Hey Reader,
There’s nothing like a glitchy podcast recording to remind you that nothing goes as planned, and maybe that’s the point.
Doris and I sat down with our dear friend Heather Wolcott for a podcast episode on wellness in the workplace. We had sound issues, echo cancellations, browser mishaps, and the kind of start-and-stop chaos that makes you wonder if the universe is trying to teach you something.
It was.
Because even though we were scrambling to get everyone’s mic working, the moment Heather started talking, I was reminded of a simple truth: wellness at work doesn't start with a program, a perk, or a perfect plan.
It starts with a spark.
Years ago, I worked at a company with a massive warehouse. One day, we noticed a few employees using their break time to walk laps inside. Quietly, consistently. No one told them to. They just did it.
That was the spark.
Soon, others joined. Then someone figured out how many laps made a mile. Footprints with motivational messages appeared on the floor. Before long, we had a full-blown walking challenge. Office staff were joining warehouse staff. People were meeting coworkers they had never spoken to before.
And here's the thing: it wasn’t a wellness “program.” It was a movement. It was community. And it worked.
Then came the plank challenge. I specifically remember my co-worker sending a video of doing the challenge in an AIRPORT!
Employees reported clearer heads. Better moods. Stronger friendships. And yes, increased productivity. All because someone laced up their sneakers and invited a friend.
As a coach and consultant, I’m often brought in to design wildly practical leadership programs, facilitate offsites, or build talent strategies that align with organizational goals. And in nearly every engagement, I’m reminded that you can’t separate leadership from wellness.
You can't lead people well if you're running on fumes. And you certainly can't expect your team to thrive if you're modeling burnout as a badge of honor.
But here’s where it gets interesting: wellness doesn’t have to be leader-led. It can be leader-supported.
That means listening more than assigning. It means asking your people what they need and being flexible enough to support the variety of answers you’ll hear. Maybe it's longer lunch breaks. Maybe it’s hybrid work that supports sleep, movement, and nutrition. Maybe it's a walking club that sparks connection.
What it’s not? It’s not another app no one uses. Or a wellness email no one reads.
Action Items for Leaders (and Anyone Ready to Spark Something)
- Ask first, plan second. Survey your team. Find out what energizes them and where they need support.
- Be the example, not the exception. Wellness culture starts with modeling, not memos.
- Start small. A walking challenge. A standing desk option. Flexible start times. These things matter.
- Drop the judgment. Meet people where they are. You don’t need everyone to train for a marathon. You need them to feel seen.
- Invest where it matters. A monthly gym stipend often outperforms a one-size-fits-all wellness app.
Let’s Be Honest
Work is stressful. Life is full. And leaders, especially, are often the last to put their oxygen mask on. But I’ve seen what happens when you prioritize wellness, not as a checkbox, but as a culture.
Productivity improves. Engagement deepens. Community grows.
It starts with a spark.
What’s yours?
Latest Podcast Episode
Check out the latest episode from the Leaderish Podcast! You'll love meeting Heather and learning about her practical approach to wellness in the workplace.
Leaderish is now available on YouTube!
Like and subscribe to help us reach more people. Bonus points if you share an episode with a friend and leave a comment!
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A Little Bit About Regina
I'm Regina Taute (say Howdy Taute and you've pronounced it right) a seasoned talent leader with experience in leadership and organizational development. I started Collective Growth Coaching and Consulting to partner with organizations to develop wildly practical and effective talent strategies. As a credentialed coach and certified in MBTI and Hogan assessments, my passion lies in unlocking potential and driving sustainable growth by helping individuals and teams thrive in today’s evolving business world.
It would be my honor to join you for a complimentary 30-minute coaching session to help solve a current challenge with wildly practical solutions or to meet with you one-on-one to chat and get to know you.
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