One of the biggest workplace trends to emerge over the past decade is emphasizing the importance of the health and wellness of employees. Research has proven time and time again that if workers are mentally well, it is reflected in their productivity levels.

This has opened up the possibility of a new C-suite position that focuses on creating the best strategy to ensure the wellbeing of employees is valued and supported. Some health systems have already created such a position, called a Chief Wellness Officer, to accomplish just that.

“I would not be surprised if, 10 years from now, it’s commonplace for most large organizations to have a Chief Wellness Officer or equivalent, taking this challenge on, and doing so in a way that is effective,” said Jonathan Ripp MD, MPH, Chief Wellness Officer at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

Workplaces thrive when they have a culture that nurtures a worker’s sense of purpose, which inevitably leads to improved mental and even physical health. 

A CWO would work closely with the Chief Human Resources Officer, as well as the President and CEO, to meet the needs of employees and create goals that would benefit the wellbeing of them and the work they put out.

In order to meet such goals, the CWO needs to build an environment that analyzes data, uses planning and hosts programs that are beneficial to an employee’s financial, physical, personal and professional wellbeing.