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In the post-pandemic world, there has been a palpable shift toward prioritizing health and wellness. From growing investments in health products and services to the rise of viral “self-care” routines, the wellness industry has dominated the market. For business owners, this presents a unique opportunity that, if taken advantage of appropriately, could pay dividends in terms of recruitment, retention, work performance and overall culture.
When it came to Wigdor LLP, one thing I considered as a business owner was what type of perks to offer our employees, particularly in the wake of a pandemic that forced so many of us to examine and recalibrate our lifestyles.
Aside from the usual offerings — office snacks and coffees, catered lunches and flexible PTO — I sought to stand out, but in a meaningful way. I wanted to demonstrate that I cared: about them, their well-being and their lives outside of work.
Related: The Wellness Industry Is Now Richer Than Big Pharma and Sports
A changing society
I’ve played tennis, basketball and golf for most of my life. I also keep a regular yoga practice and meet with a personal trainer several times a week. As both an attorney and a business owner/founder, I know firsthand how much of an impact physical wellness has on mental health, productivity, focus and overall attitude.
This was particularly true when the pandemic hit and our society, collectively, had to adjust to a new way of living. Health and well-being became part of our daily priorities—and anxieties. Needless to say, I was thankful to have a solid fitness regimen.
When quarantine lifted, I wanted my employees to experience the same benefits that grounded me during those two uncertain years. That is why I decided to bring my trainer, Derian Calnick, on as a member of our staff. All employees at Wigdor LLP can reserve six one-hour sessions with Derian each month, as well as one massage every six weeks. Sessions occur during work hours, and we encourage employees to take them.
The results: Employees report feeling more alert, engaged and generally calmer and more confident — all traits necessary for success in not only the legal field, but the professional world at large. They can often be seen in our office discussing their workouts, sharing progress pictures and swapping sessions with one another.
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