C-Suite Blind Spot – What’s Next in Hybrid – The birth of a Chief Health & Wellness Officer

Blind Spot

COVID19 is a health-centered issue impacting just about every function within corporations today. As they brace to re-enter a second wave of the pandemic, the C-Suite will have to again face the critical issue of how to plan and adjust for the impact and uncertainty this will undoubtedly bring. Health centered issues however, do not fall under the purview or within the expertise of most C-Suite executives.

Issues like enhanced safety protocols, remote and return to work stress and wellness related challenges are areas that demand focus and attention in the current climate. How customers and employees interact, employees’ comfort level with how relevant COVID-related information is communicated internally, as well as the level of trust the public has that businesses are taking appropriate safety measures are also issues of importance. Prior to the onset of COVID19 these issues simply did not exist or were not given the scrutiny they are today. Has this pandemic given birth to the need for a new leadership position?

The position of Wellness Expert has increased within corporations over the past few years in a limited capacity. Might this role evolve into a senior leadership capacity moving forward?

Illumination

The volatility created by the onset of this global challenge requires that businesses be flexible to adapt and evolve to deal with both the internal and external resulting factors. It is becoming apparent that the corporate structure as it exists is not aptly equipped to deal with the enhanced health and safety requirements without direction and assistance from experts in those areas. This is supported by experts in the field such as Michelle Williams, Dean of Harvard School of Public Health. Williams is envisioning that companies will look into more regularly integrate public health issues into business plans and the possibility of creating a public health leadership officer position. Further, global organizational consulting firm, Korn Ferry has noted recent increase from companies interested in adding individuals with health expertise to their leadership teams.

A recent global survey by Edelman a global communications firm, showed that only 14% of employees were confident in the CEO and senior managers’ ability to make decisions related to return to work mandates as it pertains to their health and safety. As each corporation endeavors to make the best decision for their workforce, there is value in adding an experienced health expert to the leadership team. In this way companies will be better equipped to bridge the “trust gap” with employees having every confidence that decisions directly impacting their health and well-being are being steered by experts in the field who can:

· Develop effective and sustainable work place health, wellness and safety programs

· Provide a steady flow of reliable, up-to-date and fact-based information

· Access and utilize reliable data extensively and efficiently

Most of my accomplishments have been win or lose situations. For me, second place was not an option. My key to success was to assemble a diverse team of specialized individuals who were experts in their fields. Together, we were able to develop strategies that helped me to identity, address and eliminate my “blind spots”. Executives may want to approach their blind spots similarly. When winning or losing are the only two choices, build a team and choose to win.