Fostering a Healthy Workplace:
The Positive Impact of WashU’s Employee Wellness Programs
How far will Washington University in St. Louis go to enhance employee health? Well, how about using selfies with an inflatable colon to promote wellness programs?
That’s only one of the fun examples illustrating why employee well-being is a cornerstone of WashU’s employee culture. Through annual initiatives like Take Care Fairs and 8ight Ways to Wellness, the university is continually empowering faculty, staff and trainees to pursue holistic health solutions. Efforts include health assessments, contests, and giveaways to:
- Raise awareness
- Provide education resources
- Attract and keep employees delighted in meaningful ways as they progress.
Take Care Fairs: Engaging and Empowering Employee
Wellness Programs
Alternating between Danforth and WashU Medicine Campuses, Take Care Fairs at WashU are vibrant biannual events that offer a variety of wellness resources and activities. More than information sessions, these interactive experiences make health and wellness approachable and enjoyable. Examples:
- Onsite health screenings, flu shots, and fitness assessments by the WashU Medicine Physical Therapy team
- Nutrition guidance — from healthy snack advice to behavior change strategies — by the MyWay to Health team
- Consulting with UnitedHealthcare Nurse Advocates
- Financial wellness resources through platforms like TIAA and Enrich
- Added fun elements such as chair massages, vendor bingo, attendance prizes, and visits from WUPD Comfort Dogs.
Lauren Zahner, who coordinates WashU’s wellness programs and events, is a main contact to answer participation questions. She notes the Care Fairs have become university traditions that employees are eager to attend: “People know that they can go there and get their questions answered. It’s nice to be able to have those one-on-one conversations… people just look forward to the fairs year after year. They get away from their desk and interact with coworkers and people in other departments as well.”
Read more: WashU Cultivates Community, Fosters Fitness With Custom Couch to 5K Challenge
8ight Ways to Wellness: A Comprehensive Health
Framework
Be physically active
Don’t smoke and limit alcohol
Get health screenings and immunizations
Eat a healthy diet and keep calories in check
Use mindfulness and other healthy ways to lower stress
Get enough sleep
Plan for your financial well-being
Work together toward wellness with family, friends, and community
Each principle is supported by specific university resources like these:
- Accessing fitness classes through the WashU Recreation Center
- Participating in mindfulness programs such as WashU’s Move Into Mindfulness
- Receiving financial planning assistance from consultants.
Zahner adds: “We like to highlight and have representation from each area. We definitely use that as our framework for all programs.”
Read more: Culture vs. Programs: How to Achieve Well-Being at Work
Making a Healthy Workplace Fun and Accessible
WashU ensures that wellness initiatives are not only informative but also engaging. Star Trak’s space exploration theme and Walktober’s immersion in autumn’s beautiful outdoors incorporate physical activity into daily routines — all within a fun, team-based environment. These challenges often coincide with Take Care Fairs to build a cohesive, motivational wellness experience.
Zahner explains: “It definitely gives a fun aspect to the fair. People look forward to getting their map of activities or whatever we decide to do. Our team is pretty creative when it comes to the design portion.”
She also looks forward to seeing how WashU’s employee wellness programs evolve. During the pandemic, for example, the university offered a virtual version of the health fair that included webinars with different partners. They may consider additional models that benefit both on-campus and remote employees. “There are quite a few options. If we really want to grow and engage more than just the in-person population, I think we’ll eventually add an app-based or hybrid experience.”
How to Give Your Employees a Healthier Workplace
To emulate WashU’s hands on employee wellness approach, which not only promotes healthier lifestyles but also cultivates a community where well-being is a shared priority, Zahner advises: “Plan ahead… six months to a year out. Once we finish a fair, for example, we’re already preparing for the next, including communications and recruiting vendors. It’s all about spreading the word and coordinating logistics. Stay organized and be sure you have a strong team to make sure things run smoothly.”
HES can help your workplace reach wellness goals. For 30+ years, we’ve successfully served a variety of organizations — including large and small businesses, school systems, colleges, universities, nonprofits, and city/state/federal entities. Contact or call us 800.326.2317 today for ideas and answers.