Smoking = Skinny? Sike!

Welcome to the first edition of Wellable’s weekly newsletter! Expect timely updates to keep your organization well-informed and ahead of the curve.?

Shooting for 10k steps in honor of National Walking Day? Good news:?science says ?you might not need to hit that ‘magical’ benchmark to see health perks. The sweet spot for step counts depends on many individualized factors.??

In this edition:

• Does smoking lead to weight loss??
• Trust discrepancy in the workplace?
• $16K postpartum depression drug?
• Wellness over benefit costs?

HEALTH

Stamping out the smoking and weight-loss myth

Contrary to the common misconception that lighting up slims you down, recent findings reveal the opposite effect—smokers are?more?likely to gain unhealthy visceral fat around the midsection. This type of belly fat is not only tough to shed but also linked to significant health risks like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Employers can play a critical role in addressing?employee smoking ?to combat pervasive myths and create a healthier workplace.?

PEOPLE MANAGEMENT

Trust gap in the workplace: executives vs. employees

Employee trust directly impacts engagement, retention, and overall company performance. Yet, a recent survey reveals a?striking disconnect: while 86% of executives are convinced of their employees' trust, yet only 67% of employees reciprocate this sentiment. Bridging this gap requires trust-building initiatives that go beyond the boardroom banter—from transparent communication to?creating an authentically caring workplace .

HEALTH

A new $16,000 postpartum depression drug is here

The introduction of Zurzuvae, a $16,000 fast-acting treatment for postpartum depression, has sparked a debate on its accessibility and insurance coverage. With most insurers still silent on their coverage policies, many worry the drug won’t be available for those in need. Given that suicide accounts for up to 20% of maternal deaths, employers are urged to enhance?maternal care in the workplace .?

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Employee wellness taking priority over benefit costs

While the rising cost of benefits was identified as a key driver in employee benefits decisions earlier this year, recent findings indicate a pivot:?employers now value employee wellness above benefit costs, motivated by the need to attract and retain top talent in a competitive job market. Offering meaningful benefits, aligned with employees' needs, sets the foundation for long-term organizational success.?

UPCOMING WEBINAR

Connect employee well-being to business strategy

Dr. Colin West is the Medical Director for Employee Well-being at Mayo Clinic and his work has primarily focused on well-being, evidence-based medicine and biostatistics, and medical education.?

Join this chat ?with Wellbeing Think Tank to ask Dr. West questions and learn about:?

• The journey to develop the model used at Mayo Clinic which centers employee well-being.?
• The importance of investing in employee wellness and prevention.?
• How to connect employee well-being to business strategy and outcomes to measure success.

INSIDE JOKES

Some meme therapy for the wellness pros

Wellness as a one-size-fits-one solution

While our hub offers a wealth of free tools and resources, we understand that every organization is unique. If you're looking for professional guidance, our dedicated team is here to help. We partner with organizations of all sizes to build comprehensive wellness programs, working within your budget and providing personalized recommendations on the most effective wellness initiatives for your organization.

Visit Wellable for free resources including tools, templates, on-demand webinars, articles, and more to help you build a long-lasting?culture?of?health.

Stay Wellable!