The pandemic took a toll on many Canadians. For Nikki Phipps, Compliance Associate at Walmart Canada, it was the constant feeling of not knowing what would happen next and being forced to cope with the changes that happened on a daily basis that led to her burnout.
“Taking care of my own mental health is something that I’ve recently realized needs to be my number one priority,” says Nikki. “For a long time, it was easier for me to help others instead of myself.”
Mental health and wellbeing are top of mind for many of our associates. That’s why we are working with TELUS Health to ensure our associates have access to 24/7 virtual care, associate assistance, and wellbeing resources, and invested $10 million in benefit enhancements.
Evolving the narrative of wellbeing in the workplace
Through five pillars (health, money, mind, growth and impact), we’re making it easier for our associates to find and understand what’s available to them as a Walmart Canada associate, to enable them to make more informed decisions to help them live better.
At Walmart Canada, wellbeing is a strategic priority for us - and we’re focused on empowering our associates and leaders to make wellbeing a priority for themselves and their teams.
“We all play a role in evolving the narrative and experience of wellbeing in the workplace,” Nikki says. ”Whether it’s sharing your own personal mental health journey, proactively sharing what resources are available to associates, or kicking off meetings with a wellbeing moment, it all matters.”
Enhancing our benefits and total rewards offerings to reflect associate needs
Our goal is to provide associates with the best resources and platforms to support their mental health needs. We know that our associates have unique needs and experiences that require flexible and customizable benefits, programs, and support:
- This year, we’ve invested $10 million in benefit enhancements for our associates including coverage for fertility treatment, gender affirmation, and expanded mental health care.
- We’ve also collaborated with TELUS Health to offer 24/7 virtual care (which includes mental health counselling and resources), associate assistance, and wellbeing for all associates and their dependents.
- 1,200 of our leaders have received Mental Health First Aid training to equip them in supporting colleagues in the workplace.
“Thrive was the first program that really spoke to me. It helped me make small changes in my day-to-day life that made a huge impact,” shares Nikki. “TELUS Health is another platform that has so many great resources and videos to learn from.”
Working on wellbeing, together.
For the next two weeks, we’re inviting our associates across the country to take part in a national wellbeing challenge in collaboration with TELUS Health Wellbeing, Your Mental Health, Your Way.
This challenge is designed to motivate and reward associates by making the time to nurture their mental health with what works for them: which could be reading a book, taking a walk, meditating, or ensuring they get enough sleep.
“I use the TELUS Health Wellbeing app daily, and I love the idea of connecting with other Walmart associates with similar interests and hobbies,” shares Nikki. “I’m very proud to work at a company that realizes how important mental health is and how serious this conversation needs to be.”
