Navigate's People First Podcast

• A+ Wellness Strategies For School Districts with Lindsay Waechter

  In today’s episode, Troy and Jay welcome listeners to a discussion close to their hearts - the vital topic of supporting school employees, the educators and staff responsible for shaping young minds.  Their special guest is Lindsay Waechter, the Staff Wellness Coordinator for Iowa's fast growing Waukee School District, who shares the innovative work being done for the district's nearly 2,500 employees. Lindsay vividly explains the challenges and successes of prioritizing staff wellbeing. Troy and Jay learn how investing in school staff is not just beneficial, but essential. Lindsay explains how Waukee recognized this necessity, leading to the creation of her dedicated role to address the specific wellbeing challenges facing educators and support staff today. She details the district's shift from a standard, one size fits all wellness program to a more personalized, adaptable approach through Navigate. This strategy focuses on meeting employees where they are, addressing issues from teacher burnout and custodian back pain to mental health needs and connecting staff with local resources, all while supporting staff retention. Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Why Teacher Wellbeing Is Key to Student Success 01:17 - Staff Wellness as a Retention and Recruitment Tool 03:15 - Building Wellness Programs for a Rapidly Growing District 05:17 - Getting Leadership Buy-In for Wellbeing Initiatives 06:37 - How Personalization Boosts Engagement and Outcomes 10:10 - Addressing Mental Health and Burnout in Education 13:09 - On-Demand Resources and Coaching for Staff 14:34 - Prioritizing Women’s Health in School Wellness 16:24 - Using Committees and Data to Shape Wellness Strategy 22:55 - Extending Wellness Support Year-Round 25:20 - Making Wellness Inclusive for All School Roles 29:31 - Collaborating with Nurses to Support Whole-School Health 30:45 - Best Day Ever Key Takeaways: "We need our teachers to be happy and well. They shape our future."     "Moving beyond a one-size-fits-all approach prioritizes the health of educators." "Innovation in education is crucial. It's not just about the environment, but being innovative across the board." "We want educators to live healthy and well lives into retirement." "The pressures of educators are immense. Work-life balance and burnout are key issues." "Personalized programs lead to better engagement and health outcomes." "Mental health resources must address stigma and provide support for high stress." "Teaching is hard and getting harder. We prioritize health to support our educators." "Data-driven decisions in wellbeing programs help allocate resources effectively." "Reaching diverse audiences requires tailored solutions for different work roles." Resources: Who is Navigate? Learn more at navigatewell.com  Learn more about the ROI of employee wellbeing - https://info.navigatewell.com/roi-whitepaper Lindsay Waechter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-waechter-169b81b6/

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• Building a Culture that Combats Burnout with Ben Schultz

  Troy and Jeremy’s vital conversation here today features Ben Schultz, Navigate's own People and Culture Lead, whose experience in building a "Great Place to Work" makes him the perfect guest to discuss burnout, a challenge so many face. This episode isn't just for those feeling the burnout crunch themselves - if you're a leader, a teammate, anyone who supports others, expect takeaways, truly. Let's get real about burnout. Ben, Troy, and Jeremy are not skimming the surface here, they’re getting into the nitty-gritty of burnout in today's workplaces. How is it different from plain old stress? This episode breaks it down. Creating safety? Encouraging honest chats? Essential. And it's not all on the company, either. What about those external pressures, the financial worries, the family stuff? Those count too.  As you will hear, a holistic wellbeing program gets it. It acknowledges all sides of a person, not just their job title. Armed with these insights, our panel demonstrates how to create workplaces where wellbeing isn't a perk, but the very foundation in the battle against burnout. Episode Highlights: 00:00 - What Burnout Is and How It Differs From Workplace Stress   01:09 - Leadership’s Responsibility in Preventing Burnout   03:34 - Recognizing Early Signs of Burnout in Employees   06:09 - Building a Culture of Psychological Safety and Open Communication   07:16 - Empowering Managers With Training and Tools to Support Teams   10:00 - Growth, Development, and Career Pathways as Burnout Prevention   11:21 - Addressing Personal Stressors With Holistic Wellbeing Support   14:50 - Turning Employee Feedback Into Meaningful Action   17:28 - Consolidating Resources for Better Employee Access   18:37 - Implementing People-First Policies That Actually Work   22:32 - Recognition, Incentives, and Transparent Compensation   26:05 - Supporting Work-Life Balance Through Flexibility and Time Off   33:29 - Three HR Strategies to Combat Burnout 36:11 - Best Day Ever  Key Takeaways: "Burnout is an overwhelming feeling. Even the smallest tasks feel burdensome. It's a struggle to think creatively." "Burnout isn't just workplace stress. It's a debilitating state of exhaustion affecting every life aspect." "A culture that combats burnout must be led from the top down. It can't just be an HR initiative." "Differentiate workplace stress from burnout. Stress is seasonal; burnout is ongoing and hard to define." "Know your people. Everyone shows up differently. Recognize signs of burnout by understanding individual behaviors." "Active listening and responding to employee concerns are crucial. Ensure they're heard and addressed." "Managers must prioritize people over metrics. Support them with training, tools, and mentorship." "Encourage growth and development. Understand what motivates employees and work with them for a successful work-life balance." "Pulse surveys and open dialogue help identify potential issues before they escalate. Prioritize employee wellbeing." "Recognition is key. Appreciate employees sincerely and thoughtfully. It builds a cohesive, motivated team." Resources: Who is Navigate? Learn more at navigatewell.com  Learn more about the ROI of employee wellbeing - https://info.navigatewell.com/roi-whitepaper Ben Schultz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-a-schultz/

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  36:40
• How Organizational Values Drive Workplace Wellbeing

  In this episode, Jeremy and Troy are joined by Christy Smith, Navigate's SVP of People and Growth Strategy, and Jim Barclay, SVP of Operations, to explore the crucial connection between organizational values and employee wellbeing.  Together, they discuss the value of cultivating supportive company cultures that boost engagement and productivity, embedding values for purpose, connecting engagement strategy with wellness programs, and leveraging technology to personalize wellbeing initiatives. Our panel also goes on to emphasize that a strategic approach to wellbeing that utilizes data and personalization ultimately empowers employees' total health and career growth, leading to positive business outcomes.  The message of today’s episode is crystal clear: prioritizing values-driven wellbeing enables companies to generate a virtuous cycle of employee flourishing and organizational success. Episode Highlights: 00:00 - How Organizational Values Drive Workplace Wellbeing 00:56 - Building a Culture of Belonging and Engagement 03:45 - Aligning Wellbeing and Employee Experience 07:44 - Using Technology for Personalized Wellbeing Programs 12:56 - Turning Employee Feedback into Actionable Change 16:40 - The Role of Incentives in Driving Engagement 18:24 - Customizing Wellbeing Programs for Business Goals 22:21 - Measuring Success: Data-Driven Wellbeing Strategies 25:40 - Supporting Employees’ Readiness for Change 28:12 - Removing Barriers to Wellbeing and Mental Health Support 30:02 - The Power of Recognition, Competition, and Connection 32:38 - Best Day Ever Key Takeaways: "Creating a culture around core values fosters belonging. This drives engagement and impacts business outcomes." "Wellbeing and engagement strategies shouldn't be separate. Both impact the person showing up to work." "Aligning company values with employees' personal values is an X factor. It enhances satisfaction and purpose." "Personalization in wellbeing programs boosts engagement. It connects employees to the organization's culture." "Listening is key. Collect data, make it actionable, and build programs around it for real impact." "Our platform helps highlight hidden resources. Employees find support they didn't know existed." "The ‘Great Place to Work’ survey guides us. Feedback becomes strategic priorities for people and culture." "Comprehensive wellbeing programs reduce absenteeism by 25%. They enhance engagement and business outcomes." "Change in wellbeing vendors can be daunting. Trust is built by showing up and doing what you say." "Innovation and inspiration drive our wellbeing strategy. We connect dots across holistic health and organizational values." Resources: Who is Navigate? Learn more at navigatewell.com  Learn more about the ROI of employee wellbeing - https://info.navigatewell.com/roi-whitepaper Christy Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christy-smith0777/ Jim Barclay: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-barclay-14856a7/

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• 100 Years of Putting People First with Anne Wright and JE Dunn

  Anne Wright, Benefits Manager at JE Dunn, offers her unique perspective on building a thriving workplace culture here today as she joins Troy and Jeremy for a deep dive into this inspiring company and how it truly embodies the "people first" ethos. Together, they explore how JE Dunn has leveraged its guiding principles to create a nationally recognized wellbeing program, demonstrating that prioritizing employees is not just ethically sound – it's a powerful business strategy. Our dynamic trio explores the ways in which JE Dunn seamlessly integrates its core values into every aspect of its employee experience, from incentivizing community service to fostering a culture of mental wellbeing. They also go on to examine the model JE Dunn has created - providing valuable lessons for any organization - and highlight the strategic partnerships and data-driven decisions that have propelled JE Dunn's program to the forefront of the industry.  Join Anne, Troy and Jeremy for this remarkable story of resilience, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to putting people first. Episode Highlights: 00:00 - The Legacy of JE Dunn’s Culture 01:30 - Growth and Expansion of JE Dunn 03:23 - Leadership’s Role in Employee Wellbeing 04:03 - Aligning Benefits with Company Values 06:07 - Personalizing Wellbeing Programs for Employees 07:59 - Challenges of Changing Wellbeing Vendors 08:43 - Finding the Right Partnership for Employee Wellness 10:29 - Transitioning 5,000+ Employees to a New Platform 11:09 - Importance of Strong Vendor Relationships 14:52 - Enhancing Employee Experience with Technology 17:27 - Building a Culture-Driven Wellbeing Program 21:14 - Using Employee Data for Better Health Programs 23:16 - Real-Time Data Analytics for Wellbeing Insights 25:21 - Adapting Wellness Programs with Data 26:39 - Understanding Employee Engagement Preferences 29:06 - Connecting Healthcare Partnerships with Employee Wellbeing 32:42 - Mental Health Advocacy in the Construction Industry 36:07 - The Role of Technology in Personalized Wellbeing 39:07 - Serving Employees Through Holistic Wellbeing 40:40 - Destigmatizing Mental Health in Construction 44:29 - The Story of JE Dunn’s Wartime Sacrifice 45:17 - Key Takeaways for Designing Effective Wellbeing Programs 48:13 - Employee Engagement Strategies for Wellbeing 50:14 - The Impact of Corporate Volunteerism 51:10 - Future of Employee Wellbeing and Company Growth Key Takeaways: "Leadership engagement is crucial. It drives program growth, evaluates year-over-year, and supports employee culture through wellbeing." "Ask your people. Listen to their feedback. Use it to design a program that aligns with their needs." "Data is paramount. It helps us understand employees, find opportunities, and push strategic initiatives." "We believe in health and wellbeing. It's on every wall, in every office. It's a guiding principle." "Engage leadership, communicate effectively, align with culture, and utilize champions. These are keys to driving engagement." "The construction industry ranks high in suicide risk. We focus on mental health, supporting employees and their families." Resources: Who is Navigate? Learn more at navigatewell.com  Learn more about the ROI of employee wellbeing - https://info.navigatewell.com/roi-whitepaper JE Dunn: https://jedunn.com/ Anne Wright: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-wright-cbp-4a52ba119/

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  50:28
• The Future of Employee Wellbeing: 2025 and Beyond

  Troy and Jeremy are back this week along with special guests Jim Barclay, Senior Vice President of Operations, and Brooke Ossenkop, Vice President of Marketing, for a year-end review as well as a look ahead to 2025. Together, they explore Navigate's key initiatives, including personalized well-being programs, data-driven insights, and a holistic approach to employee health, along with exciting new features coming soon to the Navigate platform.  Delving into the importance of personalization in employee well-being, they emphasize that it goes beyond generic solutions, and discuss how data plays a crucial role in tailoring these experiences and driving positive change. Throughout the episode, our panel focuses on how a holistic approach, incorporating all eight pillars of well-being, fosters a truly supportive and effective program.  Tune in to discover how Navigate is revolutionizing workplace well-being and empowering organizations to create a culture of health, engagement, and lasting positive impact. Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Driving Change in Organizational Wellbeing 00:26 - Reflecting on Navigate’s 2024 Success 01:34 - Personalization in UX 03:10 - Client Excitement and Personalization at Scale 04:47 - 2025 Vision: People-First Wellbeing Strategies 06:43 - Closing the Gap 07:02 - Hyper-Personalization in Health and Wellness Programs 09:11 - Aligning Teams to Support Personalized Wellbeing Journeys 10:53 - Streamlining Resources for a Tailored Employee Experience 11:32 - Removing Barriers to Wellbeing 13:30 - The Role of Coaching in Behavior Change 15:15 - Health Coaches as Personalized Accountability Partners 16:28 - Holistic Wellbeing Through Organizational Values 18:26 - Strategies for Incentivizing Long-Term Wellbeing 20:26 - Simplifying Employee Access to Wellbeing Resources 21:17 - Challenges Focused on Building Long-Term Habits 22:08 - Addressing Loneliness in a Hybrid Workforce 23:59 - Why Traditional Wellbeing Platforms Fail Employees 24:56 - Leveraging Real-Time Data for Fast Decision-Making 27:55 - Case Study: Reducing Financial Barriers to Wellbeing 29:10 - Using Data to Address Root Causes of Employee Health Issues 31:55 - Simplifying Communication for Wellbeing Success 33:41 - Future UI/UX Enhancements Focused on Personalization 35:36 - Integrating Wellbeing into the Employee Lifecycle 36:52 - Choice-Based Recognition and Employee Appreciation 38:20 - Career Development as a Form of Wellbeing Recognition 40:13 - Enhancing Innovation in Wellbeing Programs 41:46 - Leveraging Technology to Connect Remote Workforces 44:05 - Fostering a Culture of Empathy and Communication 45:35 - Best Days Ever Key Takeaways:   "Changing the culture of wellbeing doesn't happen overnight. It requires resources and investment."    "Navigate's mission is to personalize the wellness experience for each participant. It's about understanding needs and motivations." "The data doesn't lie. Our clients see consistent improvements. It's working." "Our mission is to ensure participants get a tailored experience. It's not one size fits all." "Coaching is an extension of personalization. It's a one-on-one targeted program about you." "People first wellbeing means giving actionable steps to move from struggling to succeeding." Resources: Who is Navigate? Learn more at navigatewell.com  Learn more about the ROI of employee wellbeing - https://info.navigatewell.com/roi-whitepaper

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