🎙️ Road2Wellbeing. Helping HR Leaders Guide Their Workforce to Wellness

Behind every 2027 wellness headline. The wellness trends reshaping benefits, food, and fitness for the American Workforce

 Your weekly listens from Road2Wellbeing Podcast, Helping HR Leaders Guide Their Workforce to Wellness Roughly one in nine adults is now on a weight-loss medication like a GLP-1, a rate that has about doubled in two years. GLP-1 use is producing real muscle loss because the medication is treated as a standalone fix, which is why employers are restructuring coverage around lifestyle requirements. Nutrition attention is moving from protein to fiber and now iron, with a new 2026 guideline set to reclassify people whose labs previously read as normal. Sleep retreats and smart rings are growing, but the people buying them are not the shift workers losing the most sleep. Employees will arrive with more information about themselves than ever, and the question is who helps them act on it. What we discuss Why GLP-1 use has roughly doubled in two years, and what's driving the muscle loss showing up during treatmentHow strength training is linked to a 15% lower risk of all-cause mortality, with the largest benefit at around 60 minutes a weekWhy some employers are pulling back GLP-1 coverage and adding program requirements before granting accessWhat's behind the shift in food marketing from protein toward fiber as the next headline nutrientHow the American Society of Hematology's new 2026 guideline changes who gets diagnosed with iron deficiencyWhy the sleep economy is booming while the people most sleep-deprived remain the least likely to access it- How wearables are moving from reporting data to actively coaching behavior in real timeWhat "orthosomnia" is and how anxiety over a sleep score can end up undermining sleep itselfWhy corporate wellness programs are balancing human coaching against AI-driven coaching depending on budget and access Referenced in this episode Wellness360: Enterprise wellness platform - wellness360.coAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine: Published the report linking resistance training to a 15% lower risk of all-cause mortality9am Health: Platform requiring a 12-week lifestyle program before granting insurance-covered access to GLP-1 medicationJohns Hopkins: Flagged "fiber maxing" as one of the defining food trends of 2026EatingWell: Reported a roughly 9,500% increase in page views on fiber-related articles over the past yearMintel: Forecasting a shift from chasing a single fiber gram target toward "fiber diversity" across whole-food sourcesAmerican Society of Hematology: Published the 2026 clinical guideline revising the diagnostic cutoff for iron deficiencyChapters00:00 Intro: the wellness shifts heading into 2027 00:49 GLP-1s, muscle loss and the strength training response 03:49 Employer coverage pullback and conditional access 06:58 Protein, fiber and the new iron guideline 12:26 Sleep, wearables and who coaching actually reaches

What 20,000 Benefits Professionals Are Looking For. The Operating System Behind Benefits Vendor SelectionBenefits professionals on BenefitPitch run seven to eight thousand vendor searches every month, yet no standard mechanism exists to measure whether a selected vendor actually delivers on what was promised.Dave Kerrigan spent 25 years inside benefits before building BenefitPitch, and the problem he kept watching was downstream of selection. An employer runs a thorough RFP, chooses a vendor, and three years later learns the claims reduction never came. Both sides produce reasons. The vendor points to low employee engagement. The employer points to missed benchmarks. Neither had agreed, at the start, on how performance would be tracked in real time. That absence of a shared measurement framework is what Kerrigan describes as the next unsolved layer in the vendor relationship. His search data adds a separate signal: categories like COBRA, TPA services, and FSA or HSA administration rank consistently in the top ten searched, not because employers are discovering them for the first time, but because the current solutions are leaving enough unmet need that buyers are actively looking for something better. What we discuss Why a father's death and a layoff within the same year forced an entrepreneurial decisionHow the two-sided marketplace problem was broken by licensing a vendor knowledge management system to brokerage firms firstWhat broker consolidation through acquisition does to institutional knowledge of vendor performanceWhy brokers running seven to eight thousand searches per month on a single platform reveals structural demand, not curiosityHow BenefitPitch approaches vendor questionnaires at the RFI level rather than vertical-specific depthWhy Kerrigan resisted building an RFP product and what customer demand eventually forcedHow a shared, donated question bank changes where broker value actually sits in the procurement processWhat consistently top searched categories, including behavioral health, EAP, wellness, and legacy admin services, signal about employer dissatisfactionWhy real-time, mutually agreed performance measurement between employer and vendor is the gap Kerrigan believes the industry has not yet solved Referenced in this episode Wellness360: Enterprise wellness platform — wellness360.coBenefitPitch: Vendor marketplace and knowledge management system for benefits brokers, consultants, and HR leaders — benefitpitch.comSmart RFP: RFI and RFP sister product to BenefitPitch, featuring a shared public question bank and annual vendor panel reviewsClaude: AI assistant cited by Kerrigan as a present-day example of prompt-driven RFP generation — claude.aiRoad2Wellbeing Podcast: Wellness360 podcast series in which this conversation appearsEAP: Employee assistance programs, listed as a distinct top-searched category from behavioral health on BenefitPitchTPA services: Third-party benefit and claims administration, cited as a consistently top-searched category suggesting buyer dissatisfaction with current solutionsFSA, HSA, HRA: Tax-advantaged financial account administration, cited alongside TPA and COBRA as legacy categories with persistent search demandCOBRA: Federal continuation health coverage administration, cited as a top-ten searched category despite its decades-long presence in the marketDependent eligibility audits: Verification services for benefit plan eligibility, cited among the top-searched categories that surprised Kerrigan given their maturity

What if finance and wellness were never actually at odds? The CFO Conversation and how to reframe health spend in the language finance responds toYour weekly listen from Road2Wellbeing Podcast Helping HR Leaders Guide Their Workforce to WellnessOrganizations that commit to culture change see returns in the three-to-six-to-one range — but only after they stop expecting results in year one.An overviewChristopher Baker, Health and Performance Consultant at Hub International, argues that costs from poor workforce health build slowly through turnover, absenteeism, and recruiting friction, which means the return builds just as slowly on the other end. Employers who fund a program expecting an immediate payoff are measuring against the wrong clock, and that mismatch is often what gets a wellness budget cut before it has a chance to work. The fix isn't a bigger investment. It's a business case built on baseline data, tied explicitly to the organization's broader strategy, and paired with realistic expectations about how long behavior change takes at both the individual and corporate level.What we discuss• Why poor workforce health costs organizations more in turnover and recruiting than in direct dollars• What productivity metrics, like absenteeism and presenteeism, actually indicate program effectiveness• How to build a finance-ready business case using claims data, demographics, and business strategy alignment• Why most organizations lack a dedicated wellness or well-being staff role• How treating wellness as a perk instead of a strategy keeps programs siloed and underfunded• What low-budget starting points look like, including carrier-provided newsletters, pulse surveys, and educational seminars• Why employee testimonials outperform top-down messaging in driving program participation• How understanding an employee's personal "why" drives more durable behavior change than being told what to do• What the single highest-leverage first move is for an employer looking to act without new budgetChapters:00:00 – Intro01:00 – The Cost of Ignoring Wellbeing05:45 – Proving It Works: Metrics & ROI09:00 – Making the Business Case to Finance15:20 – Getting Started on Any Budget23:50 – The Psychology of Behavior Change28:30 – Hard-Won Lessons & Final TakeawayReferenced in this episode• Hub International: Insurance brokerage and consulting firm | hubinternational.com• Wellness360: Enterprise wellness platform offering whole-health programming across all dimensions of employee wellbeing | wellness360.co• Pulse surveys: Recurring employee feedback tool recommended for gauging well-being priorities and program direction

Men reporting zero close friends rose from 3 percent in 1990 to 15 percent in 2021 An overview That fivefold increase points to a support system that never adapted as men aged out of the sports teams, fraternities, and daily proximity that once built close relationships. That erosion sits on top of a physiological shift already working against them. Testosterone levels are at historic lows worldwide, driven by lifestyle and diet changes, which compounds the fatigue and disengagement HR is already trying to address. When a wellness program is delivered by someone with a different background, vocabulary, and set of reference points, it struggles to land regardless of how strong the underlying benefit is. Closing this gap means treating messenger, language, and framing as design decisions with as much weight as the benefit itself. What we discuss Why HR's demographic makeup often mismatches the industries it's designing forWhat the word wellness signals to men, and why it can work against engagementHow a masculine identity built around providing and protecting affects help-seeking behaviorWhy reports of having zero close friends among men rose sharply between 1990 and 2021What declining testosterone levels suggest about men's physical and mental health todayHow consumer brands have used identity-matched design to shift behavior in male audiencesWhy the messenger delivering a wellness message matters as much as the message itselfHow scarcity, personalization, and hand-selected invitations affect pilot program buy-inWhat reframing wellness as leadership training for the body does to participation Referenced in the Episode Wellness360: Enterprise wellness platform : wellness360.coLiquid Death: Bottled water brand cited as an example of identity-matched, masculine-coded brandingTop Gun: Film referenced as an example of aspirational, masculine-coded framing applied to program designNavy SEALs: Referenced as an example of aspirational branding that could inform program identityNike: Referenced as an example of athlete endorsement and relatability in marketingTaco Bell: Referenced as an example of advertising that mirrors its target audience1990–2021 male friendship study: Study cited showing men reporting zero close friends rose from 3 percent to 15 percentChatGPT: Mentioned as a tool HR could use to rephrase wellness messaging for different audiences

72% of employees are currently dealing with moderate to very high stress at work, a six-year high, and more than half reported active burnout in the last year alone. An overview Burnout, as defined by the WHO, is a syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed, presenting across three clinical dimensions: energy depletion and exhaustion, increased psychological distance from one's work or cynicism, and reduced professional efficacy. For years, organizational responses defaulted to individual-level interventions, asking employees to manage their stress, practice more self-care, or attend a yoga class, while leaving untouched the structural conditions generating the crisis. Work overload, cited by 47% of workers as a primary stressor, is compounded by understaffing, poor leadership communication, lack of recognition, and external pressures bleeding in from personal finance and global events. What makes this particularly costly is the silence it produces: 62% of employees who felt uncomfortable disclosing mental health struggles at work reported being actively burned out, and 46% said they feared losing their job if they raised the issue, meaning the populations most at risk are the least likely to signal it. What we discuss Why the World Health Organization officially classifies burnout as an occupational phenomenon, not a personal weakness, and what that reclassification demands of employersWhat the three clinical dimensions of burnout are, and how to use them to distinguish burnout from disengagement before misreading the signal costs you the employeeHow burned-out employees and disengaged employees can look similar behaviorally, and why the response to each needs to be differentWhy work overload and staffing gaps account for the majority of top burnout stressors, and how leaders often fail to see accumulation in real timeWhat psychological safety actually requires beyond stated policy, and why consistent behavior over time is the only mechanism that builds itWhy employees who experience a genuine sense of belonging at work are 23% less likely to burn out, and how belonging is built through small, repeated acts of inclusion rather than programs or mandatesHow fear of professional consequences keeps 46% of employees from disclosing mental health struggles even when support is theoretically availableWhat the gap between manager training and manager readiness looks like when an employee is clearly not okayWhat immediate actions HR leaders can take this week, including anonymous pulse checks, calendar audits for overload, and modeling vulnerability in one-on-ones

This isn't an anti-GLP-1 episode. It's a pro-support one.Zikea McCurdie and Samantha Levin break down the GLP-1 boom and why HR leaders are completely unprepared for it.One in eight American adults has now used a GLP-1. Most got there through a telehealth form with no clinical guardrails and no lifestyle support attached. The drug suppresses appetite. It doesn't build habits. And without employer-side infrastructure, you're looking at muscle loss, nutrient deficiencies, and a yo-yo cycle that shows up in your claims data.In our in-depth conversation, we discuss: Why GLP-1s have reached mainstream scale and what the public conversation is missingThe clinical risks nobody is talking about — muscle loss, nutrient deficiencies, no guardrailsWhat these drugs actually do to the body beyond the number on the scaleWhy lifestyle habits have to be built alongside medication, not afterWhat lasting support actually looks like — movement, nutrition, behavior changeWhy HR leaders should care and where to startThe business case: today's deficiencies become tomorrow's health claimsHow to actually begin a GLP-1 journey the right way Road2Wellbeing is a podcast for HR leaders providing real conversations, clinical depth, evidence-based insightsSponsored by Wellness360

🌍 Wellness Without Borders: What Global Cultures Can Teach Us Employee wellbeing isn’t one-size-fits-all. In this episode of Road2Wellbeing, host Zikea McCurdie sits down with Alessa Caridi [Woodrey], international wellness expert and Founder of JoBuFit, to explore how different cultures approach health, balance, and movement—and what U.S. organizations can learn from them. 🔎 You’ll discover: How global perspectives can make wellness programs more inclusive Practical habits from around the world that actually stick Lessons U.S. workplaces can adopt to boost engagement and wellbeing If you’re an HR leader, wellness professional, or simply passionate about healthier workplaces, this episode is packed with insights you can put into action.

How do you turn wellness from a perk into part of your company’s DNA? In this episode of Road2Wellbeing, Wendy Sellers – “The HR Lady” joins host Zikea McCurdie to share honest, practical strategies for building a sustainable culture of well-being. From leadership behaviors and psychological safety to ROI and employee engagement, discover what really works in creating healthier workplaces.

What if your greatest leadership strength isn’t what you do, but how you show up? In this episode, Zikea McCurdie sits down with Lena Thompson to explore how emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and presence shape powerful, authentic leadership. Learn why integration matters more than information—and how your triggers might just be your greatest teachers. #Leadership #EmotionalIntelligence #Road2Wellbeing

✨ Episode #7 – Road2Wellbeing Podcast | "From Corporate to Wellness" ✨What happens when you walk away from corporate hustle to pursue purpose, balance, and holistic healing? In this powerful episode, we sit down with Sinead Urwin, a Functional Nutritionist, who shares her deeply personal journey of leaving a high-pressure corporate career to heal from chronic stress—and help others do the same. 🎙 Hosted by Zikea McCurdie, Director of Wellness Programs at Wellness360 🎧 Don’t forget to follow us on Spotify to get notified as soon as the episode drops!

In an era of constant change, uncertainty, and pressure, mental health is no longer a workplace perk—it’s a necessity. In this timely episode, Sharell Thomas, SHRM-SCP, MBA (Total Rewards Director & Leadership Coach) joins Zikea McCurdie, MSHS, NBC-HWC, CYT (Director of Wellness Programs, Wellness360) to discuss: ✅ The unique mental health challenges employees face in uncertain times✅ How leaders can create psychological safety and emotional support✅ Practical strategies for building a more resilient and supported workforce Whether you're in HR, a manager, or an advocate for employee wellbeing, this episode offers the insights every modern workplace needs. 🎙 Tune in and join the movement to create healthier, more human-centered organizations. #Road2Wellbeing #MentalHealthAtWork #WorkplaceWellbeing #EmployeeExperience #HRLeadership #PsychologicalSafety #PeopleFirst #LeadershipDevelopment #FutureOfWork #Wellness360

In this powerful episode, we’re shining a light on the mental health and wellbeing of those who care for others—our caregivers and healthcare professionals. Join Cecelia Cruz, Physician and Founder of MARPE, LLC, in a heartfelt conversation with Zikea McCurdie, MSHS, NBC-HWC, CYT as they explore: ✅ The emotional toll of caregiving and frontline stress✅ Systemic gaps in caregiver support✅ What compassionate, sustainable environments truly look like✅ How leaders and organizations can better care for their care teams If you lead healthcare teams, design wellness programs, or are passionate about mental health, this episode is for you. 🎙 Tune in to help shift the narrative — from burnout to balance, and from exhaustion to empowerment. #CaregiverSupport #HealthcareHeroes #MentalHealthMatters #WorkplaceWellbeing #CorporateWellness #Wellness360 #Road2Wellbeing #PodcastSeries

In this episode, we’re exploring the evolving expectations and mental health needs of the next generation of the workforce—Gen Z. Join Jessica Morris, MBA, ATC and Zikea McCurdie, MSHS, NBC-HWC, CYT as they discuss: ✅ How to attract, engage, and retain Gen Z talent✅ The business case for prioritizing mental health✅ Evidence-based strategies to support wellbeing at work✅ What Gen Z really wants from their leaders and workplace culture Whether you’re in HR, a team lead, or a Gen Z employee yourself—this conversation offers practical insights to build a more resilient, inclusive, and mentally healthy workplace. 🎙 Tune in now and be part of the journey toward a more future-ready, wellness-driven work culture. #GenZWorkforce #MentalHealthAtWork #WorkplaceWellness #EmployeeWellbeing #CorporateWellness #HRLeadership #Road2Wellbeing #Wellness360 #PodcastSeries

Road2Wellbeing | Episode 3 What if your next team breakthrough wasn’t a strategy—but a sentence? In this episode, we unpack how Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is changing the way teams connect, lead, and grow. 🧠 Bill Belanger (CEO, Healbright) and 💬 Zikea McCurdie (Director of Wellness Programs, Wellness360) break down how empathy-driven communication boosts trust, slashes stress, and creates workplaces people actually want to be in. ✨ Real talk. No fluff. Just tools you can use to: Diffuse tension like a pro Build unshakable team vibes Make wellness more than just a buzzword If you're tired of the same HR scripts and “toxic positivity,” this one’s for you. Hit play — and learn how to talk it out the right way. #WellnessAtWork #RealTalkLeadership #NVCinAction #Road2Wellbeing #WorkCultureReboot #Wellness360

🎙️ Episode 2: Navigating Workplace Challenges for Better Well-Being In this insightful episode of the #Road2Wellbeing podcast, Dawn Omalza—HR Consultant, Author, and Speaker—joins Zikea McCurdie, Director of Wellness Programs at Wellness360, for a deep dive into Workplace Wellness Through Problem-Solving. Together, they unpack real-world challenges like communication breakdowns, burnout, toxic environments, and poor work-life balance—and how these issues, if addressed intentionally, can become catalysts for healthier, more engaged workplaces. Tune in to learn: How to turn workplace challenges into opportunities for growth Strategies to resolve conflicts and reduce burnout Practical tools to build a thriving, resilient company culture Whether you're in HR, leadership, or on the front lines—this conversation offers actionable guidance to transform workplace stress into workplace strength. Let’s create environments where people and performance thrive. #WorkplaceWellness #EmployeeEngagement #HRLeadership #WorkplaceResilience #Wellness360 #NavigatingWorkplaceChallenges #PodcastEpisode2

🎙️ Episode 1: Building Resilient Workplaces Through Trauma-Informed Care & SDOH In this powerful debut episode of the #Road2Wellbeing podcast, Diana Bishop, Design and Delivery Consultant IV – Health Education (Southern California Permanente Medical Group), joins Zikea McCurdie, Director of Wellness Programs at Wellness360, to explore how trauma-informed care and social determinants of health (SDOH) are reshaping corporate wellness. Together, they unpack the deep impact of collective trauma in the workplace and share practical strategies to foster healing, resilience, and holistic employee well-being. Whether you're a wellness leader, HR professional, or simply passionate about creating compassionate work environments—this episode is your guide to building a healthier future of work. 🎧 Listen now to: Understand trauma-informed approaches in corporate settings Learn how SDOH affect employee health outcomes Discover tools to promote workplace resilience and wellness Let’s redefine what it means to thrive at work—starting today. #CorporateWellness #EmployeeWellbeing #TraumaInformedCare #WorkplaceResilience #SDOH #Wellness360 #Road2Wellbeing #PodcastLaunch