The Power of Community: How Engagement Fuels Wellbeing

Photo by Unsplash

Written by: Eva Haussmann, Head of People and Leadership

Introduction

Wellbeing has become a strategic priority for many companies, evolving from a nice-to-have to a business imperative. In my previous role as Head of Personal Resilience, my team and I developed Swiss Re’s first wellbeing strategy. Naturally, we explored best practices across industries and quickly noticed a common thread: most companies structure their approach around multiple pillars - physical, mental, financial, and community wellbeing. This holistic perspective made a lot of sense to us, so we adopted a similar framework, mapping existing programs and initiatives against these dimensions.

One area that stood out was community wellbeing. At first glance, it might seem less tangible than physical or mental health, but we soon realized it was a fundamental driver of overall wellbeing. Human beings are social creatures, and a sense of belonging, purpose, and shared values plays a critical role in fostering resilience and engagement.

Community Wellbeing: More Than Just a Buzzword

At Swiss Re, we found that vibrant internal communities already existed - both within corporate departments and through Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) focused on diversity and inclusion. Networks for LGBTI+ and allies, women, and mental health champions provided employees with spaces to connect, support each other, and drive meaningful change.

But what really set the company apart was how it extended the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) beyond traditional philanthropy. Employees were actively encouraged to contribute to causes that mattered to them, whether through volunteering initiatives, skill-sharing programs, or partnerships with NGOs. By integrating social impact into the corporate culture, Swiss Re created a workplace where giving back was not just an option but a core part of the employee experience.

The Wellbeing-Community Connection

The link between wellbeing and community engagement is backed by research. Studies show that employees who feel a strong sense of belonging at work experience lower stress levels, higher motivation, and greater job satisfaction. Furthermore, participation in volunteering and social impact initiatives has been linked to increased happiness and a deeper sense of purpose.

From a business perspective, fostering community wellbeing isn't just about creating a feel-good factor - it’s a key enabler of productivity, retention, and innovation. Employees who feel connected to their workplace and their peers are more likely to be engaged, resilient, and committed to the company’s mission.

Building Stronger Communities at Work

For organizations looking to strengthen the link between wellbeing and community engagement, here are a few key takeaways:

Encourage Employee-Led Communities – Support and amplify Employee Resource Groups, allowing employees to create spaces for connection and shared interests.

Integrate Social Impact into the Culture – Offer volunteering days, corporate matching programs, or skill-based pro bono work to give employees opportunities to contribute beyond their roles.

Create Psychological Safety – Foster an environment where open conversations about mental health, inclusion, and purpose are encouraged and supported.

Recognize and Celebrate Community Contributions – Acknowledge the time and effort employees put into building communities, whether inside or outside the organization.

At the heart of it all, community wellbeing is about fostering connections that make individuals and organizations stronger. When people feel they belong, have a voice, and can make a difference, their overall wellbeing thrives - and so does the business.

Today, I work in a much smaller company where CSR isn't taken care of by a department, and so the company will not provide for my need to engage with communities. Instead, I realized that volunteering outside of work fits the bill. By dedicating my time to causes that resonate with me, I still experience the benefits of community engagement connection, purpose, and the satisfaction of contributing to something bigger than myself.

How does your organization approach community wellbeing? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Let’s start a conversation - drop a comment below or share your experiences!

About the Author:

Eva is a consultant and advisory board members of Wellbeing designers. As mental health champion and HR professional she is an advocate for human centric workplaces. You may also want to check out the first wellbeing designers podcast if you want to learn more about Eva and her experience in creating and implementing wellbeing strategies.

Click here to tune in to our podcast interview with her.

Learn more: Eva Haussmann