Worcester Business Journal

wbjournal.com | March 18, 2024 | Worcester Business Journal 25 Advancing wellness in the workplace BY VALERIE WEDGE Special to WBJ A s organizations strive to foster productivity, creativity, and a positive culture in a post-COVID world, prioritizing employee well-being is not only a moral obligation but a strategic investment. Employers who have invested in a comprehensive, holistic mental and physical wellness program find this approach has helped foster a positive work culture, a diverse workforce, and an inclusive environment valuing the organiza- tion's greatest asset: its employees. A workplace wellness program is an attractive benefit supporting the re- cruitment, hiring, engagement, and retention of top-tier talent because it aims to enhance the health and well-being of the individual using its programs and services. Here are top goals associated with wellness programs: Enhancing mental health and stress management: Pri- oritizing wellness programs contributes to the prevention and management of mental health issues prevalent today. e World Health Organization says depression and anxiety cost the global economy $1 trillion annually in lost productivity. By providing access to resources such as employee assistance programs, stress management workshops, and mindfulness training, wellness programs empower employees to proactively address their mental health concerns. is can reduce stress levels, improve mood, and enhance overall quality of life for participants, thereby fostering a healthier, more resilient workforce. Improving physical health: is includes initiatives to encourage regular exercise, healthy eating habits, weight management, and preventive care such as vaccinations and screenings. By focusing on physical health, wellness programs aim to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, im- prove energy levels, and enhance overall physical fitness. Promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors: Fostering healthy lifestyle behaviors and habits contributes to long-term well-being. is includes initiatives to reduce tobacco use, promote healthy sleep habits, encourage mindfulness and self-care practices, and support positive social connections. Wellness programs oen provide education, incentives, and resources to empower individ- uals to create healthier habits in their daily lives. By addressing these areas, workplace wellness programs can support employees in achieving optimal health and well-being across various dimensions of their lives: physical, mental, intellectual, occupational, finan- cial, social, and spiritual wellness. As the demands of modern life grow, employees face more stress and burnout. Companies choosing to invest in employee wellness demonstrate their commitment to supporting them through these trying times. ese orga- nizations champion their employees' well-being and reap the benefits of a healthier, happier workforce. Valerie Wedge is director of the Office of Well-Being at UMass Chan Medical School in Worcester. UMass Chan was named to the 2023 Healthiest 100 Workplaces in America list for offering employees a variety of mental health, wellness, and support initiatives. Preserve the Canal District magic T he Canal District was developing momentum for more than decade before the Polar Park baseball stadium was dreamed up, but the $160-million public project has certainly supercharged economic interest in the trendy Worcester neighborhood. In the three years since Polar Park opened in 2021, the value of all the surrounding properties in the Canal District has increased 83%, compared to a citywide increase of 41%, according to a data analysis WBJ Staff Writer Eric Casey performed for the first story his two-part package Canal District Transformation on page 8. Beyond just an increase in values, the Canal District has seen renewed interest from the real estate community as the number of property sales increased 72% and the combined value of those property sales increased 183% since the Pawtucket Red Sox announced in August 2018 their intention to move to Worcester. While it's hard to argue against Polar Park's economic impact on the neighborhood, the Worcester Red Sox will be the first to admit the Canal District was already trending upward as a funky urban center before they decided to move. at vibe, which attracted the WooSox and the ongoing economic investment, was created by an eclectic mix of small-business entrepreneurs who founded retail shops, restaurants, bars, and experiences in the last 10-15 years. ose businesses, combined with old mainstays like e White Eagle bar and the Kelley Square Yacht Club, mesh together to produce the environment all this new money is trying to get a piece of. is magic must be preserved. Real estate projects are adding more value into the Canal District, but these new multifamily developments are dangerously close to the generic cookie- cutter sameness seen in most new construction, mixed in with a neighborhood known for its unique, historical style. Worcester should heed the warnings from Harvard Square in Cambridge decades ago. at district was once the cool, trendy place to be, but it became so cool and in demand, eventually only corporate retailers and restaurants could afford the rising real estate prices. It would be tragic for the Canal District to lose the likes of Crompton Collective and BirchTree Bread Co. to Pottery Barn and Starbucks. Real estate prices can't rise so high that new Canal District entrepreneurs can't start up the next Crompton or BirchTree. For this to happen, developers of new commercial projects – who are facing rising costs themselves – can't price their retail spaces to the point where only corporations can afford the rent. Similarly, existing commercial property owners need to recognize the value of the Canal District is in its eclectic vibe and shouldn't swap out an up-and-coming business in favor of a chain who can maybe pay a little bit more. Understanding how the Canal District got to this point in its success is important to preserving its future. The above Editorial is the opinion of the WBJ Editorial Board. The Viewpoint column, the A Thousand Words cartoon, and the Word from the Web commentary represent the opinions of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of WBJ or its staff. WBJ welcomes letters to the editor and commentary submissions. Send them to bkane@wbjournal.com. W W Valerie Wedge

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