How to create a successful employee wellbeing champion network

Amplify your employee wellbeing strategy with a team of champions driving it from the ground up. 

Imagine this.

Your organisation has created a wellbeing strategy designed to improve employee health.

The plan includes health promotion activity, mental health support services, policy changes and local interest groups. 

Time, funding, research, and passion were invested to make it impactful and successful.

Unfortunately, engaging employees to participate company-wide has had its challenges.

Employees in regional areas have been difficult to reach. Customisation for diverse business groups is complex. Limited resources have reduced the ability to promote programs widely.

What if there is a cost-effective and impactful solution to these challenges?

Implementing (or reinvigorating) a team of dedicated employee wellbeing champions has been proven to help deliver a sustainable and successful health and wellbeing program.

The latest Buck Consultants survey revealed that 78% of participants believed there was a correlation between champion effort and employee engagement in wellness.

So, what are wellbeing champions, and how can they help?

The voice of the employee

Wellbeing Champions are a team of employees who volunteer to promote the company's wellbeing strategy. As trusted advocates, they encourage peers to prioritise their health and connect them to company initiatives. 

Champions also play an essential role in sharing feedback between employees and leadership. This real-time feedback enables continuous improvement to embed strategic goals. 

A people-first approach

Karen Oldaker, Senior Executive of Wellbeing and Community People, Culture & Sustainability at Medibank, was looking for an innovative solution to improve employee wellbeing and engagement.

A 2019 internal employee survey highlighted an opportunity to inspire more employees to look after their physical and mental wellbeing.   

Establishing a network of wellbeing champions was pivotal to achieving this goal. Karen shared that "a team of wellbeing champions embedded at the grassroots level across the business helped drive wellbeing from within."

Now in its third year with a network of 45+ wellbeing champions across Australia. Medibank "has an 'on the ground' team of individuals who are actively role-modelling healthy behaviour and influencing others."

The program’s success was reflected in the Medibank employee survey's Health, Safety and Wellbeing measures. A result of 8.4 out of 10, increasing 1 point year over year. 

A healthy influence 

Research has shown that peers can positively influence health behaviours in the workplace and social networks.

At a peer-to-peer level, champions can:

• Create inclusive connection opportunities to engage all employees

• Initiate interest groups such as lunchtime walks or book clubs

• Actively role model healthy behaviour and encourage others to do the same

• Share health resources and keep wellbeing top of mind within teams  

For Medibank, the wellbeing champion network was crucial in promoting the inaugural “Feel Good Grants” program. The initiative included over 130 wellbeing sessions created by employees, attracting over 3,000 employees to participate. In recognition of the program's success, Medibank was awarded the winner of the 2022 AHRI (Australian Human Resources Institute) Awards. 

A healthy network

Katrina Johnston, Director of Wellness Designs, works with universities and corporate organisations to create a dream team of wellbeing champions.

Katrina has witnessed how a well-organised champion program can "transform wellbeing outcomes and overcome employee engagement challenges."

"Head office can't be everywhere at once, whereas the wellbeing champs can have a far greater reach and bring their flair to the role."

To set up a champion program for success, Katrina recommends the following approach:

- Understand there isn't a one size fits all approach. Customisation for local needs is essential

- Obtain leadership endorsement and ongoing investment in the program

- Have a clear structure that includes regular meetings, and communication platforms

- Create a buzz about the program and celebrate the wins along the way

- Measure success and share key learnings with champs and senior stakeholders

Connected employees

Heidi English, a Medibank employee and wellbeing champion, feels a “sense of purpose and passion helping others get excited about their health.” 

As a champion, Heidi encouraged peers to stay healthy over the holidays with a self-designed fitness challenge.  Heidi has also promoted strategic initiatives, including sleep awareness campaigns, fundraising activities, COVID support and connection events.

The role as a champion has empowered Heidi to “develop new skills, impact beyond her team and connect with a like-minded community.”

Heidi's participation in the programs demonstrates how a champion can embed, engage and communicate health-led initiatives to create a culture of wellbeing.  

The secret sauce

An employee-led wellbeing champ program can make the difference between having a wellbeing strategy on paper and making a real impact on a human level.

Champions can reinforce the organisation's commitment to wellbeing. The benefits may range from increased employee engagement, workplace advocacy and a healthier business model. 

What next?

If you would like to learn more about creating a team of wellbeing champions or designing a wellbeing strategy, please get in touch with corporate@medibank.com.au.