Wellbeing Champions: A Practical Guide to Building Peer-Led Wellbeing
In today's workplace, wellbeing isn't just a benefit - it's a strategic priority. As organisations look to 2026 and beyond, fostering a culture of wellbeing is essential. One effective way to achieve this is by empowering Wellbeing Champions within your team.
What are Wellbeing Champions?
Wellbeing Champions are employees who take on the role of promoting and supporting health and wellbeing initiatives within the workplace.
They act as conduits between the workforce and leadership, helping to bridge gaps in communication and ensuring that wellbeing efforts are relevant and accessible to all.
Their responsibilities often include:
Raising Awareness: Informing colleagues about available wellbeing resources and initiatives.
Organising Activities: Coordinating events or campaigns that promote health and wellbeing.
Providing Peer Support: Offering a listening ear and signposting to professional help when needed.
Advocating for Change: Identifying areas where the organisation can improve its approach to employee wellbeing.
Why are Wellbeing Champions Important?
Wellbeing Champions make a tangible difference to both employees and the organisation by embedding wellbeing into everyday working life.
1. Enhancing Engagement and Community
Champions make wellbeing initiatives more relatable and accessible, encouraging participation through peer-to-peer support. They also organise activities that foster connection, morale, and a sense of community.
2. Reducing Stigma and Supporting Mental Health
By openly discussing wellbeing and mental health, Champions help normalise these conversations, creating a more inclusive and supportive workplace culture.
3. Demonstrating Care and Strengthening Trust
Wellbeing Champions signal that the organisation values its people. This builds trust, psychological safety, and an employer brand that supports retention, particularly among Gen Z and Millennial employees.
4. Preventing Poor Wellbeing and Maximising ROI
Champions proactively help prevent burnout and disengagement, supporting employees before issues escalate. Peer-led engagement also ensures wellbeing initiatives reach more people, improving the return on wellbeing investment.
5. Providing Feedback and Advocating Change
Through day-to-day interactions, Champions gather insights and feedback, helping leadership refine wellbeing initiatives and advocate for changes that meet real employee needs.
Implementing a Wellbeing Champion Programme
To establish an effective Wellbeing Champion programme, consider the following steps:
Identify Potential Champions: Look for employees who are passionate about wellbeing and have the respect of their peers.
Provide Training: Equip Champions with the knowledge and skills they need to perform their role effectively.
Define Clear Roles and Responsibilities: Ensure that both Champions and their managers understand the expectations and boundaries of the role.
Offer Ongoing Support: Provide regular check-ins, resources, and opportunities for Champions to connect and share experiences.
Conclusion
Wellbeing Champions play a crucial role in creating a workplace where employees feel supported, valued, and engaged. By empowering individuals to take an active role in promoting wellbeing, organisations can build a more resilient and positive workplace culture.
If you’d like to explore this further, we offer a Wellbeing Champions training programme designed to equip your team with the skills and confidence to make a lasting impact. Find out more here.