Boosting Whole-Body Health — Vectorworks Promotes Wellness

The World Health Organization defines mental health as a state of well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community. Learning and working well is our priority at Vectorworks, with Balance being one of our core values. It’s not just a word we use but an action we take.

We foster a supportive workplace that brings out the best in each of us by nourishing our mental, physical, and emotional well-being to encourage work/life balance. With that, we needed to not only share extensive mental health and wellness resources that are always available to employees but also create a space for them to practice this.

The People and Culture team recently hosted its yearly Wellness Day, where employees enjoyed a fun day covering different topics of health, fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness.

The day started with an active, intense kickboxing class. It was a combination of exercises to keep people moving and designed to improve cardiovascular fitness, increase self-awareness, decrease stress levels, and burn fat.

Employees pose for a selfie after crushing the kickboxing class.

After a healthy lunch provided by Healthy Fresh Meals, employees learned how to make their own nourishing foods through a Summer Sensations cooking demo. Employees learned techniques for making their meals healthier and received recipes to test out their new culinary skills in the comfort of their homes. Plus, they were able to try some delicious samples.

Employees try samples in the Summer Sensations cooking demo.

Following the workout classes, employees could enjoy a refreshing smoothie thanks to 1215 Global Health and Wellness. And for a more emotional touch, therapy dogs from Pets on Wheels paid a visit for some tender loving care.

VP of People & Culture Kim Theobald pets one of the therapy dogs.

“We created this day to give employees the opportunity to celebrate wellness in many different forms. It’s also used as a day to reset and recharge,” said Vectorworks People and Culture Coordinator Arcadia Winston. “It’s easier said than done to remind people to take care of themselves, but our goal for every Wellness Day is to show employees that it is doable, and we are here to help them prioritize this.”

The day ended with seminars focused on meditation and yoga. Employees were able to review the history of meditation, different techniques, and the benefits of practicing regularly.

To continue the conversation on mental health awareness, the People & Culture team hosted a virtual workshop on mental health titled “Beyond Blue, Understanding Mental Illness,” where a mental health expert discussed the most common mental illnesses and their signs/symptoms related to depression and anxiety as well as the stigma of mental illness and undiagnosed and untreated mental illness in the workplace.

Aside from the activities, employees are constantly reminded to utilize the mental health resources available through the health benefits plans, such as counseling and finding support. They can also take advantage of the Balance Room in our new headquarters, where they can recharge and enjoy the zero-gravity massage chairs and sitting cycles.

Balance doesn’t just apply to your daily work activities but to your whole being. Vectorworks will always promote and create an environment where employees can have a healthy mind and life.

To learn more about our core values in action, visit vectorworks.net/company/values.