A Candid Conversation on Wellbeing and What Companies and Brands Can Do to Help

~ Disclosure: Influence Central attended the Edelman Wellness 360 Wellbeing Salon. Edelman is a client of Influence Central.

Our health and wellbeing is something that many of us either personally prioritize or express concern about. But why is it something that we approach in such a solitary manner? How can companies and brands also promote wellbeing?

That’s the exact question that was addressed by Edelman Wellness 360 during an event to discuss findings from their “American Well-Being Study.” The study was conducted in November 2014 and interviewed 1,053 respondents ages 18 years and older. More consumers say they need help from others to reach their wellness goals, but 89% of people feel personally responsible for their own health and wellbeing. So in today’s hyper social world, where we don’t do anything on our own, why are we approaching our health in isolation?

Many consumers said that they believe companies and brands play a role in supporting wellbeing, and 65% believe they could do more. The good news for brands is that stepping up efforts to promote health and wellbeing could be good for business. From the study, 85% of consumers said they are likely to buy products and services from companies that engage in their wellbeing. In the all-important area of word of mouth, 82% said they would share positive opinions and experiences for companies who are actively making strides toward our overall wellbeing.

We felt the study results really came to life through the line-up of guest speakers, all who are prioritizing wellness personally, as well as through the efforts of their brands and organizations. The list of speakers included:

• Matthew Bannister, EVP of Communications of the American Heart Association
• Joy Bauer, M.S., RDN, Nutrition and health expert for NBC’s Today Show and Founder of Nourish Snacks
• Alana Burns, National Senior VP of the American Lung Association
• Marco Borges, Exercise Physiologist and Founder of 22 Days Nutrition
• Nancy Frates, Creator of ALS “Ice Bucket Challenge”
• Shawn Ullman, Co-founder of Feel Rich
• Crystal Wall, Star of Feel Rich documentary, Founder of Mixfitz Studios, wife of hip-hop icon Paul Wall
• Clara Martorana, EVP and General Manager of Everyday Health

One of the most poignant guests was Nancy Frates, who helped to create the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge after her son Pete was diagnosed with ALS in 2012 when he was just 27 years old. To learn how this viral super storm actually did positively impact ALS awareness and donations to the cause was so incredibly moving. Just consider that the number one Google Search topic for 2014 was “what is ALS” and that search only began gaining in popularity in August. The positivity that Nancy’s family still has, despite the fact that Pete is now completely paralyzed and is hooked up to a ventilator and can only speak through eye gaze technology, is nothing short of amazing. It was inspiring to hear how motivated they are to continue to champion a cure for ALS.

Other guest speakers included Today Show nutrition expert Joy Bauer, and Shawn Ullman and Crystal Wall from Feel Rich, which is an urban health media movement. We even got a sneak peek of the trailer for the upcoming Feel Rich documentary, which showcases how hip hop artists are making a conscious effort to be healthy.

It was inspiring to learn how major organizations like the American Heart Association and American Lung Association, along with smaller but incredibly popular movements like 22 Days Nutrition, are making a conscious effort to find new ways to bring the topic of well-being to the forefront of public conversation. Our personal well-being cannot be taken for granted, and luckily more companies and brands are stepping up to be a support system.

A full overview of the Edelman Wellness 360 American Well-Being Study may be found here.

Photo Credits: Shutterstock

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