Admittedly, the coronavirus pandemic has upended the world of work. Employers have now taken what used to be an add-on work benefit more seriously. More employers are now integrating workplace wellness into the very fabric of their organizational culture - and this transformation is driving the Great Reshuffling.
The Corporate Wellness Association developed the Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist (CCWS) program to help business leaders and managers build corporate wellness programs that put employee well-being and safety at the center. Corporate Wellness Magazine recently met with one of the graduates of the program, Susan Van Hoosen, to discuss the seismic shift disrupting the corporate wellness industry and what the future holds.
Susan Van Hoosen is the Population Health Strategist & Team Lead for LHD Benefit Advisors. She is also a certified health coach, mental health first-aid provider, and certified mindfulness and meditation teacher
Q: How important is well-being to you personally?
Working in the health and well-being arena is not just what I’m blessed to do as a career, but it’s truly a lifestyle I’ve lived and one that has been an evolving journey for many years. Health is the cornerstone of my life, my work, my service, and my way of being.
Q: What change have you noticed over the last year with corporate wellness?
There is a shift in mindset and many organizations are beginning to know the value of employee well-being, especially mental and emotional health. The pandemic forced many employers to take a closer look at their wellness program offerings and respond to what today’s workforce needs and is asking for in a more holistic and personal approach.
Q: Where do you see the industry headed?
Forward-thinking organizations that view and integrate their corporate health strategy as part of the overall business strategy are more likely to drive sustainable results and success. There is a need for wellness programs and resources that are data-driven and measured, that can cater to a hybrid, virtual, onsite, and “shift” workforce with ongoing consistent messaging and support.
Q: What are the most important focus areas for you in corporate wellness for the upcoming year?
Mental Health will be my focus in 2022, with great emphasis on stress management & resilience, work-life Integration, prevention & disease management, and healthcare consumerism empowerment.
Q: If you could give our readers one piece of advice in regards to wellness programs what would it be?
Survey your people and ask what they want and need most. Then pair this feedback data with population health data analytics to design the most effective, meaningful, and personalized wellness strategy.
Q: Why did you go through the Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist program?
To gain a deeper understanding of all areas of corporate wellness, compliance, best practices, and strategy design, and how to gain employer buy-in and increase employee engagement in wellness programs.
Q: What was the most valuable takeaway of the Corporate Wellness Certification program for you?
The key takeaways for me are the strategies, case studies, and best practices guidelines.
