Worksite Well-Being Summit: Turning Insight Into Action Notes

Now in its fourth year, the Worksite Well-Being Summit continues to bring together community leaders, employers, and wellness advocates who believe one simple truth: when employees are well, workplaces and communities thrive.

This year’s summit featured powerful conversations around mental health, housing, food security, and leadership — showing that true well-being takes a whole-community approach. Together, we’re working toward our shared goal of making Pottawatomie County the Healthiest County.

Here are some highlights and key takeaways from our inspiring speakers:

🧠 Mental Health at Work — Meg Cannon, Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services

Meg reminded us that creating mentally healthy workplaces begins with safety and support.

• Be a safe space for your team.

• Understand your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and community resources.

• And most importantly: It’s okay to take care of yourself — and to allow others to take care of you.
  

🏡 Housing & Productivity — Amy Moon, Stride Mortgage

Amy highlighted the strong link between housing stability and workforce productivity. When employees feel safe sharing personal challenges and have access to supportive programs, they’re more engaged, loyal, and productive. She encouraged employers to think creatively about employee incentives and resource programs that promote housing stability — because a secure home supports success at work.

🥗 Food Access and Workforce Health — Daniel Matthews, Our Community Market of Pottawatomie County

Daniel reminded us that hunger isn’t always visible — sometimes it’s hidden in a cubicle or a classroom. He shared that hunger equates to roughly $60 billion in lost productivity each year and powerfully stated, “If they have food, they have hope. ”His message: food access is a workforce issue, and community-based solutions start close to home.

💪 Leading Well from the Top: From Knowing to Doing Something About It — Deja Hurst, DSH Coaching

Deja challenged leaders to move from awareness to action in managing stress and well-being — both for themselves and their teams.

Key lessons included:

• Manage yourself before managing others.

• Rethink the narrative of stress — it’s not a badge of honor.

• Model rest and balance out loud. Don’t just say you value wellness; show it.

• Build non-negotiables into your calendar for health, connection, and recovery.

• Practice micro-maintenance — small, consistent habits that prevent burnout.

• Create a culture of praise and psychological safety so teams feel valued daily.

Her closing reminder hit home: We can’t let what’s been normalized become normal. Healthy leadership starts with leading by example.

The Big Picture:

The Worksite Well-Being Summit continues to grow each year, not just in attendance, but in impact. Together, we’re proving that wellness isn’t a workplace perk; it’s a foundation for stronger teams, organizations, and communities.

By investing in mental health, housing, food access, and leadership, we’re taking bold steps toward our shared vision: making Pottawatomie County the Healthiest County.