Detroit Regional Chamber > Business Resources > Health and Wellness > BCBSM: How Businesses Can Support Employee Well-Being

BCBSM: How Businesses Can Support Employee Well-Being

September 1, 2022

Help your employees focus on the journey to maintain well-being during the COVID-19 crisis. Cindy Bjorkquist, director of well-being for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, shared with Detroit Regional Chamber Chief Operating Officer Tammy Carnrike in today’s Tele-Town Hall how to focus on maintaining your well-being and continuing your journey during elevated anxiety and change.

Employers Should Prioritize Wellness

Well-being has physical, financial, social, and spiritual aspects, and involves how you perceive your life is going overall, explained Bjorkquist. She has two goals for sharing well-being practices with employees and businesses:

  • Helping those with secure well-being learn how to protect it.
  • Introducing well-being practices to those who are struggling.

Employees depend on businesses when it comes to their well-being, and especially now in a time of crisis.  Bjorkquist recommends that employers engage with their employees in multiple ways to extend compassion and show their support.

Taking walking virtual meetings with employees can help practice de-stressing. Bjorkquist emphasized the importance of staying connected to maintaining social well-being and recommends turning the camera on during virtual meetings since facial expressions are critical to high-level bonding.

“I have an open dialogue with every single one of my coworkers and I think that’s really important at this time,” said Bjorkquist. Your staff should feel that you care and support their emotional well-being, she added.

Practices to Strengthen Well-Being

Maintaining well-being is all about focusing on the positive in your life — while practicing gratitude and compassion. There’s science behind this, said Bjorkquist. One well-being practice is making a list every morning of three things you are grateful for. This method of journaling is shown to rewire your brain to be in a happier state, she explained.

Bjorkquist also discussed three critical self-care and emotional health practices:

  • Ikigai — having a meaning or purpose
  • Lagom — having a sense of balance
  • Hygge — having comfort and contentment

“Find your activity that you enjoy that gives you peace,” said Bjorkquist. This will help you remain your best self for your family and coworkers who depend on you, she added.