Discover why CEOs leading by example in wellness is crucial for boosting employee health, productivity, and company success. Learn key trends and real-world leadership insights.
As someone who grew up with a dancer mother and started ballet at age 3, my connection with movement and the mind-body relationship came naturally. While I eventually stepped away from ballet, not wanting to follow directly in my mother’s footsteps, I pursued other forms of physical training, including long-distance running and bodybuilding.
In my 20s, I began to understand the deeper connections between healthy lifestyles and disease prevention when I wrote a research paper analyzing the correlation between lifestyle and cancer. This topic was far from mainstream at the time, and without the internet, finding relevant studies was a challenge. However, early research confirmed what I had felt intuitively: maintaining a healthy body, mind, and spirit is essential for overall wellbeing.
This holistic view, which dates back to ancient Greek philosophers like Aristotle, who emphasized the importance of balance in achieving eudaimonia (human flourishing), has more recently found its place in corporate settings. Aristotle believed that a balanced life, incorporating physical, mental, and moral health, was essential for overall human well-being. His philosophy of the golden mean—the idea that virtue lies in moderation—supports the modern understanding that a balance between physical health, mental focus, and ethical conduct leads to success and fulfillment. Today, these concepts are reflected in in corporate wellness programs, health is viewed as vital for both individual and organizational success (Boyden, Health & Wellness 2021).
Personal Leadership and Wellbeing in the Workplace
As I advanced in my career, stepping into leadership roles, I noticed how my team responded positively to my commitment to maintaining an active lifestyle and healthy habits. I believe that my own experience with the mind-body-spirit connection informed leadership style. I actively encouraged my colleagues to adopt healthier habits and advocated for wellbeing programs in the organizations I led.
In the early years of my career, this focus on wellbeing was not the norm. Corporate cultures often prioritized productivity over health. However, today’s corporate climate has shifted, with numerous studies showing of the undeniable link between employee wellbeing and productivity. Organizations are realizing the value of investing in the health of their workforce to drive success (Boyden, Blueprint for Change).
Corporate Wellness Trends and Boyden’s Insights
Boyden has identified wellness as a significant and growing sector, with the global wellness industry now valued at $1.5 trillion and growing at an annual rate of 5-10%. This surge, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, has profoundly impacted corporate cultures. Companies are increasingly recognizing that physical and mental health are key to maintaining employee productivity and engagement.
Mental health, in particular, has taken center stage. Boyden emphasizes the need for HR and leadership teams to create environments that prioritize emotional and psychological wellbeing. Companies are learning that supporting mental health not only benefits employees but directly impacts organizational success by boosting productivity and reducing absenteeism (Boyden, Blueprint for Change).
Boyden also notes that fragmented wellness programs--those involving too many vendors or inconsistent resources-- can confuse employees. Simplifying access to health resources and tailoring programs to fit diverse workforce needs are crucial strategies for improving wellness program utilization and effectiveness (Boyden, Health & Wellness 2021).
Real-World Examples of Wellbeing-Driven Leadership
Leaders like Sir Richard Branson exemplify how personal commitment to fitness can drive professional success. As an avid kitesurfer, Branson credits his physical activity with maintaining high energy levels and creativity., His companies, such as Virgin Group, reflect this ethos by offering comprehensive wellness programs, including flexible work conditions and wellness incentives, fostering an engaged and motivated workforce.
Another example is Jeff Weiner, former CEO of LinkedIn, also championed employee wellbeing by integrating mindfulness and meditation into the corporate culture. This approach helped create a focused high-performing work environment. Boyden’s insights emphasize how promoting mindfulness in leadership cultivates resilience and a supportive workplace.
The Shift Toward Corporate Wellbeing
Corporate wellness programs have come a long way from the days when taking time off for physical activity was discouraged. Today, many companies offer a variety of wellness initiatives designed to improve both mental and physical health. Some examples include:
- Google: a pioneer in corporate wellness, Google provides employees with access to fitness centers, healthy meal options, and mindfulness programs.
- Salesforce: Salesforce offers a robust wellness program, featuring yoga and meditation classes, mental health services, and fitness challenges.
- Johnson & Johnson: J&J has a longstanding health and wellness program that provides resources for physical, mental, and emotional health.
These programs not only help employees feel better but also enhance productivity, creativity, and engagement--all of which contribute to a company’s bottom line. Boyden’s research supports the integration of health and wellness into corporate strategies to build more resilient and engaged workforces.
Leadership Sets the Tone
While comprehensive HR programs are essential, they cannot achieve maximum effectiveness without visible support from top leadership. CEOs and other senior executives need to model the behaviors they wish to see in their employees. Leaders who prioritize their own wellbeing demonstrate that health is not just a personal endeavor but a critical component of professional success.
In today’s corporate world, it’s not just about organizational capabilities; it’s about adopting a lifestyle that maximizes effectiveness. Leaders who embrace this mindset create an environment where health and productivity go hand in hand, empowering employees to bring their best selves to work.
Conclusion: Why CEOs Should Lead by Example
Corporate wellness programs are vital for maintaining a healthy, productive workforce, but their true impact is amplified when leaders lead by example. CEOs and senior executives who model healthy habits—whether through physical fitness, mindful living, or balanced work-life integration—can foster a culture of health that permeates the entire organization. In today’s interconnected world, where personal and professional lives often overlap, this approach is more important than ever.
So, if you are in a leadership role, consider how your own wellbeing practices can influence not just your life but the lives of your employees. After all, healthy leaders drive healthy organizations, and that is a win for everyone involved.
For more insights on integrating wellness into your leadership approach, or to discuss strategies for enhancing your organization’s wellbeing programs, connect with me, Yvonne Dederick.
Sources for Further Reading:
- Boyden: Health & Wellness 2021 Style
- Boyden: A Blueprint for Change: Transforming Mental Health in the Workplace
- Harvard Business Review: How CEOs Can Improve Their Performance Through Physical Fitness
- Do Workplace Health Promotion (Wellness) Programs Work?
- CEO Fitness - How Top Leaders Balance Health and Business
