — and often comment on whether staff seem present or disconnected," notes Max Babych, CEO of SpdLoad, a developer of service software. The newest hotel employee wellness programs address a massive and little-understood problem in the hospitality industry. After the pandemic decimated the hotel industry's workforce, burnout and low morale have become a major problem. These programs are ambitious in their scope, says Sekoul Krastev, a decision scientist and co-founder of The Decision Lab, a behavioral science consultancy. They address psychological safety and retention by creating worker-friendly environments that emphasize teamwork and service consistency. They also form a feedback loop with guest service. 'Research shows that when hotels visibly invest in employee wellness, it positively shapes guest perception,' he says. 'Thanks to the halo effect, guests tend to interpret happier staff as a sign of overall quality — reinforcing loyalty and driving repeat business.' And that may be the biggest takeaway for travelers looking for a better experience. If you want to achieve wellness on your next hotel stay, look for a property that values not just your wellness, but the wellness of its employees.
Associated Press
14-06-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
WSIB Workers Face More Than Double the National Rates of Anxiety and Depression, Survey Finds
TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jun 14, 2025-- The union representing striking workers at the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) has conducted a follow-up survey to assess workload and occupational stress levels, one year after their initial study. The internationally recognized survey, conducted by the Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers (OHCOW), an independent third party, shows that WSIB workers continue to report the worst results in over a decade compared to workplaces across Canada. When it comes to job-related anxiety and depression, WSIB employees experience levels that are double the national average. Preliminary findings from the updated survey indicate the situation has only deteriorated. 'The WSIB is a shining example of what not to be. We will hold the WSIB accountable for their failure to protect employee wellness,' said Harry Goslin, President of OCEU. 'I will not rest until we fix the very real and systemic workload problem. Once we do that, we will elevate services for all Ontario workers.' 'Our members are tired of hearing the employer deny their lived experiences, and it's really impacting them,' said Nicole Francis, Chief Steward for OCEU. 'The results of the survey from last year are crystal clear, but WSIB management doesn't want to accept them because it ruins the image they are trying to project.' John Oudyk, Occupational Hygienist with OHCOW, remains optimistic despite the worsening results. 'Most of the factors measured in the survey were quite negative, but the engagement scores were close to typical Canadian values. This suggests that, despite their negative experience, respondents have not completely disengaged, indicating they still have hope that their work situation can improve,' he said. Members of OCEU/CUPE 1750 have been on strike for over three weeks, after being sent home and locked out of their systems by the employer. Key bargaining issues remain, including dangerously high workloads that are severely impacting WSIB employees' mental health. mb/cope491 View source version on CONTACT: For more information, please contact: Bill Chalupiak CUPE Communications Representative [email protected] 416-707-1401 KEYWORD: NORTH AMERICA CANADA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: MENTAL HEALTH LABOR HEALTH PUBLIC POLICY PUBLIC POLICY/GOVERNMENT SOURCE: Canadian Union of Public Employees Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 06/14/2025 10:58 AM/DISC: 06/14/2025 10:56 AM
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
WSIB Workers Face More Than Double the National Rates of Anxiety and Depression, Survey Finds
TORONTO, June 14, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The union representing striking workers at the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) has conducted a follow-up survey to assess workload and occupational stress levels, one year after their initial study. The internationally recognized survey, conducted by the Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers (OHCOW), an independent third party, shows that WSIB workers continue to report the worst results in over a decade compared to workplaces across Canada. When it comes to job-related anxiety and depression, WSIB employees experience levels that are double the national average. Preliminary findings from the updated survey indicate the situation has only deteriorated. "The WSIB is a shining example of what not to be. We will hold the WSIB accountable for their failure to protect employee wellness," said Harry Goslin, President of OCEU. "I will not rest until we fix the very real and systemic workload problem. Once we do that, we will elevate services for all Ontario workers." "Our members are tired of hearing the employer deny their lived experiences, and it's really impacting them," said Nicole Francis, Chief Steward for OCEU. "The results of the survey from last year are crystal clear, but WSIB management doesn't want to accept them because it ruins the image they are trying to project." John Oudyk, Occupational Hygienist with OHCOW, remains optimistic despite the worsening results. "Most of the factors measured in the survey were quite negative, but the engagement scores were close to typical Canadian values. This suggests that, despite their negative experience, respondents have not completely disengaged, indicating they still have hope that their work situation can improve," he said. Members of OCEU/CUPE 1750 have been on strike for over three weeks, after being sent home and locked out of their systems by the employer. Key bargaining issues remain, including dangerously high workloads that are severely impacting WSIB employees' mental health. mb/cope491 View source version on Contacts For more information, please contact: Bill ChalupiakCUPE Communications Representativewchalupiak@ 416-707-1401
Bloomberg
30-05-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Nomura's Smoking Ban Starts to Pay Off as Less Staff Light Up
Nomura Holdings Inc. 's drive to cut the smoking rate among its staff is bearing fruit, pushing the firm closer to its goal of improving health among its employees. Close to 15% of staff at Japan's largest brokerage were smokers in the fiscal year ended March 2024, down from 21.4% as of March 2018, according to an investor presentation that included details on its other health management initiatives. Nomura, which has more than 14,000 employees in Japan, had set a target to reduce the smoking rate to 12% by March 2026.
