How Well-being Champions turn ideas into impact

Creating a culture of well-being takes more than programs and resources. It takes passionate employees bringing those ideals to life within their own departments — which is exactly what Emory’s Well-being Champion Network does.

Well-being Champions are employee volunteers who serve as ambassadors for well-being across Emory. They help connect colleagues to resources, promote healthy workplace practices, encourage participation in programs and challenges, and create opportunities for meaningful connection and engagement. Through their efforts, Well-being Champions help foster a culture that supports employees both personally and professionally.

Well-being Champions also have access to an annual grant program that funds champion-led projects, empowering teams to turn creative ideas into meaningful experiences that support employee well-being.

One recent example comes from the Emory National Biomedical Research Center (ENBRC), where the division’s YES! (Your Engagement Squad) Team received a Well-being Champion grant to enhance two existing primate gardens. 

The YES! Team — which included employees from the division’s main campus location and the Lawrenceville Field Station — partnered closely with the university’s Health and Well-being team to bring a simple but powerful vision to life: transform these outdoor spaces into welcoming environments for employees while also enriching the lives of the animals in their care. 

The gardens began as part of the animal enrichment program, supplying fresh flowers, herbs and vegetables for the center’s primates. The team saw an opportunity to build on this foundation by transforming the gardens into shared spaces that not only benefit the animals but also foster employee connection, creativity and renewal. 

“We could always see greater potential for the primate gardens, and when we learned about the [Well-being Champion] micro grants, we felt it provided a win-win opportunity to align with Healthy Emory’s goals to enhance employee well-being and to enrich animal lives as well,” says Nichole Arnett, YES! co-chair. 

“We were so excited when we received the good news about the funding. We immediately gathered our volunteers, purchased supplies and planned the first-ever ENBRC Spring Fling to celebrate growth, renewal and community,” says Arnett.

The ENBRC Spring Fling took place in May, with festivities held at both the division’s locations. The celebrations included a “Take One, Leave One” activity, with employees planting sunflower seeds in the garden and taking a seedling home. The team also distributed marigold seeds and handwritten notes of appreciation and encouragement, extending the spirit of kindness beyond the workplace. 

What began as a single event quickly sparked ongoing engagement. Adirondack chairs installed throughout the gardens have been transformed into colorful displays featuring employee-created affirmations and messages of encouragement. Donations of tools, plants and outdoor artwork have further enriched the space, while dedicated volunteers continue to invest their time and talents in maintaining and expanding the gardens. 

Beyond the physical enhancements, the project has fostered a strong sense of community among employees. While the gardens will continue to support the animal enrichment program, they have also become welcoming spaces for employees to connect, reflect and recharge.

The ENBRC Primate Gardens project is just one example of how Well-being Champions are helping create a healthier, more connected workplace across Emory. 

Want to make a difference in your area? Ask your leader to complete the Well-being Champion interest form to get started. Questions can be directed to healthyemory@emory.edu.