KA Headquarters Celebrates Wellbeing Week

Now more than ever, organizations are focused on the betterment of their employees’ health and wellbeing. To celebrate and encourage wellbeing awareness and best practices, Kraus-Anderson hosted its 2022 Wellbeing Week from April 25-29.

Structured around the idea of “whole-person wellbeing” — meaning individuals feel physically, emotionally, socially, financially, and professionally healthy — Bre Ostrom, benefits manager, organized a fun and informative week at KA’s Minneapolis headquarters.

The week provided employees with a wealth of knowledge, seminars, competitions, and prizes.

Engaging with wellness vendors

The Wellbeing Expo kicked off the week, encouraging employees to step away from their desks to meet and socialize with a variety of wellness vendors, including Studio 9-to-5, Planet Smoothie, HealthPartners, Charles Schwab, Nutritional Weight & Wellness, among others.

Employees enjoyed complimentary chair massages and smoothies, as well as chatted with the vendor representatives, gaining wellness advice and tips.

“There was such a positive reaction from employees. They all seemed so happy to be at the Expo and interested in taking resources,” said HealthPartners representative Hope Hessefort. “It was fun to see people come back from their massage appointment, enter the raffle, and interact with the vendors and their colleagues. The employees had a lot of good questions, too!”

Multiple vendors returned later in the week to host Lunch N’ Learns. Presenters discussed a range of topics, including mental health, nutrition, and investing strategies.

Two thumbs up from employees

Participants throughout the week gave overwhelmingly positive feedback. Many learned new information that they will now put into practice.

“I learned that eating healthy fat is not a bad thing and helps with brain functionality. I’m happy to hear that,” said Mike Smoczyk, the director of professional development.

Some individuals stepped out of their comfort zones and tried a new activity.

“I loved Thursday’s yoga class [presented by Wellbeats]! It’s not something I had done before, but I plan to add it to my regimen,” said Anthony Kriens, assistant estimator.

Coming back together

The week rounded out with a nail-biting game of trivia, an announcement of raffle winners, and the crowning of the Stairs Challenge team champion.

In addition to the abundance of good wellness counsel, the week offered employees an opportunity to reconnect after many months away from the office.

“It was great to interact with people outside of my department and see people I haven’t seen in-person for a few years,” said Lindsay Stafford, marketing information services coordinator. “Everyone seemed excited to be in the office and back together again.”

Which, of course, is good for the heart.