Creating a supportive workplace culture and environment takes time and energy, but the benefits make its creation well worth it. Specifically, research shows that fostering a workplace culture that supports employees’ health and well-being not only benefits employees but contributes to the success of an organization.^1-4

Here, we present multiple strategies that help to create a supportive workplace that creates employee satisfaction, productivity, and overall well-being.⁴

Start by Asking Questions

We suggest the optometrist start a team meeting by asking, “How is everyone doing today?” Additionally, we recommend having regular one-on-one check-ins with employees during which the OD asks about the employee’s work-life balance and confirms individuals are not overwhelmed or burning out.

Match Protocols with Organizational Values

As an example, the optometrist can show that they value their workers' healthy work-life balance by encouraging the use of vacation time (no emailing while on it!).

Create a Team of Ambassadors

We recommend the OD create a team of wellness champions throughout the workplace who make health and wellness more accessible. Specifically, wellness champions can utilize a needs-assessment survey to gather feedback on their colleagues’ interests to implement new wellness strategies, such as movement breaks and healthy food options.

Lead by Example

The optometrist role modeling healthy behaviors, such as taking a walk and/or pausing to take a few deep breaths, substantially influences how employees feel regarding their own well-being and workplace wellness participation.³ Specifically, staff members may be more likely to participate in such activities. This benefits them, patients and the practice.

Hold Practice Retreats

We suggest the OD foster a culture of caring by holding practice retreats that include team-building activities. Pro tip: Schedule this at historically slow times.

Express Gratitude

We recommend the optometrist give their employees a dose of Vitamin “G” regularly to help them feel appreciated. This can be achieved via thank-you notes, gift cards, etc. Research shows that when employees believe they matter and perceive their workplace culture is supportive of their well-being, they have less burnout, anxiety, and depression.^5,6

Make It a Priority

Prioritizing employees' well-being can show them they are valued and cared about. Why not make the effort to implement strategies to create a culture that emphasizes well-being? OM

References

1. Mental Health America. How can we create a supportive workplace culture? Published. February 26, 2025. Accessed July 16, 2025. https://www.mhanational.org/how-can-we-create-supportive-workplace-culture

2. American Psychological Association. Leveling up: supporting employees’ psychological well-being for maximum return. Published April 21, 2021. Accessed September 23, 2024. https://www.apa.org/topics/healthy-workplaces/supporting-employee-psychological-well-being

3. Professional & Executive Development, Harvard Division of Continuing Education. Why workplace culture matters - professional & executive development. Published January 8, 2024. Accessed September 23, 2024. https://professional.dce.harvard.edu/blog/why-workplace-culture-matters/

4. Stoewen DL. Wellness at work: building healthy workplaces. Can Vet J. 2016;57(11):1188-1190.

5. Melnyk BM, Chenot T, Hsieh AP, Messinger J. Supportive workplace wellness cultures and mattering are associated with less burnout and mental health issues in nurse managers. J Nurs Adm. 2024;54(9):456-464. doi:10.1097/NNA.0000000000001462

6. Melnyk BM, Strait LA, Beckett C, Hsieh AP, Messinger J, Masciola R. The state of mental health, burnout, mattering and perceived wellness culture in doctorally prepared nursing faculty with implications for action. Worldviews Evid Based Nurs. 2023;20(2):142-152. doi:10.1111/wvn.12632

Megan Amaya, PhD, CHES, NBC-HWC, AFAA-CGFI, is the director of Health Promotion and Wellness; co-director of Bachelor of Science in Health and Wellness; and an associate clinical professor of Clinical Nursing at The Ohio State University.

Nicole Johnson, BS, CHES, is an administrative assistant in the College of Health Sciences at The Ohio State University. Previously, she worked as the Wellness Program Coordinator in the Office of the Chief Wellness Officer at Ohio State.