Workplace wellbeing is different today. Across Alberta, organizations are moving beyond gym memberships and step challenges. Today, wellbeing means creating a culture of care built on flexibility, purpose, technology and trust.
This shift was highlighted in the Vitality Alberta: Work Well series, a partnership between Alberta Blue Cross® and Postmedia. As part of the series, Alberta business leaders shared how they’re helping teams feel supported and engaged.
Together, their stories show that wellbeing, more than ever, is a business strategy.
The evolution of workplace wellbeing
Earlier in 2025, we released a report called Creating A High Performing Workforce: The importance of a well-being strategy. It showed that 90% of the employers believed wellness drives performance. But only half of them had a clear plan. In effect, good intentions aren’t enough—strategy matters.
Forward-thinking organizations are closing that gap. Companies such as Aquatera Utilities and ATB Financial see wellbeing as a reflection of culture and values.
“If you take care of your people, they will take care of your business,” Aquatera CEO Vaughn Bend was quoted as saying by Postmedia.
At ATB Financial, leadership sets the tone. Chief people, culture, brand and communications officer Tara Lockyer said, “Our CEO (Curtis Strange) talks about work/life balance, and the work he is doing with mental health makes it a conversation in the workplace.”
When organizations treat wellbeing as a shared responsibility, it strengthens people and performance.
But when workloads grow and empathy fades, stress builds. The first sign is often burnout.
Tackling burnout before it begins
Burnout isn’t just being tired. It’s a health issue that affects both people and workplaces.
Quentin Durand-Moreau, an associate professor of occupational medicine at the University of Alberta, told Postmedia that working more than 55 hours a week increases the risk of dying by heart attack by 17% and stroke by 35%.
Shawn Wakley, our director of service delivery for life and disability, went right down to business when he said, “Because of income insecurity and financial unknowns, more people are unwilling to go on disability and take a cut in pay.”
He added that people should feel safe to talk to managers about what they need.
Some Alberta companies are proving it’s possible:
- Calgary-based Knifewear group offers more than living wage to all its 63 employees, health benefits and profit-sharing
- Absorb Software tracks if employees feel their manager cares—95% said yes
When leaders make wellbeing part of everyday behaviour, burnout prevention turns into a performance strategy.
As workplaces confront these pressures, they’re also turning to technology that can help people feel supported wherever they are. The challenge is to keep that digital help human.
Technology and wellbeing go hand in hand
Digital wellness tools are transforming how employees access care.
“There is a passion and a focus area to invest in technology, including AI, in wellness,” Sam Horvath, our vice president of data, told Postmedia. “For example, my welcome package included a Fitbit that connects to our internal wellness application. It was embedded in my employee experience.”
AI and wellness apps are personalizing health journeys. They track habits, offer insights, making wellbeing accessible anytime, anywhere.
But employees expect the same empathy from digital wellness as they do from human leaders. “Personalization can’t come at the cost of trust,” Horvath said.
Organizations like Alberta Municipalities use apps that sync with Apple Health to encourage mindfulness and hydration.
These innovations show that perks and recognition work. It helps people feel seen for looking after themselves.
Reaping the rewards of wellbeing programs
When people feel noticed for making healthy choices, those habits stick.
“We have a digital health application that… provides rewards for healthy behaviours and consistent behaviours,” Melanie Fuller, our director of wellness, told Postmedia.
That application, Balance, offers rewards for healthy habits or charitable donations.
Calgary-based pipeline company, Enbridge, offers financial rewards for achieving wellness goals and free on-site fitness classes.
Postmedia’s also cites research that found that a workplace wellness program led to better sleep quality and lower fatigue levels for employees.
The goal isn’t prizes. It builds belonging. Recognition builds community, which naturally extends to flexibility, autonomy and trust.
Flexibility as a wellbeing strategy
Once viewed as a perk, flexibility is now one of the top 3 employee priorities.
A 2024 poll, according to the Vitality Alberta: Work Well series, found that half of workers would quit rather than return to the office full-time.
Alberta employers are listening.
Calgary-based non-profit Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids lets staff fit work into their lives.
Edmonton-based tech company, Punchcard Systems grew from 15-50 employees thanks to remote work, which helped attract and keep talent.
When people feel trusted to design their day, they do better work. For many employers, flexibility now represents “a healthier way of doing business”.
But even with balance, people still need recovery time. More organizations are learning that rest fuels performance.
Rest as part of performance
Employers are starting to see rest as part of the workday rhythm. Quiet rooms, walking meetings and mental health days help people recharge and connect.
When people feel permission to pause, they return to their work with greater focus, empathy and purpose.
Wellbeing programs don’t just improve morale. They strengthen business outcomes, whether you are a small business, a not-for-profit or a large enterprise.
Organizations that invest in physical and mental health supports see better engagement, lower turnover and high productivity.
Still think workplace wellbeing isn’t worth it? Read why your business should invest in employee wellbeing.
