Many of HEAL’s clients have been ranked among Best Workplaces in Canada, a recognition that reflects their deep commitment to employee happiness and well-being. 

While no two companies are the same, these organizations understand that investing in mental health, flexibility, and strong workplace culture leads to stronger employee engagement, better retention, and employees feeling less burnout—ultimately driving greater profitability.

According to a recent article by Great Place To Work Canada, companies that prioritize employee well-being not only improve employee satisfaction but also build a more resilient, high-performing workforce.

If you’re striving towards being among the top voted employers, here are some key wellness strategies that leading organizations implement to better support their teams:

1. Leadership That Normalizes Mental Health Conversations: Top organizations create a culture where mental health is celebrated and openly discussed by leadership. This helps to reduce stigma and encourages employees to ask for help when needed.
2. Comprehensive Mental Health Support & Resources:The best workplaces go beyond basic benefits by offering mental health coverage, counseling services, wellness stipends, and proactive stress management programs. This means employees know where to find resources and support when they need it most. 
3. Wellness Programs & Team Building: The best workplaces invest in holistic wellness programs, offering holistic health programs, mindfulness spaces, stress resilience training, and on-site fitness facilities to support well-being and foster team bonding, leading to improved work culture.
4. Flexible Work Arrangements for Work-Life Balance: Leading companies recognize that flexibility is a key pillar of well-being. By offering remote work options, flexible hours, and creating policies that encourage employees to unplug and recharge.
5. Employee Feedback Loops & Surveys: Great workplaces regularly gather employee feedback through surveys, one-on-one check-ins, and town halls. These insights can be used to improve workplace policies and create new ones.

Explore how HEAL’s clients have transformed workplace well-being with tailored wellness programs—driving higher employee satisfaction, stronger team connections, and measurable results.‍

1. Unilever Canada

Rated one of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers in 2025, Unilever puts a large emphasis on its employees and work culture, making it a great place to work. 

For the past eight years, Unilever has run our 8-Week Wellness Challenge, an initiative that started with the marketing team and has since expanded to include all head office and manufacturing facility staff—a testament to its impact and popularity among both employees and executives.

‍HEAL’s Wellness Program for Unilever was designed to enhance both physical and mental well-being while strengthening team connections. Participants commit to daily movement goals, recognizing that exercise plays a crucial role in boosting mental outlook, reducing burnout, and sustaining energy levels. The 8-Week Wellness Challenge is structured around team-based activities, encouraging employees to complete at least one group challenge every week to earn points on the leaderboard.

The results speak for themselves: 86% of participants reported feeling more connected to their teammates after the challenge—a key driver of employee engagement and a thriving workplace environment. 

2. Odlum Brown

A BC-based company, Odlum Brown has been rated as one of Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures for many years running. If you’ve ever interacted with their employees, it’s clear they are genuinely happy to work there. 

Odlum Brown has worked with HEAL since 2015, transforming a series of quarterly lunch and learns into a comprehensive year-round holistic wellness program. Today, employees benefit from monthly lunch and learns, team-building challenges, and full access to the HEAL Wellness Platform, creating a holistic approach to workplace well-being.

As part of the HEAL Wellness Platform, employees receive weekly resources to their inbox, keeping their health top of mind year-round. Examples include:

• 4 High Protein, Low Sugar, Breakfast Recipes
• 6-Minute Reset Meditation‍

3. East Side Games

East Side Games was rated one of Canada’s Top Small & Medium Employers, while at the same time ranking in the fastest growing company categories. East Side Games has supported their employees’ wellness in various ways over the years, most recently offering mental health support during Mental Health Month in May, with the webinar “A Therapeutic Approach to Anxiety & Managing Stress”.

4. Turner Construction

Turner Construction is consistently rated a Best Employer for Women and a Great Employer for New Graduates by Forbes Magazine, demonstrating their relentless prioritization of the well-being of their people. 

Turner first partnered with HEAL to offer employees wellness-focused lunch and learns and webinars, initially as part of its annual Wellness Month program. 

The success of the program led to an expansion into a comprehensive, year-round wellness program for head office employees. This now includes a combination of wellness challenges, lunch and learns, and access to the HEAL Wellness Platform app, giving employees the tools needed to improve their well-being throughout the year.

Turner wanted to offer a diverse set of wellness content throughout the year, with the following focus areas:

• Reducing Stress & Prioritizing Self-Care
• Eating For Energy
• Optimizing Sleep
• Healthy Heart, Through Nutrition
• Men’s Health: Testosterone & Beyond
• Women’s Health: Balancing Hormones Naturally

The Big Takeaway?

The common thread among top companies is their commitment to employee well-being, creating cultures that foster a thriving workplace culture of engagement, connection, and long-term success.

By investing in comprehensive wellness programs, these organizations enhance employee engagement, build stronger teams, and create a workplace where people are motivated to excel.

Ready to cultivate a healthier, more engaged workforce? Let us build you a custom, done-for-you wellness program. Click here to get in touch.

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