Can you share an example of how your workplace recognizes and values the importance of employee well-being beyond just productivity? How does this approach benefit both employees and the company?

Question

Discover the cutting-edge strategies that top experts recommend for cultivating a workplace that values employee well-being as much as productivity. This article delves into practical methods for creating a supportive and thriving work environment, informed by the knowledge of industry leaders. Learn how to integrate expert-backed approaches into daily operations, fostering a culture where employee health and happiness are key to success.

Tawny Rodriguez · Answer

One of the biggest things I've focused on at Rowland Hall this past year is getting people to actually use our Employee Assistance Program (EAP). It's one of the most underutilized benefits out there, yet it can be a lifeline. I know firsthand—-I've used it for legal advice when my house flooded, for support after losing a family member, and even to bring in a grief counselor when a coworker passed away unexpectedly. Employees are facing real-life challenges every day, and if we're not making support easy and accessible, we're failing them.
That's why I've been actively pushing our EAP, because having resources isn't enough if no one feels comfortable using them. An unused benefit is like a locked first-aid kit; it doesn't help anyone. Well-being isn't just about work-life balance; it's about real support when life gets messy. And when employees have that? They're not just better workers; they're healthier, happier people. And that benefits everyone.

Beryl Krinsky · Answer

I realize that well-being is multifaceted and needs to be part of the corporate culture to make a meaningful impact. True well-being encompasses different areas of health which include physical, mental, spiritual, intellectual, environmental, social, vocational and financial well-being. When a company focuses on a holistic approach to well-being, the employees will not only be healthier, but happier and more likely to stay with the company. We have worked with thousands of groups, and the most successful wellness programs we have seen encompass both onsite and virtual components, that include diverse options, and ensure accessibility for all employees.

Omar L. Harris · Answer

The best organizations today have embraced the concept of renewal—as in how to help employees create rituals that offer them the ability to downshift from the high performance/productivity zone into a space that fills up their reservoir of energy and emotional resilience. It's been proven that once we move into the yellow and red zones (aka burnout)—it is virtually impossible to get back to productivity without a reset. So rather than allow this dangerous cycle to occur, the best organizations prioritize and embed renewal rituals into the day-to-day of each collaborator (employee).
Renewal rituals are things like having walking meetings instead of sitting at your desk, eliminating 30 and 60 minute meetings in favor of 20 and 50 minute sessions to create buffer space throughout the day, encouraging exercise at the start, midpoint, and end of each day, blocking emails after business hours, starting meetings with boxed breathing, etc. Individually these activities might not move the needle, but collectively, a little can go a very long way. And when employees avoid burnout they stay productive for far longer which sustains both personal and company-wide results.

Amaury Ponce · Answer

We prioritize employee well-being by fostering a culture of safety, growth, and work-life balance. One example of this is how we invest in continuous training and certification programs, ensuring our team feels confident and valued in their skills. With over 20 years in the industry and my certification as an arborist with TRAQ credentials, I understand the physical and mental demands of tree work. That's why we provide high-quality safety gear, enforce regular breaks, and offer flexibility in scheduling to prevent burnout. Beyond that, we create a family-oriented work environment by celebrating team achievements, organizing company events, and ensuring that every employee feels like an integral part of our success.
This approach benefits both our employees and the company in significant ways. When workers feel valued and supported, they're more engaged, motivated, and committed to delivering excellent service. Our investment in training has led to higher safety standards, reducing accidents and improving efficiency on job sites. Employees stay with us longer, creating a skilled and experienced team that customers can trust. By prioritizing well-being alongside productivity, we've built a reputation for both exceptional tree care and a workplace where employees thrive.

Michael Moran · Answer

We recognize and value employees by treating them like the capable adults they are. This means offering unlimited flex days: no-questions-asked personal days employees can take without explanation, separate from vacation or sick leave. Whether someone needs time to recharge, deal with family matters, or simply catch their breath, they know they have that option without feeling guilty or pressured to justify it.
This benefit has paid off in meaningful ways. Employees feel trusted and respected, which has fostered stronger loyalty and engagement. Because they know their well-being matters, they're more focused and energized when they are at work. In turn, this has improved collaboration, reduced burnout, and even boosted our retention rates. By investing in our employees as people—not just as workers—we've created a culture where people feel valued, and that positive energy naturally translates to better client relationships and business outcomes.

Rachel Thomasian · Answer

At my workplace, one initiative that really stood out to me was when we were encouraged to take mental health days without judgment or complicated approval processes. I remember one colleague who was juggling a heavy workload and personal challenges. 
When they openly communicated their need for a break, our team not only supported them but also reallocated their tasks collaboratively to ensure nothing fell behind. This culture of openness made all of us feel valued for who we are, not just for what we deliver.
What I found truly impactful was how this approach fostered trust and deeper connections. Knowing that we could prioritize our well-being without fear allowed us to be more honest and supportive of one another. 
I personally felt more motivated and engaged, knowing that the organization genuinely cared about my health and happiness.
This strategy benefited the organization too. Teams became more cohesive, burnout reduced, and our productivity actually increased. A healthy, supported employee is far more invested in both their work and the company's goals.

Niclas Schlopsna · Answer

We've always prioritized the idea that thriving employees lead to thriving startups. I remember one instance where a team member was clearly burning out after a stretch of heavy client projects. Instead of just offering a pat on the back, we sat down as a team and reorganized workloads, ensuring they had the space to recharge without feeling guilty about stepping back. We also have a policy that encourages everyone to unplug completely during vacations—no emails, no Slack, just real downtime.
We've taken it a step further by integrating personal growth workshops into our culture, covering everything from mindfulness to sustainable work habits. Recently, one of our team members brought in a yoga instructor for a lunchtime session, which started as a one-off thing but became a weekly ritual. For me, it's not just about maintaining morale; it's about creating an environment where people feel cared for beyond their spreadsheets or pitch decks.
This mindset doesn't just benefit employees—it strengthens the company. When people feel supported, they're more creative, collaborative, and invested in the success of the business. I've noticed that this approach fosters loyalty and keeps us innovative because our team feels safe to take risks and experiment without fear of burnout. In the end, taking care of your team isn't just the right thing to do; it's good business. Business is hectic as it is—why not make the ride enjoyable?

Gerard Virga · Answer

At our firm, we recognize and support employee well-being by investing in their professional growth and leadership opportunities beyond just their day-to-day productivity. A great example of this is our ongoing support for Senior Paralegal Connie Brake as she spearheads the establishment of a Paralegal Association of Florida Chapter in Northwest Florida.
To champion her efforts, we co-hosted a celebration dinner with Lexitas at a local restaurant, bringing together paralegals from various practice areas across the panhandle. This event served as a meet-and-greet to gauge interest and build connections within the paralegal community. Additionally, we invited a past president of the Tallahassee chapter to lead a Lunch and Learn session (our ongoing professional development series), where she shared insights about her career with our in-person and remote staff.
We are proud to support the growth and leadership of legal professionals beyond just attorneys. As a firm leader, I believe this investment in our team's development enhances job satisfaction while also fostering a culture of collaboration that uplifts all legal professionals.

Max Shak · Answer

We believe that employee well-being isn't just a perk—it's a core part of building a thriving company. One way we recognize this is by offering "Wellness Days"—additional paid days off that employees can use to recharge, no questions asked. These are separate from regular PTO and specifically meant for mental health, family time, or just stepping away to reset.
We also encourage a "results over hours" mindset. Instead of measuring productivity by how long someone is online, we focus on impact. This means flexible schedules, remote work options, and open conversations about workload to prevent burnout.
The impact? Happier, more engaged employees who feel valued and motivated. When people aren't running on empty, they bring more creativity and energy to their work. We've seen increased retention, stronger collaboration, and a culture where people genuinely enjoy working together. Taking care of our team isn't just the right thing to do—it's also a smart business strategy.

Robert Khachatryan · Answer

We understand that employee well-being goes beyond just being productive; it's about establishing a workplace in which employees feel supported, appreciated, and inspired. One initiative that has proven to be a real success is our flexible work policy, which allows employees to reshape their hours to accommodate personal needs, whether that's family commitments, mental health days, or simple prevention of burnout.
We have experienced this firsthand during peak shipping times and high-stress levels, for example. Rather than forcing our team to work additional hours, we gave mandatory recharge breaks and promoted remote work where we could. We also implemented monthly wellness stipends that employees could use toward gym memberships, therapy sessions, or any self-care activity of their choosing.
The results were telling—employees indicated they felt more balanced, and engagement surveys showed that overall job satisfaction increased by 20%. This has also been beneficial from a business standpoint as it has led to lower turnover. Investing in well-being not only creates a happier workforce—it builds loyalty, encourages innovation, and ultimately creates a stronger, more resilient company.

Tyler Cenname · Answer

We prioritize employee well-being by offering flexible work schedules and encouraging a results-driven, not time-driven work culture. Rather than measuring success solely by hours worked, we focus on impact and outcomes, allowing employees to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
This approach has led to higher engagement, reduced burnout, and improved retention, as team members feel trusted and empowered to perform at their best. It also benefits the company by fostering a more motivated and innovative workforce, leading to better problem-solving and higher-quality client results. When employees feel valued beyond their productivity, they are more invested in the company's success.

Steve Fleurant · Answer

We recognize that our employees are not just resources, but the heart and soul of our success. We understand that actual productivity stems from a foundation of well-being, and we've woven that philosophy into the fabric of our company culture. Beyond competitive salaries and benefits, we go the extra mile to foster a supportive environment where employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to thrive personally and professionally.
We understand that life doesn't always fit neatly into a 9-to-5 schedule, and we empower our employees to manage their time to balance their work responsibilities with their personal needs. Whether adjusting start and end times, working remotely, or taking advantage of our generous paid time off policy, we trust our employees to manage their time effectively and deliver results. This flexibility reduces stress and improves work-life balance, increasing job satisfaction and engagement.
Investing in our employees' skills and knowledge is an investment in our company's future. We provide ample opportunities for training, mentorship, and career advancement, empowering our employees to reach their full potential. This strategy not only benefits our employees by enhancing their skills and career prospects but also benefits the company by creating a more skilled and engaged workforce.
Many people don't realize that we actively encourage employees to explore AI technology, regardless of their role. We provide resources and training to help everyone understand and leverage AI tools, fostering a culture of innovation and future readiness. This empowers employees to contribute to the company's strategic goals in new and exciting ways while also enhancing their own skill sets.
Finally, we believe in fostering a strong sense of community and belonging within our workplace. We organize regular social events, team-building activities, and volunteer opportunities to create a sense of connection and camaraderie among our employees. We also encourage open communication and feedback, creating a safe space for employees to share their ideas, concerns, and suggestions.
By prioritizing employee well-being in these ways, we create a win-win situation for our employees and the company. Our employees are happier, healthier, and more engaged, increasing productivity, creativity, and innovation. As a result, we can attract and retain top talent, build a strong reputation, and achieve its business goals.

Irwin Zalkin · Answer

Handling sexual abuse cases requires an immense emotional toll, and our firm recognizes the importance of ensuring our attorneys and staff have the support they need. We provide access to trauma-informed training, regular debriefings, and counseling resources to help our team process the difficult subject matter. We maintain a culture of support where no attorney carries the weight of a case alone—we work as a team, sharing insights and strategies. Prioritizing well-being not only protects our staff but also ensures we can continue to fight relentlessly for survivors without compromising our own mental health.

Joe Benson · Answer

We firmly believe that a thriving workplace goes beyond mere productivity; it's about fostering a supportive environment where each employee feels genuinely valued. One simple yet effective way we demonstrate this commitment is by recognizing employee birthdays and sending personalized gifts. This practice not only acknowledges each team member as an individual but also reinforces the message that their well-being matters to us.
By celebrating birthdays, we create regular moments of joy and personal recognition that break up the routine of work that the SEO world can sometimes feel like. It's a small gesture with a big impact that makes our team members feel seen and appreciated, which in turn boosts morale and cultivates a sense of belonging. When employees feel valued on a personal level, they're more likely to be engaged, motivated, and loyal to the company. Everyone also likes to take part in planning some of the gifts!
This fun, personalized approach benefits both our employees and the company as a whole. For employees, it creates a positive work atmosphere where their contributions and individuality are celebrated by those who they work with, helping reduce stress and promote overall happiness. For the business, a happier workforce translates into higher productivity, lower turnover, and a stronger team dynamic, all of which are key drivers for sustainable success. Investing in employee well-being through such thoughtful practices enhances our company culture and supports a healthier, more productive work environment while sharing a few smiles during an employee's special day.

Bjørn Ekeberg · Answer

We believe employee well-being is about more than just getting work done. We make sure to recognize our team for both their work and their personal achievements, like staying healthy or taking time for self-care. For example, we encourage employees to celebrate each other when they make efforts to balance their work and personal lives. This creates a supportive environment where everyone feels valued.
This approach helps both our employees and the company. Employees feeling appreciated and supported reduces burnout and builds stronger connections. This leads to happier, more engaged workers, which in turn boosts productivity and helps the company succeed. Taking care of well-being is key to a thriving, high-performing team.

Beyond Productivity: How Workplaces Prioritize Employee Well-being

Beyond Productivity: How Workplaces Prioritize Employee Well-being

Promote Employee Assistance Program

Holistic Approach to Employee Well-Being

Embed Renewal Rituals

Prioritize Safety and Growth

Offer Unlimited Flex Days

Encourage Mental Health Days

Reorganize Workloads for Burnout Prevention

Support Professional Growth and Leadership

Provide Wellness Days

Implement Flexible Work Policies

Foster Supportive Work Environment

Offer Trauma-Informed Training and Counseling

Recognize Employee Birthdays

Celebrate Personal Achievements

Recognize Personal Achievements

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