Will the Pandemic Cause a Rise in Popularity of the Chief Wellness Officer?

While it may be difficult to find positives during the global health crisis, the pandemic has certainly underscored the need to prioritize comprehensive well-being in the workplace. This has led to an increase in the hiring of the chief wellness officer (CWO). This position has traditionally been popular in the healthcare industry, but it’s gaining popularity in other industries as well. Jonathan Ripp, chief wellness officer at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, said there were only a handful of these positions when he was appointed to the role in May 2018. “There has been at least a dozen more who have been named in the past year, and several more places that are looking to create the position,” Ripp said. “I would not be surprised if, 10 years from now, it's commonplace for most large organizations to have a chief wellness officer or equivalent, taking this challenge on, and doing so in a way that is effective.” By identifying gaps in worker well-being, the CWO can help improve workplace culture through individualized programs and services leading to increased engagement and productivity.