Some insight to Meredith's courageous story...
Describe how you pushed yourself out of your comfort zone in support of what was calling you to be courageous.
My whole 2020 wellness program has pushed me out of my comfort zone. I am a very social person but this year I am helping employees find their real and I have done that by sharing my own true, authentic and real self. With quarantine I have jumped even further out of my comfort zone including filing many videos, including my family in the wellness programming and just being real and relatable in every area of well-being and sharing that with the entire organization. It's scary to put yourself out there but I have learned to love every part of who I am in order to help others grow. I helped address well-being struggles in a relatable way and that usually means sharing parts of my journey (positive and constructive) in order to develop a more human workplace. I have noticed that sharing my story has opened other people up to share theirs and together we have grown into a more positive wellbeing culture. So much more room to grow but we have made strides.
What impact did your actions have on your employees’ wellbeing and/or organizational culture?
I feel that every day if I can even inspire one person, I have done my job. I hope that I have also created a more positivity throughout this organization. Social connection has also been beneficial for the employees health and happiness and I truly believe that the wellness program has had direct benefits to the business by decreasing presenteeism. When someone feels good about themselves, retention numbers increase. Dr. Wayne Dyer once said "You can never please everyone. In fact, if you please 50 percent of the people, you are doing quite well." I strive for that and if I can make an impact on even 50 percent of the people in some way, I feel I am doing what I am supposed to be doing.
What impact did your actions have on you as a leader?
The way the wellness program developed has made me a more authentic leader and authenticity/being real is now the most important value that I believe I hold. I strive for honest relationships within the wellness program and the participants and I would not have learned that without the trial and correction of the three years. I am always learning and feel that I can help take this program to an even higher level through positivity and social connection.
Through this experience, how does this change your focus for the future?
I will always be my real self and always get to know the people I work with and for. I want to share my story and listen to theirs and together build a culture of trust, positivity and well-being.
About being a Champion with WCWI's 2020 Leaderboard...
What does this nomination and selection mean to you?
It solidifies that the work I am doing is actually changing lives if even one person at a time. I means a lot to be recognized by the WCWI and my peers and I feel honored to be a spokesperson for well-being and why it is needed across all organizations!
What is one long term goal you have for your organization’s employee wellbeing strategy?
To create a sense of belonging and a positive workplace culture shift that spans further than just the well-being program.
How does your work contribute to transforming Wisconsin’s workforce?
My work helps employees feel essential, connected and that someone is on their side inspiring and motivating them to live their best life. If an employee is living out the best version of themselves this not only transforms the individual but can also transform others that work around them, for them and with them. Living out ones best version of well-being can improve work productivity, business success and is a main factor in employee engagement and a positive work culture!