Reimagining Workplace Culture and Advancing health Equity in Times of Crisis:
A Case Study of
Healing-Centered Initiatives
Clients:
Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
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National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) Scientific Meeting, hosted by the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Challenge
The Department of Environmental Medicine at Mount Sinai and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) recognized the deepening burnout and health inequities disproportionately impacting their Black, Brown, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) team members. Traditional strategies fell short in addressing the compounded stress and systemic barriers these individuals face.
A new approach was needed—one that foregrounded healing justice, collective care, and culturally-attuned practices to foster a truly equitable and inclusive environment, honoring the lived experiences of BIPOC staff amid these challenging and uncertain times.
Solution
Attemla Consulting, led by health equity consultant Almetta Pitts, MSW, LICSWA (she/they), partners with organizations to develop healing-centered, culturally-attuned solutions that support BIPOC, historically-marginalized employees and build inclusive cultures.
Our Approach Includes:
Identity-Based Affinity Spaces: Accountable spaces for employees to share their experiences, process emotions, and build mutual aid networks for ongoing support.
Wellness Workshops: Executive Group Coaching, Breathwork, mindfulness, and somatic practices that help manage chronic stress and reduce burnout.
Healthy-Equity Integration: Practical strategies to weave health-equity into daily practices and policies, creating long-term impact.
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Our healing-centered initiatives created restful and accountable spaces for employees to openly share their experiences and access tools for managing stress and burnout. Participants felt less isolated and more connected, leading to stronger support networks across departments. This approach set a new standard at Mount Sinai and sparked ongoing discussions on racial equity and health disparities at the NIEHS meeting.
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Our two-year partnership with Mount Sinai during these uncertain times has demonstrated the importance of long-term support and commitment to health equity. By fostering spaces where employees feel seen, valued, and authentically supported, we’ve helped create a workplace culture that prioritizes well-being and supports meaningful change.
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Through a two-year engagement, our initiatives at Mount Sinai have reduced burnout, increased engagement, and boosted employee retainment. By investing in culturally-attuned wellness practices, Mount Sinai has built a stronger foundation for staff well-being and stability—proving that long-term commitment to employee health equity leads to lasting organizational impact.