Wellness Programs: Fostering Connections in a Remote Setting

Cultivating Connection: The Power of Corporate Wellness in Remote Work

In today’s increasingly remote workplace, fostering a sense of connection among employees is both a challenge and an opportunity. At Avidon Health, we’ve seen how a thoughtful approach to corporate wellness programs can help bridge the gap between screens and create a cohesive, engaged, and healthier workforce.

Here’s how companies can create meaningful connections and promote wellness, even in a fully remote environment:

1. Prioritize Whole-Person Wellness

Corporate wellness programs should address not just physical health but also mental, emotional, and social well-being. Simple initiatives like virtual mental health check-ins, flexible schedules, and access to wellness platforms can have a profound impact.

Leveraging tools already available in existing platforms can further enhance wellness efforts. For instance, Microsoft’s enterprise suite includes Viva Engage, a well-being tool that allows employees to manage their schedules more effectively by suggesting features like “no meeting” days or focus hours.

Don’t overlook resources tied to your group health insurance plans. Many companies already have access to Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), which offer invaluable resources such as mental health support, financial counseling, and wellness coaching. These programs are often underutilized but can provide tremendous value for employees and their families.

2. Foster Connection Through Shared Experiences

Connection stems from shared experiences, even in virtual spaces. Hosting activities like virtual fitness challenges, online mindfulness sessions, or team events can cultivate camaraderie. For example, our team recently completed a 14-day challenge to consciously reduce our consumption of added sugars over Halloween, tracking our intake

and celebrating milestones together. Shared experiences like these reinforce a sense of unity across teams.

3. Celebrate Giving and Community Involvement

This summer, Avidon Health celebrated our Giving Week by organizing volunteer opportunities in areas with large employee populations. We also encouraged individuals to find local opportunities to volunteer, often inviting their friends and family. These activities connected employees to their communities and gave them shared experiences to discuss with colleagues. Volunteering is not just a chance to give back—it is a meaningful way to strengthen relationships within a team.

4. Encourage Open and Intentional Dialogue

For small companies, I recommend People Leaders and HR periodically check in with employees through established communication channels. These check-ins should feel informal and organic to build a habit of practicing connection. At larger companies, managers and directors should adopt this practice with their respective teams, ensuring no one feels left behind. Connection happens when communication is consistent and thoughtful.

5. Lead by Example

Leadership plays a crucial role in driving corporate wellness initiatives. Leaders who actively participate in wellness activities send a powerful message about their commitment to employee well-being. At Avidon Health, our leadership team embraces wellness, modeling healthy habits and encouraging employees to do the same.

6. Leverage Technology and Available Resources

Engaging remote employees requires creativity and the effective use of technology. Free or inexpensive tools for remote activities, such as customizable virtual team-building games, can promote connection and break the monotony of remote work. These activities are cost-effective, easy to set up, and can be tailored to fit your team’s interests.

In addition to team-building tools, explore other areas where valuable resources may already exist. For example, Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) are often included as part of group health insurance plans and provide access to services like licensed counseling, wellness advice, and crisis support. Benefit brokers can also be a great resource, offering insights into additional services or tools that might enhance employee well-being.

Don’t forget to check with your internal IT team, who often have a deep understanding of existing company technology offerings. They can collaborate with your People Operations & HR as well as team leaders to identify and implement solutions that improve employee connectedness and foster a more integrated and supportive remote work environment.