24 March 2025

Wellbeing Champions

With high levels of stress and disengagement, organisations are introducing Wellbeing Champions as a key part of their wellbeing strategy. But what exactly is a Wellbeing Champion, and how can they benefit your organisation? Let’s explore.

What is a Wellbeing Champion?

A Wellbeing Champion is a dedicated individual who advocates for employee wellbeing. They are a bridge between management and staff, promoting a positive workplace culture. Wellbeing Champions:

Listen to employee concerns about wellbeing.
Identify opportunities for improvement.
Promote wellbeing initiatives.
Provide support and guidance to colleagues.

Think of them as the heartbeat of your workplace wellbeing strategy. Passionate and proactive, they commit to making a difference.

- FREE RESOURCE - YOUR WELLBEING STRATEGY GUIDE Your road map for developing an effective wellbeing strategy.

The Benefits of Wellbeing Champions in the Workplace

Investing in Wellbeing Champions isn’t just good for your employees – it’s good for your bottom line. Here’s how they can benefit your organisation:

1. Build a Stronger Sense of Community

Wellbeing Champions foster a positive workplace culture. They organise team activities and wellbeing campaigns to help employees feel connected.

2. Drive Employee-Led Wellbeing Initiatives

Research shows that employee-led initiatives are more effective and sustainable. Wellbeing Champions ensure that your wellbeing programmes are relevant to your team.

3. Break the Mental Health Stigma

Mental health remains a taboo topic in many workplaces. Wellbeing Champions can recognise signs of stress and burnout, and signpost support.

4. Boost Productivity and Reduce Absenteeism

A healthier workforce is a more productive workforce. By addressing wellbeing issues, Wellbeing Champions can reduce absenteeism and improve performance.

5. Enhance Your Employer Brand

Wellbeing Champions are passionate ambassadors for your organisation. Their efforts enhance your reputation as an employer of choice.

Notes about staying well at work

The Role of a Health and Wellbeing Champion

So, what does a Wellbeing Champion actually do? The actual role depends on your organisation’s specific need. Their responsibilities may include:

Drive Wellbeing Initiatives ForwardWellbeing Champions turn ideas into action. Whether it’s fitness challenges or mental health workshops, they drive engagement.
Provide SupportWellbeing Champions act as a point of contact for employees struggling. They know how to signpost to further support.
Gather FeedbackWellbeing Champions listen to employee concerns and share insights with leadership.
Lead by ExampleBy prioritising their own wellbeing, Wellbeing Champions inspire others to do the same.

a team of wellbeing champions

How to Select Your Organisation’s Wellbeing Champions

When identifying potential Wellbeing Champions, consider individuals who:

Show a genuine interest in promoting wellbeing.
Have strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Represent diverse parts of your organisation, ensuring broad reach and relatability.
Can commit to the role and dedicate the necessary time.

How to Implement a Wellbeing Champion Programme

Ready to harness the power of Wellbeing Champions in your organisation? Here’s how to get started:

1. Select the Right People

Look for individuals who are passionate about wellbeing. Wellbeing Champions should be volunteers as their enthusiasm is key.

2. Provide Expert-Led Training

Equip your Wellbeing Champions with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. Our Wellbeing Champion Training is tailored to the needs of each organisation.

3. Integrate into Your HR Strategy

For a Wellbeing Champion programme to thrive, it needs to align with your business goals. Ensure your champions have the resources and support they need to succeed.

4. Measure and Celebrate Success

Track the impact of your Wellbeing Champions. This might include employee surveys, absenteeism rates and engagement metrics. Celebrate their achievements to keep morale high and momentum strong.

Wellbeing Champion Training

Looking to implement a team of wellbeing champions?

Discover our tailored Wellbeing Champion Training.

colleagues stretching at work

How to Promote Your Wellbeing Champions

Raising the visibility of Wellbeing Champions within your organisation increases their impact. Effective promotional strategies include:

Regular internal communications highlighting the work of your Wellbeing Champions.
Visible identification, such as badges, email signatures, or dedicated intranet pages.
Recognition from senior leadership to reinforce the value of the Champions’ role.

How to Support Your Wellbeing Champions

To ensure the ongoing effectiveness of your Champions, consider:

Regular check-ins and peer-support groups for sharing experiences, successes, and challenges.
Clear guidelines outlining expectations, responsibilities and boundaries of the role.
Ongoing professional development through specialist workshops.

Wellbeing Champions: The Key to a Healthier, Happier Workplace

Wellbeing Champions are more than a trend. They are a force for organisations that prioritise employee health and wellbeing. Wellbeing Champions not only support your team, they drive business success.

Ready to Get Started?

Are you ready to create a network of Wellbeing Champions? Our Wellbeing Champion Training Programme is here to help. Designed by business psychologists, it equips your champions with the skills they need to succeed. Enquire now to learn more.

Author Bio: Sandra Ordel is a Senior Business Psychologist specialising in workforce resilience and neuropsychology. She supports organisations worldwide to build resilient teams and cultures of healthy performance.