Cone Health’s free care-coordination benefit recently came in handy for one busy employee. When the woman learned that her needed prescription was out of stock, she called her “care concierge,” who contacted more than 10 pharmacies and tracked down the medication by day’s end — all while the employee was able to stay focused on her job.
Helping to make life and well-being easier for employees is a vital recruitment and retention strategy, one that is often just as important as competitive pay, says Michelle Adamolekun, chief people and culture officer for the health care network, Cone Health. In a recent survey, Cone Health team members ranked health and wellness offerings as the top benefit that attracted them to the job, and work-life balance as the number two factor that kept them there.
“Our workforce is 81% female, so it’s essential for us to solve for women’s workplace health needs,” says Jamie Athas, executive director, Wellness Services, Cone Health. “We know this has a great impact on where women decide to work and stay and spend their careers.”
Recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Women in 2025 and one of Forbes Best Employers for Women in 2024, Cone Health has significant expertise to share with area companies looking to improve women’s health, wellness and work-life balance. Here are a few strategies:
1. Start with a survey
“Don’t assume you have what team members need,” Adamolekun says. “Hear from them and use the data to really create an environment where team members truly feel they belong and can thrive.” Earlier this year, Cone Health conducted an internal survey of benefits and well-being preferences, which will inform our design of a future benefits program.
In addition, getting real-time and consistent input through employee focus groups can ensure benefits are created by employees for employees.
2. Try a creative, holistic approach
A robust health and wellness plan goes far beyond medical and dental insurance. Cone Health has offerings in five key elements of wellness — emotional/mental health; social connection; financial stability; personal and professional development; and healthy lifestyles, which include diet and exercise. Some of Cone Health’s more “outside the box” benefits include a family-forming benefit that pays for reproductive care and technology; adoption assistance; paid parental leave; on-site child care; lactation rooms; flexible and self-scheduling in some departments; pet insurance options; and even college coaching for team members with growing children. The goal is for benefits to address needs across the generations.
3. Keep convenience in mind
Imagine being able to get a mobile screening, such as a mammogram, without having to take time off work. With the help of Cone Health, employers throughout the Triad can now schedule mobile mammography services directly at their work sites if they have a minimum of 15 employees who register. The health care network also staffs medical clinics at 21 Triad work sites, where Cone Health providers work with employees on prevention and treat medical issues as they arise. “Bringing care to where people are goes far in helping people achieve their best health,” Adamolekun says. Virtual visits and e-visits are also available.
4. Consider incentives
As part of its commitment to creating a culture of well-being, Cone Health offers discounts on health insurance premiums to team members who complete both a health assessment and a physical exam with their provider each year. In addition, team members can earn rewards and incentives for participating in health and wellness programs, such as meeting with registered dietitians, attending group exercise classes and even consulting retirement planning advisors.
5. Look around
What is your company’s built environment like? Are there spaces where people can eat outside, get natural sunlight and walk? Are your site and grounds free from tobacco use? Are stairways accessible and inviting so people will opt for them rather than elevators? Do you have safe exercise spaces that people can use, even for 10 minutes, on or off their shifts?
Ultimately, Cone Health experts say it’s essential to listen to your employees. “We work hard to stay connected with team members, ask the right questions and consider how we can help them live life well,” Adamolekun says. “Our goal is for people to thrive not just here at work, but outside of work too, so they can bring their whole selves to what they do.”
Source – https://www.bizjournals.com/triad/news/2025/06/01/women-wellness-work-life-balance.html