This archive report was first published on 14 July 2019.
The Wellness Epidemic: A Look into the Lives of Corporate Professionals ¶
Published on July 14, 2019
Corporate professionals are increasingly prioritizing their mental and physical health, with many employees seeking a more proactive approach to wellness. A series of emails obtained by The New York Times reveals the extent to which this culture has taken hold in the corporate world.
One email, sent by Robin to Laura, begins with a seemingly innocuous greeting: 'Hi, Robin, I hope you're well.' However, the conversation quickly takes a turn for the more profound, with Robin expressing his concerns about his spiritual wellness and wondering what his purpose is in life.
Another email, sent by Matt to Sasha, reveals a similar obsession with wellness. Matt thanks Sasha for checking in on his wellness and shares his own experiences with alternative medicine, including his homemade spirulina snack balls.
But not all emails are as lighthearted. An email sent by Chandra to Emily is abruptly terminated when Emily forwards it to HR, citing its 'totally inappropriate' tone.
These emails offer a glimpse into the lives of corporate professionals who are increasingly prioritizing their mental and physical health. While some may view this as a positive trend, others may see it as a sign of a deeper problem in the corporate world.
As one employee, Sean, notes in an email to Mindy, 'I'm in tiptop shape. My bones are strong, my resting heart rate is 65 b.p.m., and my total cholesterol level is 180.' However, he also mentions that he's about to undergo a colonoscopy, which may reveal more about his health than he's letting on.
Ultimately, these emails raise important questions about the culture of wellness in the corporate world. Are employees truly prioritizing their health, or are they simply trying to appear more well-rounded to their colleagues?
