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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RECOGNIZING THE MONTH OF JUNE AS PROFESSIONAL WELLNESS MONTH
WHEREAS, Professional Wellness Month is observed every June to highlight the importance of well-being in the workplace; and
WHEREAS, Professional Wellness Month encourages organizations and professionals to prioritize wellness practices that support physical, mental, and emotional health at work; and
WHEREAS, the concept of employee wellness began to gain traction in the U.S. during the 1970s, influenced by growing public health movements and the realization that workplace stress was impacting productivity; and
WHEREAS, large corporations began experimenting with wellness programs that focus on fitness, smoking cessation, and stress management; and
WHEREAS, the Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) have grown beyond just supporting addiction and crisis to also cover mental health, work-life balance, and financial issues counseling; and
WHEREAS, groups like the National Wellness Institute played a key role in standardizing the dimensions of wellness, including physical, emotional, social, and occupational, etc.; and
WHEREAS, the purpose of Professional Wellness Month is to promote a culture of health and safety in the workplace and raise awareness about stress management, work-life balance, and mental health resources is crucial; and
WHEREAS, individuals can encourage employers to adopt wellness programs and initiatives, and empower them to take charge of their health and well-being; and
WHEREAS, as reported by the American Institute of Stress in 2004, 83% of U.S. workers experienced stress on the job; and
WHEREAS, according to the American Psychological Association (APA), one in five employees has dealt with burnout, anxiety, or depression at work; and
WHEREAS, the World Health Organization (WHO) states that workplace stress results in nearly $300 billion in lost productivity each year; and
WHEREAS, organizations with strong wellness cultures experience higher employee retention, improved productivity, lower healthcare costs, and better morale and job satisfaction; and
WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic led to significant increases in burnout and mental health issues; and
WHEREAS, the pandemic sped up the prioritization of mental health, remote work challenges, and flexible scheduling; and
WHEREAS, employers have adopted comprehensive wellness models that address emotional, financial, social, and environmental wellness; and
WHEREAS, Professional Wellness Month has become a strategic time in June to launch wellness campaigns, aligning with mid-year performance and reflection.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners recognizes June as Professional Wellness Month.
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