In today’s fast-paced corporate world, employee wellness is no longer just a buzzword—it’s a necessity. But while organizations across Canada continue to roll out wellness initiatives, one group often makes the biggest difference behind the scenes: the workplace champions. According to new research from the Institute for Work & Health (IWH), these unsung heroes play a crucial role in promoting health, wellbeing, and engagement within organizations—yet their efforts often go unrecognized.
Understanding the Role of Workplace Champions
Wellness champions are employees who take the lead in advocating for workplace health and wellbeing. They may not have a formal title or specific training, but they possess one vital quality—a genuine passion for helping their coworkers thrive.
The IWH Research: A Closer Look
The findings presented by Aviroop Biswas, a scientist at IWH and assistant professor at the University of Toronto’s Dalla Lana School of Public Health, shed light on the lived experiences of 22 wellness champions across different sectors. His study explored how these individuals motivate others, overcome challenges, and sustain wellness programs despite organizational barriers.
Who Are Wellness Champions?
Champions can emerge from any department—front-line staff, middle management, or even senior leadership. What unites them is their commitment to creating a healthier, more connected workplace. Many draw motivation from personal journeys related to mental health, fitness, or their desire to support colleagues.
Key Challenges in Promoting Wellness
Low Participation Rates
Despite strong enthusiasm, participation in wellness programs remains low. “Actual participation rates tend to be in the single digits and rarely close to 50 percent,” noted Biswas. This highlights a major gap between employee awareness and engagement.
High Motivation but Limited Support
While champions are deeply motivated, many struggle with limited organizational backing. They often take on wellness responsibilities in addition to their regular workloads, leading to fatigue and frustration over time.
The Emotional Cost of Being a Champion
Biswas emphasized that wellness work, while rewarding, can also be emotionally draining. “There’s a certain time when champions burn out because they’re so passionate—their heart is in the right place,” he explained. Without proper recognition or structural support, even the most committed advocates can feel overwhelmed.
Recognition and Organizational Support
The study found that one of the biggest barriers to sustainability is lack of formal recognition. Many champions’ efforts are not considered “real work,” undermining their influence.
“Having a champion recognized for their work helps them gain credibility from colleagues and makes wellness initiatives more effective,” said Biswas.
Organizations are encouraged to integrate wellness advocacy into official job roles and provide adequate time, resources, and rewards for those leading such efforts.
Strategies Used by Wellness Champions
| Engagement Strategy | Description |
|---|---|
| Surveys & Feedback | Collecting employee input to tailor programs |
| Role Modeling | Demonstrating healthy habits to inspire others |
| Personal Conversations | Building trust through informal chats |
| Events & Challenges | Hosting fitness or mindfulness activities |
| Peer Networks | Collaborating with like-minded colleagues |
Despite these efforts, many champions admit their initiatives mostly attract those already interested in wellness, leaving behind employees who are hardest to reach.
Burnout and Sustainability Issues
Informal champions often operate without adequate training, financial support, or relief from their regular duties. Over time, this lack of structural support leads to burnout, decreasing both personal wellbeing and program effectiveness.
Future Recommendations for Organizations
To ensure the success of wellness programs, organizations should:
- Recognize wellness work as an official responsibility.
- Offer training and mentorship to new champions.
- Develop succession plans so programs continue beyond individuals.
- Allocate funding and time for wellness activities.
- Encourage participation from all employee levels, not just volunteers.
Why Champions Are Essential for Workplace Wellness
Workplace champions act as bridges between management and employees. They create a sense of community, foster open conversations around mental health, and humanize corporate wellness efforts. Without them, many programs risk being seen as top-down initiatives that fail to engage staff meaningfully.
Final Thoughts
Workplace wellness champions are the heart of every successful employee wellbeing program. Their passion, persistence, and empathy make a lasting impact—but to truly succeed, organizations must step up and provide the recognition, resources, and respect these champions deserve. As Biswas concluded, “Champions can play a key role in drawing interest in workplace wellness—but they can’t do it alone.