Creating a wellness-focused workplace is more than a trend—it’s a proven strategy that benefits both employees and businesses. Workplace wellness programs have a long history: more than a century ago Johnson & Johnson provided New Jersey employees with an on-site health center, a fitness facility with a pool and a basketball court, and later launched Live for Life, an on-site program offering behavior modification tools and education on nutrition, stress management and other health topics.
Today, wellness in the workplace has evolved into a formalized discipline and business model. The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), which promotes building and community design that supports human health, recently held its first Workplace Wellness Leadership Summit. Key takeaways highlighted that environments strongly influence how we live and work, leadership must actively support a culture of health, and wellness programs should be tailored rather than one-size-fits-all.
“Organizations are investing deeply in a culture of health and well-being, and not simply from an altruistic perspective but with the understanding that the health of a business is linked to the health and well-being of the people who work there,” said Rachel Gutter, IWBI president.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, IWBI developed the WELL Health-Safety Rating for Facility Operations and Management. This evidence-based, third-party verified rating focuses on operational policies, maintenance protocols, emergency planning and stakeholder education to help facilities address post-pandemic safety as well as long-term health and safety concerns.
Small and mid-sized companies are showing how intentional workplace wellness can create a meaningful culture. In Cleveland, Michelle Venorsky founded Hello, a 10-person marketing agency, to create a human-centered workplace that supports both career growth and family life. Although Hello cannot match large agencies on salary, Venorsky prioritized mental health and employee well-being.
Hello’s benefits include full coverage of ClassPass so employees can exercise during the workday if they choose, regular on-site massage sessions, and Flex Fridays where no one is required to be in the office. The agency offers unlimited paid time off and no fixed office hours, relying on trust: employees are free to attend a child’s school event, start late, or take a mental health day. Venorsky notes that after seven years, these policies have not been abused.
Monthly team outings, called Joy Rides, originally served as a break and team-bonding activity. This year the agency transformed Joy Rides into volunteer-focused outings, directing the team’s energy toward giving back to the community.
In Philadelphia, Antoinette Marie Johnson, founder and CEO of Cohere, built a creative agency that blends imaginative workspaces with wellness initiatives. Cohere runs a weekly Lunch & Learn series offering hands-on workshops—from composting and kombucha brewing to making natural facial scrubs—offers daily meditation sessions, and promotes practices that support personal development and community impact.
“Cohere’s belief is the more familiar our team is with creative and sustainable practices, the better we are equipped to bring these to our clients and generate impact in Philadelphia and beyond,” Johnson said. “It’s mindfulness, wellness and fostering creativity through programs that enliven our philosophies and show care for our employees.”
PHOTO: © LAUREN LUCILE CREATIVE
Austin-based Everlywell, which provides at-home laboratory tests, intentionally designed its offices to support employee health. The company offers an in-house yoga studio nearing completion, a 24/7 gym with Peloton bikes, Headspace subscriptions for employees, and frequent deliveries of fresh berries, Greek yogurt, hummus and guacamole. The workplace also stocks organic, gluten-free and Paleo-friendly snacks, daily “spa water” flavors, chemical-free syrups crafted by an on-site barista, multiple nondairy milk options and local kombucha on tap—small touches that create a supportive wellness environment.
Organizations that want to expand or professionalize their on-site wellness offerings can partner with consultants that specialize in corporate wellness. The Wellness Project NYC (TWP), founded by Rachel Brown and Sarah Jacobs in 2012, is an example: a creative corporate wellness consultancy that designs engaging educational programming. TWP’s client list includes major companies and its approach blends holistic nutrition expertise with corporate experience to make wellness accessible and enjoyable.
Another critical element of workplace wellness is the physical design of the space. Laura Britt of Britt Design Group, whose clients include university wellness centers and the U.S. Air Force Academy, designs offices with health and wellness in mind and follows WELL Building Standard principles. Britt’s team frequently uses biomimicry—design inspired by nature—to create environments that support human well-being.
“Being connected with nature makes us feel good,” Britt said, noting the positive effects of natural light, water sounds and visual connections to the outdoors. Her designs aim to engage the senses, especially sight and sound, and to bring daylight and outdoor views into the workplace whenever possible.
Britt also recommends small design choices that encourage movement and healthy habits: sit-to-stand desks, centralized waste stations that prompt employees to stand and walk, and other subtle interventions that add activity to the workday. These practical changes can reduce sedentary behavior and improve overall well-being.
While public events like The WELL Conference were postponed during the pandemic, the broader emphasis on designing healthier spaces and supporting employee wellness persists. Investing in workplace health—through culture, programs and thoughtful design—not only improves individual well-being but also benefits organizational performance by reducing sick days, minimizing workflow disruptions and fostering a more engaged, productive workforce.