to main content Workforce Safety and Well-Being: Appoint a Senior Leader | The Joint Commission

Appoint a Senior Leader

Appointing a senior leader, such as a chief wellness officer, can foster a positive and supportive organizational culture that values worker well-being. This individual should focus on actively promoting a healthy work environment through policies, resources, and actions.

Action Steps

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Commit

Commit to Worker Well-Being
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Appoint

Appoint a Senior Leader
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Assess

Assess Clinician Well-Being
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Implement

Implement Strategies
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Monitor

Monitor Progress
,,Wellness-centered leadership refers to the idea that the behaviors of health care leaders influence the organizational culture, which is a powerful driver of well-being for health care professionals.,,

American Medical Association

Tips & Actionable Strategies

Consider these tips and explore the collection of curated resources, strategies and practices to learn about the role and responsibilities of a chief wellness officer (or equivalent).

  • Determine necessary resources to support this crucial role.
  • Identify the key attributes, knowledge and skills this individual should possess.
  • Determine the appropriate scope and function of this leader’s role — focus on wellness-centered leadership.
Sources: AMA, NAM, AHA
  • Build an infrastructure to support a sustainable culture of well-being.
  • Incorporate data-informed considerations when developing strategic priorities for the well-being office.
  • Work system-wide to nurture the workforce’s collective purpose.