How Well-Being Is a Key Ingredient in Healthy Work Lives and Company Success

BY Sybil Fitzpatrick | June 08, 2023

“It’s a normal part of our company culture to engage with our system of well-being. And that's [the culture] we want to create,” said Dr. Jeff Tzeng, the newly appointed senior vice president of health and well-being at AT&T in a fireside chat conversation at From Day One’s Dallas conference. AT&T is focusing on this culture of well-being because they want to increase productivity and make it a better company, says Dr. Jeff, as his colleagues call him.

Interviewed by Shelly Hagan, economic development and government reporter at Bloomberg, Dr. Jeff shed light on their renewed focus on employee well-being and the path to a more holistic individual approach.

Like many companies, the COVID-19 pandemic acted as a catalyst for the adoption of mental health strategies. With a growing recognition of the importance of mental health in the workplace, AT&T has made significant strides to enhance its offerings and support systems. Dr. Jeff’s role exemplifies the commitment AT&T has for fostering a positive work environment and prioritizing the overall well-being of its employees.

While the emphasis that AT&T places on health and well-being is not new, it represents a dedicated effort to formalize and elevate their employee initiatives. By understanding the needs of their workforce and studying industry trends, AT&T aims to create a comprehensive framework that caters to employees mental, physical, financial, and career well-being.

They recognize that supporting employee mental health requires a multi-faceted approach. Dr. Jeff highlighted the importance of both products and policies in this endeavor. From a product perspective, AT&T offers a range of services, including employee assistance programs, therapy, coaching services and self-serve apps. These resources are designed to provide timely, accessible and comprehensive support to employees.

Dr. Jeff also emphasizes opportunities for the “sandwich generation,” or workers who are caretakers for both young children and aging adults. “We traditionally think about our employee services for caregiving for children. Right? But you know, many of you are probably in the same age bracket as me…[in which] you're also fortunate to have parents who are still here, maybe they're aging a little bit.” By broadening their perspective on what caretaking is and who it impacts, they offer more beneficial initiatives like caregiver leave, extended parental leave, and reimagined, broader sick leave policies that ensure employees have time dedicated to their well-being.

Dr. Jeff Tzeng and Shelly Hagan spoke during the grand-finale session of From Day One's Dallas conference (photo by Steve Bither for From Day One)

Dr. Jeff acknowledged that employee utilization of these offerings remains a challenge. Traditionally, employees often underutilize traditional benefits like 401(k) matching and free employee assistance programs. Dr. Jeff is actively seeking solutions to encourage greater participation in employee benefits. He acknowledged that there is persistent stigma surrounding mental health benefits and opportunities for self-care.

AT&T recognizes the need to destigmatize mental health concerns and foster an environment where employees feel comfortable seeking assistance. The company is taking a proactive approach by engaging in open conversations that normalize discussions around mental health. The aim is to create an environment where seeking support is viewed as a normal part of self-care while de-emphasizing the pervasive “Hustle Culture”. The journey to destigmatization requires ongoing efforts at all levels, understanding that everyone’s comfort level may vary. Being such a large corporation with multiple generations and viewpoints, change can take time.

Investing in employee well-being is not just for the workers but also a strategic business decision. The direct correlation between employee well-being and productivity is easy to see. When employees' physical and mental health needs are addressed, they can fully dedicate themselves to their work. By offering comprehensive well-being benefits, AT&T strives to create an inclusive and thriving work culture. This commitment to employees' well-being enhances the company's brand and ensures a win-win situation where employees are happier, productivity soars and employee retention is high.

Sybil Fitzpatrick is a Dallas-based freelance writer, passionate about storytelling, evangelizing products and ideas, and leadership principles. 

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