Wellness For Women: Christa Stauder Shares How Stifel Supports Women’s Health

Women’s health matters to Stifel all year round, but it’s always in the forefront of our minds come May.

May is Women’s Health Month .? It’s a reminder for women to make their health a top priority.? Not only does this mean educating yourself on the common health risks women face, but it also means scheduling preventive care appointments, including screenings, examinations, and tests.? So, what better time than May to highlight Stifel’s many wellness resources?

I spoke with Health Promotions Specialist Christa Stauder to discuss how Stifel helps its associates put their health and wellness first, from the monthly newsletter to the Wellness at Work networking group.

Prioritizing Health Because We Care About Our Associates

Stifel associates can take advantage of a wide range of wellness resources, including:

The Monthly Newsletter

Every month, Christa releases a newsletter, often focusing on the month’s national awareness campaign, to highlight how Stifel’s benefits align with the theme.

“It’s difficult for associates to understand everything we offer, so I use the monthly newsletter to highlight some hidden benefits,” she says.

Since May is Women’s Health Month, she’s pulling out some of Stifel’s relevant wellness resources, including Kindbody , a fertility benefit, and BenefitBump , a family planning navigation system for growing families.

It’s hard work, as Christa writes all her content by herself.? Each newsletter begins with Thoughts From Christa, a section highlighting the month’s theme.

“I like to add a personal touch if I have a connection because sharing our stories is powerful, especially when it comes to wellness,” she explains.

Christa will occasionally include a Wellness Spotlight to feature an associate’s story. For instance, in February, a courageous young female associate shared her experience surviving a heart attack and detailed her symptoms.

“Having someone step forward to share their experience is powerful.? It creates more awareness and reinforces the idea that associates need to get their wellness checks,” Christa says.? “These things can happen to anyone, regardless of age.”

The Wellness Clinic

Did you know that nearly half of all women in the United States skipped preventive healthcare services like annual wellness visits, routine vaccinations, and recommended tests or treatments within the past twelve months?? Not only does skipping these appointments put women at risk for undiagnosed health issues, but it can also lead to more serious health complications down the line.

That’s why we created Stifel’s Wellness Clinic.? Located on-site at the Home Office, the Wellness Clinic removes barriers to care for our associates.? Instead of having to take time off and travel to appointments, associates can head to work as usual and quickly stop by the clinic.? The Wellness Clinic is fast and efficient – and we’re glad many associates are taking advantage of it.

“It can serve as an urgent care.? If someone isn’t feeling well, they can just come by the clinic for a test,” Christa explains.? “We also want associates to come to us for their yearly wellness exams, blood work, blood pressure checks, and more.? They’re already at the office, which removes the barriers to getting a check-up. There’s really no excuse not to go.”

Stifel’s Wellness Clinic also hosts a range of special events. For instance, there are coffee sessions where associates can discuss health topics with a doctor over a cup of coffee.? Additionally, the clinic organizes specific medical events, such as blood pressure checks. In recognition of Women's Health Awareness Month in May, a mammogram van is also available on-site.

Monday Morning Meditation

To start the week strong, Christa hosts a Monday morning meditation session.? It’s the perfect time for associates to take a step back, relax, and recenter themselves before diving into the hectic work week.

“Meditation only takes ten minutes, but it can set the tone for someone’s day and entire week,” she remarks.

Hosted over Zoom, the meditation session incorporates the mind, body, and spirit into associates’ wellness –?and it’s become a popular activity with strong attendance rates.

Desk Yoga Sessions

However, Mondays aren’t the only opportunity for associates to take a deep breath and relax.? On Tuesdays and Thursdays, Christa hosts stretch break Desk Yoga sessions.

“I lead associates through fifteen minutes of desk yoga,” she explains.? “We always start with a little breathing and do some stretches.? I want to encourage them to get up and move throughout the day.”

She also noticed that many branches attend her desk yoga sessions as an office activity at lunch.? “It allows them to take a break, get away from their desk, and come together as a community.”

The Wellness At Work Networking Group

The Wellness At Work Home Office WIN Networking Group was founded to help associates improve their physical, intellectual, emotional, social, spiritual, occupational, financial, and environmental wellness.? And it has been growing.

“We’ve added a little over a dozen women in the last year or so – and it has made an impact, especially with new associates coming on,” she explains.? “It’s a welcoming community of women where we encourage each other to be healthy, set goals, and be accountable.? We’ve had so many women participate in our monthly meetings and share their ideas, experiences, and suggestions.? It’s a wonderful group to be a part of.”

The group also has monthly themes.? February was heart health, and Christa hosted a presentation for the group.? April was occupational wellness, and they focused on connecting and avoiding burnout – and with more than eight out of ten employees at risk of burnout in 2024 , it’s more crucial than ever to prioritize self-care and maintain a healthy work-life balance.? This month, the group walked to the Gateway Arch and back.

Although managing all these programs for over 9,000 Stifel associates can be exhausting, Christa believes helping people live well and work well is more than worth it.

Championing Well-Being To Fuel Collective Success

At Stifel, our associates’ health and wellness isn’t an afterthought.? We are a team, and we want everyone to be as happy and healthy as possible so they can be satisfied in every aspect of their lives – including their careers.

“When people feel their overall being matters at work, you build a thriving team and foster a culture of well-being,” Christa says.? “Most companies don’t have someone on site who is just designated for health, wellness, and wellbeing, so the fact that Stifel has someone outside of HR working to create programs and share health and wellness initiatives highlights its commitment to its associates.”

As we celebrate Women’s Health Month, let’s prioritize our well-being by scheduling preventive exams to spot warning signs of more serious problems before they escalate.? Take charge of your health, not just this month but every month.