"Be Bold Go for Gold" Workplace Wellness Symposium Recap

My excitement for the, “Be Bold Go for Gold” Workplace Wellness Symposium began immediately when entering the main hallway to the symposium early in the morning at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel in Chicago, IL.

Bustling with industry leaders, innovators, experts, and human resource professionals all in support of the education to bring advances to a healthier workplace and achieve a gold standard. The momentum for this event was fueled by the sad truth that an ‘unhealthy, unengaged workforce is draining U.S businesses $10.3 billion a year’ and ‘rising premiums, disability costs, lower productivity and absenteeism are a financial’ burden.

Jim Vaselopulos, founder of Rafti Advisors, Inc. and is a C-level executive gave the Opening Keynote. I felt it inspiring he choose to present an analogy of mountain climbing with powerful visuals. The main points he spoke on: Fully commit, know where you are, importance of trust within a team, building a culture of wellness, and leading by example. Being one with the audience we were captivated with his presentation. A strong quote of his, “Great leadership inspires personal responsibility, personal accountability and the group dynamic that supports collective selflessness and morality.” 

I’m most passionate about smoking cessation initiatives. At the table for the American Heart Association we were collecting signatures for Tobacco 21 to pass laws raising the legal limit to 21 years old. It was exciting to see all the people signing the form. It’s so important to protect our youth as, “Nicotine is addictive, and adolescents and young adults are more susceptible to its effects because their brains are still developing. Delaying the age when young people first experiment with or begin using tobacco can reduce the risk that they will become addicted smokers.” 

Missed the Worksite Wellness Symposium? You can still add your voice to our tobacco 21 efforts by signing the petition.

This symposium brought together thought leaders for workforces to embrace a gold standard. I was really impressed with the energy and enthusiasm from the presenters and audience. With this general positive feeling, I felt it’s well within our reach to bring a healthier outlook to our work environment and in turn boost productivity and well-being.