Employee Wellness Programs are the Glue that Holds Your Company Culture Together

The importance of company culture

If you run a business, you probably know how important company culture is to your overall success. The values and beliefs you and your workforce collectively hold — and the behaviors that result from them — have a direct impact on productivity and profitability.

One of my favorite quotes is from the late Zappos CEO, Tony Hsieh, who wrote:

“[O]ur belief is that if you get the culture right, most of the other stuff—like great customer service, or building a great long-term brand, or passionate employees and customers—will happen naturally on its own.”

Changes in the work environment

Unfortunately, we know from our experience that between the growing popularity of remote work, the shifting expectations of employees, and the widening of generational differences, shared values in the workplace are becoming increasingly elusive. We also know that when money is tight and profit margins are thin, employee programs—like wellness initiatives—are often the first to be cut.

I believe this thought pattern is reckless—not just because of the work that we do, but because of the unintended consequences that will take years to rebuild. When the plug is pulled on programs that support employee wellbeing, the cultural foundation you’ve worked so hard to build doesn’t just stall—it erodes. Eventually, you’re left with disengaged employees who are seeking new opportunities; turnover increases, morale declines—and the organization becomes less effective.

To safeguard the culture you have created, or to enhance it further, it’s important to focus on the most universally accepted unifying element for your employees: wellness. Supporting physical, mental, social, financial and emotional health benefits the employee and the core culture of your company; this sets the foundation for a high performing organization (HPO).

Invest in wellness

Wellbeing provides common ground where everyone can participate, fostering connection and community. A focus on wellness shows your employees that they matter to you — keeping them connected and engaged, regardless of personal or political differences. Wellness can be, in short, the glue that melds your company culture together.

When we invest in wellness, we invest in people: their health, their happiness, and their ability to show up fully for work. Company culture isn’t built on perks or policies alone. It thrives when employees are heard, valued, supported, and connected.

In today’s increasingly dispersed workplaces, wellness is one of the few initiatives that can bridge many divides, leading to an environment where employees feel a sense of belonging, camaraderie and connection. By prioritizing wellness, you’re not just fostering healthier employees — you’re cultivating stronger bonds and creating a more unified culture that will stand the test of time.