Building a Stronger Workplace
How Shifting from Corporate Culture to Community Culture Boosts Employee Well-Being and Business Success
As companies strive to improve employee well-being, many are finding that cultivating a community culture—one that promotes a shared sense of belonging and collective wellness—can be transformative. Shifting from a traditional corporate culture to a community-centered one not only strengthens team connections but also enhances employee engagement, productivity, employee retention, and job satisfaction. This approach, especially when integrated with a robust corporate wellness program, can be a powerful way to support employees' health while boosting business performance.
Why Community Culture Matters in Corporate Health
Maybe I am using the term health, and you are thinking…this isn’t about health. I don’t take my next sentence lightly, you are wrong. Health is more than bloodwork, weight, pain, etc. It’s emotional, career, financial, mental, relational, and beyond. It all integrates into your whole health. With that said, studies show that employees who feel connected to their workplace community experience higher levels of engagement and commitment to their roles. A 2020 report by Great Place to Work found that employees who feel a strong sense of community are 10 times more engaged than those who don’t. Similarly, a Deloitte survey revealed that 94% of executives and 88% of employees believe a strong workplace culture is essential to business success. By shifting toward a community-centered approach to corporate health, companies can foster an environment where employees feel valued and inspired to contribute meaningfully to the company’s success.
4 Ways to Build a Community Culture That Enhances Corporate Health
Here are four ways companies can shift from a corporate culture to a community-focused approach that promotes employee well-being and overall corporate health.
Encourage Open Communication and Transparency
Open communication is the foundation of any community-oriented workplace, especially when it comes to supporting employees’ health and wellness. When leaders are transparent about company goals, wellness initiatives, and upcoming changes, employees are more likely to feel they’re part of a cohesive community. According to Harvard Business Review, transparent communication builds trust, which is essential for fostering a supportive environment.
Implementing this approach: Consider holding regular “town hall” meetings, wellness Q&A sessions, or forums where employees can discuss health and wellness topics, share concerns, and provide feedback. These sessions can foster a sense of trust and ensure employees feel supported in their health journeys.
Promote Cross-Department Collaboration
A key aspect of community culture is collaboration—not only within individual teams but across departments. When employees from different areas of the company come together for shared projects, they develop a broader perspective and appreciation for each other’s contributions. Research by Gallup shows that employees who work in collaborative environments report higher job satisfaction and a stronger likelihood of recommending their company as a great place to work.
Implementing this approach: Establish cross-functional teams for wellness-related initiatives, such as planning company-wide health events or community service projects. Encouraging departments to work together on wellness goals helps build camaraderie while showing employees the company is invested in their well-being.
Celebrate and Support Employee Growth—Personally and Professionally
Employees who feel their personal and professional growth is supported are more likely to stay engaged and motivated at work. In a community-focused culture, companies recognize employees as individuals and celebrate milestones that contribute to their overall well-being. LinkedIn’s 2022 Workplace Learning Report found that 94% of employees would stay with a company longer if it invested in their development.
Implementing this approach: Celebrate employee achievements and milestones by hosting regular “wellness appreciation” events, where employees are recognized for both their professional contributions and personal wellness goals. Additionally, offer access to wellness programs, educational resources, or mentorship opportunities that promote employee health and career growth.
Integrate a Corporate Wellness Program to Foster Community and Health
One of the most effective ways to enhance corporate health and build community is by implementing a corporate wellness program that brings employees together for shared health and wellness activities. Wellness programs encourage employees to pursue personal and collective health goals, which can have a powerful impact on employee morale and physical health. According to a study from the American Heart Association, companies with wellness programs see reduced healthcare costs and increased productivity.
Implementing this approach: Create a wellness program that includes activities such as group fitness classes, nutrition workshops, or wellness challenges that encourage employees to work toward shared goals. Wellness programs can also incorporate team-building activities, such as walking meetings or mindfulness sessions, that bring employees together for healthy practices while fostering stronger connections across departments.
The Benefits of Community Culture for Corporate Health
Building a community-oriented culture through wellness programs and supportive policies can profoundly impact corporate health. Companies that emphasize a community culture experience lower turnover rates, higher employee satisfaction, and improved productivity. When employees feel they belong, they are more likely to invest in their health and engage actively in workplace wellness initiatives.
A thriving community culture doesn’t just improve individual well-being—it creates a healthier, more productive workplace that drives business success. By focusing on open communication, cross-department collaboration, employee growth, and a robust wellness program, companies can foster a community culture that nurtures both employees’ health and the organization’s long-term goals.
Interested in the corporate health options that are available to you? Half Belly Health has options from lunch and learn workshops to a 12 Month Corporate wellness program.