A+ Wellness Strategies For School Districts with Lindsay Waechter

Giving Troy a bit of a break today, Jeremy welcomes special co-host, Jenn Lowry, Navigate's VP of Product and Strategy to the podcast today. Together, they sit down with Navigate's Mental Health Coach and licensed counselor, Katie Tarbill, for a fascinating chat about embracing mental health at work - such a big deal for everyone these days.  First up? They clear up "mental health" versus "mental well-being." Then it's all about workplace trends, leadership's role, what resources actually help people feel safe and good at work, and company policies. This episode really breaks down mental health. It’s not just clinical stuff - it’s also about building resilience and finding satisfaction. Our experts talk about the stigma, how tough it is to open up at work, and how important it is to create open, nonjudgmental spaces. Education, like Mental Health First Aid, gets a shout-out as do resources like EAPs, telehealth, findhelp.org and wearables. They also touch on holistic well-being, mindfulness, exercise, volunteering, and how company policies, like time off and mental well-being hours, show that employers care. It all helps build a workplace where mental health matters. Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Why Managers Are Critical to Workplace Mental Health01:10 - Defining Mental Health vs Mental Wellbeing02:56 - Katie’s Journey From Teacher to Mental Health Coach04:33 - Rising Mental Health Trends05:59 - How COVID Transformed Mental Health Access Through Telehealth07:11 - Empowering Leaders to Spot and Support Mental Health Needs08:26 - Practical Resources to Build a Mental Health-Friendly Workplace10:15 - Inside Mental Health First Aid12:16 - Using Data and Tools to Improve Employee Mental Health15:13 - Reducing Stigma Across Generations and Creating Safe Workspaces17:31 - Holistic Mental Wellbeing20:47 - Building Mental Health Culture Through Policies, Education, and Leadership23:54 - Best Day Ever Key Takeaways: "Managers and leaders are the first line of defense in recognizing mental health needs. They work daily with employees, noticing signs and symptoms." "Mental health is a clinical term involving diagnosis and treatment. Mental well-being is broader, focusing on prevention and building resilience." "Holistic approaches to mental health, like mindfulness and journaling, are popular. People seek less invasive ways to cope and manage stress." "Covid shifted healthcare towards virtual spaces. Telehealth became more utilized, making mental health support more accessible." "Education and knowledge about mental health are paramount. Courses like Mental Health First Aid can equip individuals to help those facing challenges." "Removing barriers to mental health care, like through telehealth, is crucial. It makes support more accessible and reduces stigma." "Generational stigma around mental health is real. Younger generations are more open, but we must continue breaking stigma for all." "Connecting community purpose to work purpose through volunteer hours builds a greater sense of community and enhances mental well-being." "Leaders set the tone for mental health in the workplace. They must lead by example, practicing what they preach and taking time off." Resources: Who is Navigate? Learn more at navigatewell.com  Learn more about the ROI of employee wellbeing - https://info.navigatewell.com/roi-whitepaper

Joining Troy and Jay this week are some truly inspiring folks from Norton Healthcare in Louisville, Kentucky - System Director of Prevention and Wellness, Allison Ledford, and Data Analyst, Cameron Stelzig. They’re here to talk all about "N Good Health," Norton’s fantastic employee wellbeing program, providing a deep dive into how they're thoughtfully mixing company culture with clinical care, and using data for good. Our guests really dig into how their program is built on solid evidence and smart data, noting that they started by figuring out what their employees truly needed, especially encouraging those crucial primary care physician relationships. Tasked with tailoring that for over 30,000 people, Cameron and Allison share how they make it personal and meet diverse needs across their growing regional presence. Plus, they’re not shy about using health data responsibly to improve care quality and manage program costs. A lot of ground covered.  You’re going to want to hear how these two leaders are making a real difference. Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Reducing ER Visits Through Data-Driven Care 01:08 - Making Primary Care the Center of Wellness 03:48 - Launching an Evidence-Based Wellness Program 05:30 - Customizing Wellness for a Regional Workforce 06:58 - Using Claims Data to Optimize Costs and Compliance 09:33 - Closing Care Gaps With Preventive Outreach 11:38 - Building a Secure, Scalable Wellness Data System 13:58 - Scaling Culture Change with 400+ Wellness Champions 17:03 - Designing Incentives That Feel Positive, Not Punitive 20:09 - Managing GLP-1 Costs with In-House Pharmacy Strategy 24:26 - Demonstrating ROI With Biometrics and Claims Analysis 26:43 - Achieving High Engagement Through Personalization 30:11 - Partnering on Custom Wellness Tech and Reporting 34:22 - Linking Wellness Participation to Clinical Quality Key Takeaways: "Wellness isn't a one-size-fits-all. We need a flexible platform to do the fine work of analyzing data and strategically tiering participation." "Our participants have higher utilization of preventive care services. They have more office visits and higher screening compliance than non-participants." "N Good Health is about wellness and a strategic imperative driven by data and a deep commitment to employee well-being." "We frame wellness incentives positively, not punitively." "Align wellness value with organizational values. The more aligned, the more stakeholders will be at the table." "Our participants have fewer inpatient admissions, lower ED visits, and fill fewer scripts than non-participants." "Data is the first step. Obtain data from internal departments and partners to incentivize engagement." "We use claims data to drive monthly well-being topics, ensuring programs are available for conditions on the rise." "A culture of well-being comes from grassroots efforts, creating a prestigious environment people want to be part of." Resources: Who is Navigate? Learn more at navigatewell.com  Learn more about the ROI of employee wellbeing - https://info.navigatewell.com/roi-whitepaper Norton Healthcare: https://nortonhealthcare.com/ Allison Ledford: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allison-ledford-1375a62b/ Cameron Stelzig: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-cameron-stelzig-l2-l9-l9bb/

In today’s episode, Troy and Jay welcome listeners to a discussion close to their hearts - the vital topic of supporting school employees, the educators and staff responsible for shaping young minds.  Their special guest is Lindsay Waechter, the Staff Wellness Coordinator for Iowa's fast growing Waukee School District, who shares the innovative work being done for the district's nearly 2,500 employees. Lindsay vividly explains the challenges and successes of prioritizing staff wellbeing. Troy and Jay learn how investing in school staff is not just beneficial, but essential. Lindsay explains how Waukee recognized this necessity, leading to the creation of her dedicated role to address the specific wellbeing challenges facing educators and support staff today. She details the district's shift from a standard, one size fits all wellness program to a more personalized, adaptable approach through Navigate. This strategy focuses on meeting employees where they are, addressing issues from teacher burnout and custodian back pain to mental health needs and connecting staff with local resources, all while supporting staff retention. Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Why Teacher Wellbeing Is Key to Student Success 01:17 - Staff Wellness as a Retention and Recruitment Tool 03:15 - Building Wellness Programs for a Rapidly Growing District 05:17 - Getting Leadership Buy-In for Wellbeing Initiatives 06:37 - How Personalization Boosts Engagement and Outcomes 10:10 - Addressing Mental Health and Burnout in Education 13:09 - On-Demand Resources and Coaching for Staff 14:34 - Prioritizing Women’s Health in School Wellness 16:24 - Using Committees and Data to Shape Wellness Strategy 22:55 - Extending Wellness Support Year-Round 25:20 - Making Wellness Inclusive for All School Roles 29:31 - Collaborating with Nurses to Support Whole-School Health 30:45 - Best Day Ever Key Takeaways: "We need our teachers to be happy and well. They shape our future."     "Moving beyond a one-size-fits-all approach prioritizes the health of educators." "Innovation in education is crucial. It's not just about the environment, but being innovative across the board." "We want educators to live healthy and well lives into retirement." "The pressures of educators are immense. Work-life balance and burnout are key issues." "Personalized programs lead to better engagement and health outcomes." "Mental health resources must address stigma and provide support for high stress." "Teaching is hard and getting harder. We prioritize health to support our educators." "Data-driven decisions in wellbeing programs help allocate resources effectively." "Reaching diverse audiences requires tailored solutions for different work roles." Resources: Who is Navigate? Learn more at navigatewell.com  Learn more about the ROI of employee wellbeing - https://info.navigatewell.com/roi-whitepaper Lindsay Waechter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-waechter-169b81b6/

Troy and Jeremy’s vital conversation here today features Ben Schultz, Navigate's own People and Culture Lead, whose experience in building a "Great Place to Work" makes him the perfect guest to discuss burnout, a challenge so many face. This episode isn't just for those feeling the burnout crunch themselves - if you're a leader, a teammate, anyone who supports others, expect takeaways, truly. Let's get real about burnout. Ben, Troy, and Jeremy are not skimming the surface here, they’re getting into the nitty-gritty of burnout in today's workplaces. How is it different from plain old stress? This episode breaks it down. Creating safety? Encouraging honest chats? Essential. And it's not all on the company, either. What about those external pressures, the financial worries, the family stuff? Those count too.  As you will hear, a holistic wellbeing program gets it. It acknowledges all sides of a person, not just their job title. Armed with these insights, our panel demonstrates how to create workplaces where wellbeing isn't a perk, but the very foundation in the battle against burnout. Episode Highlights: 00:00 - What Burnout Is and How It Differs From Workplace Stress   01:09 - Leadership’s Responsibility in Preventing Burnout   03:34 - Recognizing Early Signs of Burnout in Employees   06:09 - Building a Culture of Psychological Safety and Open Communication   07:16 - Empowering Managers With Training and Tools to Support Teams   10:00 - Growth, Development, and Career Pathways as Burnout Prevention   11:21 - Addressing Personal Stressors With Holistic Wellbeing Support   14:50 - Turning Employee Feedback Into Meaningful Action   17:28 - Consolidating Resources for Better Employee Access   18:37 - Implementing People-First Policies That Actually Work   22:32 - Recognition, Incentives, and Transparent Compensation   26:05 - Supporting Work-Life Balance Through Flexibility and Time Off   33:29 - Three HR Strategies to Combat Burnout 36:11 - Best Day Ever  Key Takeaways: "Burnout is an overwhelming feeling. Even the smallest tasks feel burdensome. It's a struggle to think creatively." "Burnout isn't just workplace stress. It's a debilitating state of exhaustion affecting every life aspect." "A culture that combats burnout must be led from the top down. It can't just be an HR initiative." "Differentiate workplace stress from burnout. Stress is seasonal; burnout is ongoing and hard to define." "Know your people. Everyone shows up differently. Recognize signs of burnout by understanding individual behaviors." "Active listening and responding to employee concerns are crucial. Ensure they're heard and addressed." "Managers must prioritize people over metrics. Support them with training, tools, and mentorship." "Encourage growth and development. Understand what motivates employees and work with them for a successful work-life balance." "Pulse surveys and open dialogue help identify potential issues before they escalate. Prioritize employee wellbeing." "Recognition is key. Appreciate employees sincerely and thoughtfully. It builds a cohesive, motivated team." Resources: Who is Navigate? Learn more at navigatewell.com  Learn more about the ROI of employee wellbeing - https://info.navigatewell.com/roi-whitepaper Ben Schultz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-a-schultz/

In this episode, Jeremy and Troy are joined by Christy Smith, Navigate's SVP of People and Growth Strategy, and Jim Barclay, SVP of Operations, to explore the crucial connection between organizational values and employee wellbeing.  Together, they discuss the value of cultivating supportive company cultures that boost engagement and productivity, embedding values for purpose, connecting engagement strategy with wellness programs, and leveraging technology to personalize wellbeing initiatives. Our panel also goes on to emphasize that a strategic approach to wellbeing that utilizes data and personalization ultimately empowers employees' total health and career growth, leading to positive business outcomes.  The message of today’s episode is crystal clear: prioritizing values-driven wellbeing enables companies to generate a virtuous cycle of employee flourishing and organizational success. Episode Highlights: 00:00 - How Organizational Values Drive Workplace Wellbeing 00:56 - Building a Culture of Belonging and Engagement 03:45 - Aligning Wellbeing and Employee Experience 07:44 - Using Technology for Personalized Wellbeing Programs 12:56 - Turning Employee Feedback into Actionable Change 16:40 - The Role of Incentives in Driving Engagement 18:24 - Customizing Wellbeing Programs for Business Goals 22:21 - Measuring Success: Data-Driven Wellbeing Strategies 25:40 - Supporting Employees’ Readiness for Change 28:12 - Removing Barriers to Wellbeing and Mental Health Support 30:02 - The Power of Recognition, Competition, and Connection 32:38 - Best Day Ever Key Takeaways: "Creating a culture around core values fosters belonging. This drives engagement and impacts business outcomes." "Wellbeing and engagement strategies shouldn't be separate. Both impact the person showing up to work." "Aligning company values with employees' personal values is an X factor. It enhances satisfaction and purpose." "Personalization in wellbeing programs boosts engagement. It connects employees to the organization's culture." "Listening is key. Collect data, make it actionable, and build programs around it for real impact." "Our platform helps highlight hidden resources. Employees find support they didn't know existed." "The ‘Great Place to Work’ survey guides us. Feedback becomes strategic priorities for people and culture." "Comprehensive wellbeing programs reduce absenteeism by 25%. They enhance engagement and business outcomes." "Change in wellbeing vendors can be daunting. Trust is built by showing up and doing what you say." "Innovation and inspiration drive our wellbeing strategy. We connect dots across holistic health and organizational values." Resources: Who is Navigate? Learn more at navigatewell.com  Learn more about the ROI of employee wellbeing - https://info.navigatewell.com/roi-whitepaper Christy Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christy-smith0777/ Jim Barclay: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-barclay-14856a7/

Anne Wright, Benefits Manager at JE Dunn, offers her unique perspective on building a thriving workplace culture here today as she joins Troy and Jeremy for a deep dive into this inspiring company and how it truly embodies the "people first" ethos. Together, they explore how JE Dunn has leveraged its guiding principles to create a nationally recognized wellbeing program, demonstrating that prioritizing employees is not just ethically sound – it's a powerful business strategy. Our dynamic trio explores the ways in which JE Dunn seamlessly integrates its core values into every aspect of its employee experience, from incentivizing community service to fostering a culture of mental wellbeing. They also go on to examine the model JE Dunn has created - providing valuable lessons for any organization - and highlight the strategic partnerships and data-driven decisions that have propelled JE Dunn's program to the forefront of the industry.  Join Anne, Troy and Jeremy for this remarkable story of resilience, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to putting people first. Episode Highlights: 00:00 - The Legacy of JE Dunn’s Culture 01:30 - Growth and Expansion of JE Dunn 03:23 - Leadership’s Role in Employee Wellbeing 04:03 - Aligning Benefits with Company Values 06:07 - Personalizing Wellbeing Programs for Employees 07:59 - Challenges of Changing Wellbeing Vendors 08:43 - Finding the Right Partnership for Employee Wellness 10:29 - Transitioning 5,000+ Employees to a New Platform 11:09 - Importance of Strong Vendor Relationships 14:52 - Enhancing Employee Experience with Technology 17:27 - Building a Culture-Driven Wellbeing Program 21:14 - Using Employee Data for Better Health Programs 23:16 - Real-Time Data Analytics for Wellbeing Insights 25:21 - Adapting Wellness Programs with Data 26:39 - Understanding Employee Engagement Preferences 29:06 - Connecting Healthcare Partnerships with Employee Wellbeing 32:42 - Mental Health Advocacy in the Construction Industry 36:07 - The Role of Technology in Personalized Wellbeing 39:07 - Serving Employees Through Holistic Wellbeing 40:40 - Destigmatizing Mental Health in Construction 44:29 - The Story of JE Dunn’s Wartime Sacrifice 45:17 - Key Takeaways for Designing Effective Wellbeing Programs 48:13 - Employee Engagement Strategies for Wellbeing 50:14 - The Impact of Corporate Volunteerism 51:10 - Future of Employee Wellbeing and Company Growth Key Takeaways: "Leadership engagement is crucial. It drives program growth, evaluates year-over-year, and supports employee culture through wellbeing." "Ask your people. Listen to their feedback. Use it to design a program that aligns with their needs." "Data is paramount. It helps us understand employees, find opportunities, and push strategic initiatives." "We believe in health and wellbeing. It's on every wall, in every office. It's a guiding principle." "Engage leadership, communicate effectively, align with culture, and utilize champions. These are keys to driving engagement." "The construction industry ranks high in suicide risk. We focus on mental health, supporting employees and their families." Resources: Who is Navigate? Learn more at navigatewell.com  Learn more about the ROI of employee wellbeing - https://info.navigatewell.com/roi-whitepaper JE Dunn: https://jedunn.com/ Anne Wright: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-wright-cbp-4a52ba119/

Troy and Jeremy are back this week along with special guests Jim Barclay, Senior Vice President of Operations, and Brooke Ossenkop, Vice President of Marketing, for a year-end review as well as a look ahead to 2025. Together, they explore Navigate's key initiatives, including personalized well-being programs, data-driven insights, and a holistic approach to employee health, along with exciting new features coming soon to the Navigate platform.  Delving into the importance of personalization in employee well-being, they emphasize that it goes beyond generic solutions, and discuss how data plays a crucial role in tailoring these experiences and driving positive change. Throughout the episode, our panel focuses on how a holistic approach, incorporating all eight pillars of well-being, fosters a truly supportive and effective program.  Tune in to discover how Navigate is revolutionizing workplace well-being and empowering organizations to create a culture of health, engagement, and lasting positive impact. Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Driving Change in Organizational Wellbeing 00:26 - Reflecting on Navigate’s 2024 Success 01:34 - Personalization in UX 03:10 - Client Excitement and Personalization at Scale 04:47 - 2025 Vision: People-First Wellbeing Strategies 06:43 - Closing the Gap 07:02 - Hyper-Personalization in Health and Wellness Programs 09:11 - Aligning Teams to Support Personalized Wellbeing Journeys 10:53 - Streamlining Resources for a Tailored Employee Experience 11:32 - Removing Barriers to Wellbeing 13:30 - The Role of Coaching in Behavior Change 15:15 - Health Coaches as Personalized Accountability Partners 16:28 - Holistic Wellbeing Through Organizational Values 18:26 - Strategies for Incentivizing Long-Term Wellbeing 20:26 - Simplifying Employee Access to Wellbeing Resources 21:17 - Challenges Focused on Building Long-Term Habits 22:08 - Addressing Loneliness in a Hybrid Workforce 23:59 - Why Traditional Wellbeing Platforms Fail Employees 24:56 - Leveraging Real-Time Data for Fast Decision-Making 27:55 - Case Study: Reducing Financial Barriers to Wellbeing 29:10 - Using Data to Address Root Causes of Employee Health Issues 31:55 - Simplifying Communication for Wellbeing Success 33:41 - Future UI/UX Enhancements Focused on Personalization 35:36 - Integrating Wellbeing into the Employee Lifecycle 36:52 - Choice-Based Recognition and Employee Appreciation 38:20 - Career Development as a Form of Wellbeing Recognition 40:13 - Enhancing Innovation in Wellbeing Programs 41:46 - Leveraging Technology to Connect Remote Workforces 44:05 - Fostering a Culture of Empathy and Communication 45:35 - Best Days Ever Key Takeaways:   "Changing the culture of wellbeing doesn't happen overnight. It requires resources and investment."    "Navigate's mission is to personalize the wellness experience for each participant. It's about understanding needs and motivations." "The data doesn't lie. Our clients see consistent improvements. It's working." "Our mission is to ensure participants get a tailored experience. It's not one size fits all." "Coaching is an extension of personalization. It's a one-on-one targeted program about you." "People first wellbeing means giving actionable steps to move from struggling to succeeding." Resources: Who is Navigate? Learn more at navigatewell.com  Learn more about the ROI of employee wellbeing - https://info.navigatewell.com/roi-whitepaper

Today’s special episode is hosted by Navigate Brand Experience Specialist, Kinzy Gillespie, and features Alysa Goethe, Miss Iowa 2023, as she shares her inspiring story of advocacy, resilience, and community impact. Opening up about her journey with Type 1 diabetes and how it fueled her passion for making a difference, Alysa discusses navigating the challenges of being a public figure, including dealing with societal expectations and protecting her mental well-being in the face of online scrutiny.  Alysa's story is one of empowerment that demonstrates how to transform personal challenges into opportunities for growth and positive change - a timely reminder of the importance of gratitude, kindness, and using our platforms for good on this day of Thanksgiving. 🎯 BIGGEST TAKEAWAY [47:34]: "Always choose kindness and always choose to invest in yourself... Whatever it is that will ultimately better yourself is always worth it." Learn how to make a difference and prioritize personal growth as Alysa shares her insights on kindness, self-care, and pursuing your passions. ⚠️ WAKE-UP CALL [5:10]: "I was so afraid that all of the goals I had set for myself, all of the dreams I wanted to accomplish, were suddenly vanishing before my eyes." Hear Alysa's vulnerable account of being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 11 and how she overcame the fear and bullying to become an advocate. ✨ GROWTH OPPORTUNITY [09:20]: "I now had that outlet of service... that I could use to help others, help myself, and still get to do all the fun things." Discover how Alysa transformed her personal challenge into a platform for good, using the Miss America program to advocate for diabetes research. ⚡ QUICK WIN [43:12]: "Just do it... and do it scared…If you wait until you're ready, that may never happen." Get inspired to take action and pursue your dreams, even when faced with fear and uncertainty. CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Insights from Alysa’s journey 02:28 - Exploring hidden talents and unexpected facts 04:50 - Empowering future generations 06:17 - Creating thriving communities 07:24 - Breaking stereotypes about the world of pageantry 08:19 - Navigating life with diabetes 10:42 - Turning grief into purpose 14:45 - Overcoming bullying 16:59 - Strengthening yourself during adversity 19:23 - The path from local stages to the Miss Iowa crown 23:00 - Rediscovering Iowa’s hidden beauty and vibrant landscapes 24:17 - Debunking myths about pageantry 28:58 - Transitioning from beauty-focused competitions to leadership roles 29:16 - Prioritizing mental health in demanding roles 31:50 - Protecting mental peace while navigating social media challenges 34:22 - Using music as a medium for solace and self-expression 38:15 - Starting small and creating big impact in diabetes advocacy 40:44 - Inspiring youth through representation and shared stories 43:11 - Stepping out of comfort zones and taking action 46:00 - Balancing full-time advocacy with professional aspirations 47:16 - Building connections through kindness and self-investment CONNECT WITH ALYSA GOETHE: Website: https://alysa-goethe.square.site/ Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-your-type/id1622513102 LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/alysa-goethe-5671741b9/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notyourtypicalt1d/ #MissIowa #DoGoodThings #MakeADifference

Troy Vincent is honored to welcome Senator Tom Harkin, a pivotal force behind the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Dr. Matthew Reed, Executive Director of the Harkin Institute, for a conversation here today that is equal parts informative and moving. Beginning with Troy’s story of his father's inspiring journey of overcoming disability, our panel goes on to explore Senator Harkin’s personal experiences with disability, the evolution of the ADA, and the significance of preventive healthcare. Emphasizing the value of supporting employees beyond work and showcasing how this approach benefits businesses, they also highlight the Harkin Institute’s efforts to create a more inclusive world, focusing on mental health, community engagement, and the importance of hiring individuals with disabilities. This very special episode is a compelling reminder that investing in inclusivity and well-being is not just beneficial—it’s essential for a thriving future. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Importance of Supporting Employees Beyond Work Hours 01:05 Introduction to Senator Harkin and Dr. Reed 02:19 Inspiring Story of Overcoming Adversity 03:53 Recognizing Senator Harkin's Impact on Disability Rights 04:55 Influences Behind Senator Harkin’s Focus on Disability Inclusion 08:54 Evolution of Closed Captioning for Accessibility 10:00 A Game Changer for Accessibility 11:16 Shifting Focus to Preventive Healthcare 13:22 Role of Prevention in the American Healthcare System 15:05 The Harkin Institute’s Role in Promoting Inclusivity and Wellness 17:30 Addressing Youth Anxiety and Isolation Through Community Engagement 18:58 Removing Sugary Drinks and Promoting Nutrition in Schools 23:29 Expanding Access to Fresh Produce in Schools Nationwide 24:33 Tackling Food Deserts with Fresh Options in Rural Areas 26:17 Mental Health Support for Kids in Schools 28:04 Project Uplift Supporting Low Income Families in Iowa 29:54 Research on Health Impacts of Industrial Animal Farming 32:03 Addressing Environmental and Health Impacts of Factory Farming 34:11 The Role of Businesses in Supporting Whole Person Wellness 37:45 The Business Benefits of Hiring People with Disabilities 40:04 Workplace Flexibility and Self Care Practices Boosting Retention 45:39 Employment as a Key to Independence for People with Disabilities 46:08 Finding Positivity Through Nature and Community 47:42 Celebrating Personal Achievements and Impactful Moments Key Takeaways: "Senator Harkin's ADA work is one of the most important civil rights laws in U.S. history." "In America, we don't have a healthcare system. We have a sick care system." "Businesses that focus on employee health and well-being are the most successful." "A healthy workforce is the foundation of thriving organizations and communities." "Prevention and wellness save lives and money, but we focus on patching and curing." "The value of hiring people with disabilities is not just goodwill. It's about better business outcomes." "Businesses that care for the whole person have the highest productivity and best profit margins." "The whole person approach is now a priority for 55% of HR professionals, a shift from 15 years ago." Resources: Who is Navigate? Learn more at navigatewell.com  Learn more about the ROI of employee wellbeing - https://info.navigatewell.com/roi-whitepaper Senator Tom Harkin: https://www.tomharkin.com/ The Harkin Institute: https://harkininstitute.drake.edu/

Robin Bouvier, Vice President and Wellbeing Subject Matter Expert at Aon, shares details of her own personal health transformation and insights from her 25+ years of expertise in driving organizational health strategies with Troy today, as together they dive into the evolving trends in employee wellbeing for 2025. Their discussion highlights the barriers to making healthy choices, the growing emphasis on mental health, and how data can drive more effective employee engagement and cost management. Robin and Troy also emphasize the critical role of leadership in creating a culture of care, aligning wellbeing with business goals, and fostering environments where employees feel supported. The importance of personalized wellbeing programs, the impact of financial wellness on mental health, and the increasing need for addressing workplace stress and burnout are discussed as well. As you will hear, today’s episode truly showcases how organizations can use holistic approaches to boost employee satisfaction, reduce healthcare costs, and create a competitive advantage in talent retention. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Barriers to Making Healthy Choices 00:36 Robin Bouvier’s Role and Personal Wellbeing Journey 03:48 Trends in Employee Wellbeing for 2025 04:53 Aligning Wellbeing with Business Goals 06:24 Mental Health as a Top Employer Focus 06:48 Tackling Workplace Stress and Burnout 11:19 Addressing Social Isolation in Remote Work 16:09 Employer Strategies to Reduce Healthcare Costs 24:21 Personalizing Employee Wellbeing Programs 27:29 Wellbeing's Role in Engagement and Retention 30:27 Integrating Wellbeing into Company Culture 31:19 Using Data to Improve Wellbeing Investments 36:01 Wellbeing Challenges for Growing Mid-Sized Companies Key Takeaways: "If you were to ask the average consumer what gets in the way of you making healthy choices, number one, it's time, number two, it's effort. And number three, it's money." "People need to get their head in the game so that their body can follow." "Having a best friend at work is a way for employees to feel not only that sense of connection, but also to really feel engaged with their employer." "One in five employees in the US right now feels that their employer truly cares about their total wellbeing. That's not okay." "Organizations can have an impact by thinking about the things that stress employees out and looking at the root causes of stress." "Creating an environment that helps to address the top three barriers to wellbeing success is really where the magic happens." "We need to make sure that we are taking care of ourselves and showing up as our best self in order to be there to help others." "When employees are happy with their organization, not only will they stay when given the opportunity to leave, but they will also recommend their organization." Resources: Who is Navigate? Learn more at navigatewell.com  Learn more about the ROI of employee wellbeing - https://info.navigatewell.com/roi-whitepaper Get to know Robin Bouvier better - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-bouvier-3539967/ Discover what Aon has to offer - https://www.aon.com/en/