Wellness to Work embraces a culture of self-awareness, growth, and empowerment. We aim to equip individuals with the tools, resources, and support they need to achieve personal and professional fulfillment.

Navigating the complexities of workforce development entails more than just securing employment; it's about empowering individuals to thrive in both their personal and professional lives.

At EDSI, we recognize the interconnectedness of mental health and career success, which is why our innovative Wellness to Work initiative goes beyond traditional approaches. Drawing inspiration from conversations, interviews, and feedback, we've enriched our vision to encompass a holistic understanding of individual needs and aspirations.

Furthermore, we understand that the well-being of our staff is just as crucial as that of the customers we serve. When staff members are at their healthiest, they project their best selves to our customers, creating a full-circle approach to wellness within our organization.

Check out this example below of EDSI team members bringing Wellness to Work initiatives to life in their local communities.

In aligning with Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, Wellness to Work acknowledges that addressing basic needs, including mental health, is foundational for holistically serving participants in workforce development. By integrating a cost-effective model of integrated care, we bridge the gap between traditional approaches and well-being, understanding that mental wellness is a crucial component of workforce readiness.

Components of Wellness to Work: A Holistic Approach

Wellness to Work incorporates various components, such as offering participants and staff access to Behavioral Health Advocate (BHA) meetings, workshops, tools and resources. These elements provide a cost-effective means to address underlying needs, collaborating across counties to maximize positive outcomes. Participants are not only equipped to secure employment but are also empowered with coping and self-management skills for sustained positive changes.

When participants face significant barriers and stressors affecting their full potential, our Behavioral Health Advocate (BHA) team steps in to alleviate the burden on Career Coaches and program staff. Leveraging their education and experience, BHAs efficiently perform biopsychosocial assessments, identifying and addressing barriers through psychoeducation, community resource linkage, crisis intervention, and solution-focused counseling.

Beyond Employment: Long-term Impact of Wellness to Work

Wellness to Work is not just about securing jobs; it's about equipping individuals with the skills to maintain positive changes long-term. BHAs play a pivotal role in increasing awareness of trauma-informed customer service delivery, providing staff development trainings, offering burnout protection, and assisting with debriefing processes following stressful customer interactions.

Our Behavioral Health Team includes working professionals driving the success of Wellness to Work at EDSI. Our team collaborates seamlessly with other staff members, ensuring participants receive the support needed to overcome barriers and achieve holistic well-being. Through their expertise, BHAs serve as a bridge between referrals to community mental health supports and the initiation of those services.

Crafted with our participants' needs at the forefront, Wellness to Work serves a dual purpose, enriching not only the lives of those seeking employment but also empowering our staff to provide enhanced support. Beyond its primary aim of assisting participants in their job search journey, the program extends its benefits to our dedicated staff members by equipping them with invaluable strategies to bolster mental wellness within the workplace. Wellness to Work helps individuals gain practical insights by offering a diverse toolkit to effectively navigate and mitigate workplace stressors.

Tools available to participants and staff include:

• Email Newsletter with information, resources, tips, and links
• Wellness to Work In-Person or Virtual Workshops
• Wellness Corner Online Resource Forum
• Techniques of the Week
• Guided Meditation Series
• Video Shorts
• And More!

From cultivating resilience to developing personalized coping mechanisms, individuals emerge equipped with the vital skills necessary for both personal and professional growth. By fostering a culture of well-being, our Wellness to Work initiative not only facilitates successful job placements but also nurtures a supportive environment wherein both participants and staff thrive.

Want to learn more about implementing Wellness to Work initiatives in your region? Let's connect!