Resources

Moving Beyond Perks: A Holistic Approach to Employee Wellness

Written by Mandy Kutscheid | Mar 28, 2025 2:23:09 PM

Employee wellness isn’t just about offering a gym stipend or occasional meditation breaks—it’s a fundamental shift in workplace culture. At The Fresh Perspective Group, we believe that well-being should be woven into the fabric of an organization, not treated as an afterthought or one-off. That’s why we’re excited to present, "What Employee Wellness Really Means and Why it Matters" at #25NTC in Baltimore on April 17, 2025, from 2-3 pm ET in room 328. 

Led by Samantha Hanley, Wellness Coach, and Mandy Kutschied, VP of People, this interactive 60-minute session will challenge conventional wellness programs and equip attendees with actionable strategies to build a truly integrated culture of well-being at work. 

Why Employee Wellness Matters 

The data is clear: Employee wellness is directly tied to organizational success. 

  • $24.2 billion in lost revenue annually in the U.S. within professional occupations is linked to absenteeism. (Gallup, 2013) 
  • Organizations that invest in employee well-being see a 600% ROI—for every $1 spent, companies save $3.27 in medical costs and $2.73 in absenteeism. (Harvard, 2018) 

Yet, despite these staggering numbers, many organizations still struggle to implement effective wellness initiatives. Often, wellness programs focus on surface-level perks without addressing systemic barriers that impact well-being. 

What to Expect from This Session 

This session isn’t about another generic wellness checklist—it’s about rethinking how we define and implement workplace wellness. Here’s what we’ll cover: 

Defining Employee Wellness & Its Role in the Workplace 

Wellness is more than just physical health; it includes: 

  • Emotional well-being (stress management, psychological safety) 
  • Financial well-being (fair pay, financial literacy) 
  • Interpersonal well-being (belonging, workplace relationships) 
  • Occupational well-being (growth opportunities, workload balance) 
  • Physical well-being (nutrition, exercise, healthcare access) 

Traditional programs often fail because they target individuals rather than addressing systemic issues—in our session we’ll explore how to shift from an individual-focused approach to a holistic organizational one. 

Innovative Wellness Initiatives That Work 

Rather than offering isolated initiatives, we’ll explore how to embed well-being into everyday operations. This includes: 

  • Flexible work schedules – Allowing employees to structure work in a way that suits their well-being. 
  • Behavioral health support – Expanding mental health benefits beyond an underutilized EAP (Employee Assistance Program). 
  • Psychological safety & leadership modeling – Training managers to create an environment where employees feel safe discussing well-being. 
  • Well-being analytics – Using employee feedback and workforce data to continuously refine wellness programs. 

Building an Actionable Wellness Plan for Your Organization 

Attendees will break into small groups to design a wellness strategy tailored to their workplace. Through interactive discussions, we’ll address: 

  • How to identify and remove systemic barriers to well-being. 
  • How to create a sustainable, evolving wellness program that adapts to employees’ changing needs. 

A Culture Shift, Not Just a Perk 

For wellness to truly make an impact, it must be embedded into multiple aspects of your organization—from leadership behaviors to policies and daily interactions. Companies that prioritize well-being don’t just see improved employee morale; they experience higher retention, stronger performance, and a more engaged workforce. 

Join us at #25NTC on April 17 at 2 PM ET to rethink what employee wellness means for your organization. Let’s move beyond perks and build workplaces that truly support their people. Learn more and register here.