Reimagining Workplace Culture and Promoting Health Support During 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
AND
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 rising burnout and health challenges disproportionately impacting their Black, Brown, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) team members. Traditional methods were not sufficient to address the compounded stress and ongoing structural challenges faced by these individuals.
A new approach was essential—one that centered on healing justice, collective care, and practices sensitive to cultural needs, fostering a supportive environment that respects the unique experiences of BIPOC staff during these difficult and uncertain times.
Solution
Attemla Consulting, led by consultant Almetta Pitts, MSW, LICSWA (she/they), partners with organizations to create healing-centered, culturally-responsive solutions that support employees from underrepresented backgrounds and foster supportive, welcoming workplace environments.
Our Approach Includes:
Identity-Based Wellness 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.
Health-Focused Integration: Practical strategies to incorporate wellness-centered approaches into everyday practices and policies, fostering lasting, positive impact.
-
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 reported feeling more connected and less isolated, resulting in stronger support networks across departments. This approach established a new standard at Mount Sinai and inspired ongoing discussions on health and well-being at the NIEHS Exposomics meeting.
-
Our two-year partnership with Mount Sinai during these challenging times has highlighted the value of sustained support and commitment to health-centered practices. By creating spaces where employees feel recognized, appreciated, and genuinely supported, we’ve helped cultivate a workplace culture that emphasizes well-being and encourages positive transformation.
-
Over a two-year partnership, our initiatives at Mount Sinai have reduced burnout, enhanced engagement, and improved employee retention. By implementing culturally-responsive wellness practices, Mount Sinai has strengthened its foundation for staff well-being and stability—demonstrating that a sustained commitment to employee health fosters meaningful and lasting organizational impact.