The workplace is evolving and the pandemic is driving much of the transformation. Employees are redefining how they work, and employers are beginning to pay attention. The Great Resignation has demonstrated to many business leaders that workers want to take their health, wellbeing, and safety more seriously.
The Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist (CCWS) Program, created by the Corporate Wellness Association, is packed with the requisite tools to meet the health and wellbeing demands of the post-pandemic workforce. Corporate Wellness Magazine sat down with one of the recent graduates of the program, Kendra Julien to discuss the ongoing transformation in the corporate wellness space.
Q: How important is well-being to you personally?
Well-being is essential to our overall health. Well-being plays a significant role in our daily life. What we eat, our belief system, our mental health, and how we take care of ourselves will affect our well-being. My biggest priority is making sure I take care of my well-being. It creates a healthier me and, most notably, a happier me. When I take care of my physical and mental health, it helps me be my best self.
Q: What change have you noticed over the last year with corporate wellness?
I have noticed corporate wellness has become a priority in corporate settings. As a result, more and more companies have implemented corporate wellness programs than before. Further, companies are becoming innovative and offering wellness programs that will benefit their employees, such as mental health and stress management programs and much more.
Q: Where do you see the industry headed?
I see more and more companies making an effort to incorporate corporate wellness into their culture and making the well-being of their employees a priority.
Q: What are the most important focus areas for you in corporate wellness for the upcoming year?
The most critical focus area is creating a healthy environment for employees returning to the workplace. Therefore, creating a work-life balance environment is essential, especially after being out of the workplace for two years.
Q: If you could give our readers one piece of advice in regards to wellness programs what would it be?
Implement a wellness program that will benefit all employees. Listen to your employees. Find out what is needed to create a safe and healthy workforce. The goal is to keep your employees and create an environment where they will be happy.
Q: Why did you go through the Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist program?
I went through the program because I have a passion for employee wellness. Taking the course to become certified has enhanced my skills and provided me with the expertise to share ideas on programs implemented in the workplace.
Q: What was the most valuable takeaway of the corporate wellness certification program for you?
The most valuable takeaway of the CCWS program is creating programs for employees that fit the organization's needs—working collaboratively as an organization. Most importantly, creating a committee that will advocate for their staff members on the importance of employee well-being is a key initiative employers should consider.
Kendra Julien, MPH is the Founder of KJ Wellness Services LLC. Health and Wellness Consultant and has over nine years of experience in the corporate wellness industry
