Sonic Boom Wellness Pioneers the “New Wellbeing” In an era where the boundaries between work and life blur more each day, the concept of wellbeing has evolved. No longer confined to mere physical health, it now encompasses a holistic approach that includes mental, emotional, and social health. At Sonic Boom Wellness, we’re excited to lead the charge into this “new wellbeing,” a comprehensive, inclusive vision that addresses the multifaceted nature of health in the modern workplace. The Evolution of Wellbeing The global events of the past few years have underscored the importance of wellbeing ..read more

Addressing the caretaker conundrum It’s estimated that up to 73% of the workforce is impacted by caregiving needs. Whether an aging parent, new baby, differently abled family member, or someone else, those needing extra support deserve the attention — as do those providing it. But the stress of caring for another person can be overwhelming in itself — and overlooked.   Related: What are the work determinants of wellbeing?  To put it into perspective, in 2020 AARP reported that out of 48 million caretakers giving support to someone over 18:   24% are caring for more ..read more

Emotional intelligence (EQ), at work and in life, is the key to better conversations, productive reflection, and connecting with others on a deeper level. Not to mention, being aware of our emotions helps us evolve past reactivity and more toward proactivity. Ever heard of “soft skills”? Those can be markers of a high EQ.  What is emotional intelligence?  The Oxford Dictionary defines EQ as “the capacity to be aware of, control, and express one’s emotions, and to handle interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically.” According to Harvard Business Review, EQ competencies ..read more

20 RFP questions to ask any potential wellness vendor Request for proposals and/or information (RFP) are a key component to vetting potential vendors for important services, including digital wellbeing programs. There are hundreds of options out there, and RFPs are a common way to sort through the options and narrow in on a vendor that best fits the company needs and objectives. What do RFPs ask about? While many ask pointed questions about specific services provided by the prospective vendor, most RFPs also ask generic questions about general offerings from the vendor. Things like health c ..read more

How to be an effective remote manager It’s estimated that 70% of an individual’s engagement is driven by their manager, according to Gallup. Not wellbeing programs. Not big work projects. Not colleagues. Managers. The “millennial” generation in particular says that “manager quality” is a top factor when job hunting. It’s no wonder leadership is a top work determinant of wellbeing. People leaders have a responsibility to support a positive employee experience, but are they set up for success?  When it comes to remote management, it’s not as easy to connect and motivate. It’s difficu ..read more

What are work determinants of wellbeing? Workplace wellbeing and employee experience are the hottest topics around the watercooler. Sonic Boom’s wellness model has always appreciated the relationship between work, culture, community, and our health. However, COVID-19 catapulted the conversation around those factors to a whole new level. Many are working remotely and desiring more from potential (or current) employers.  As a result, social feeds are cluttered more than ever with buzzwords and concepts around work and wellness:   Quiet quitting.  Bare-minimum Mondays.  ..read more

The power of skip-level meetings Skip-level meetings are exactly how they sound: those who manage managers “skip” over their direct reports to hear from other team members. According to SHRM, these appointments happen for two main reasons — to address problems within a team, or to check in with colleagues.   Why host skip-level meetings?  A skip-level meeting can be hugely beneficial. First, it creates a safe space for employees to speak openly about all aspects of their job. While not intended to be a “venting session,” skip-levels are an opportunity for e ..read more

We asked ChatGPT about workplace wellness ChatGPT, created by OpenAI, is the latest technology to go viral and rack up users quicker than TikTok and Spotify. It’s a glimpse into the “mind” of artificial intelligence (AI), allowing everyday people to test out its capabilities. While AI of any kind will never replace the brilliance of human interaction (see the last question in this interview), it is an important player in today’s world of marketing, healthcare, and, yes, workplace wellness. Here at Sonic Boom, we understand the power of social connectivity between humans; it’s the foundation ..read more

What are soft skills and why do they matter? The days of hiring based on a single job requirement are out. Focusing on ‘upskilling’ and ‘soft skills’ is in. According to Fast Company, this is a top hiring focus in 2023. With the rise of technology, AI, remote and hybrid setups, and the undercurrent of the global pandemic, the ability to communicate effectively and manage emotions at work is vital. What’s more? Soft skills ensure heightened engagement across teams and colleagues.  What are soft skills?  Soft skills are those things that aren’t tied to a job function ..read more

It’s okay to laugh at work Workplaces can feel so … stuffy … sometimes. And while workplace wellness is an important and serious topic (especially now), it doesn’t mean the initiatives and language around it need to be stiff and void of personality. In fact, it’s possible (and encouraged) to talk about weighty things, while simultaneously using humor as a tool to open the door to more honest, sincere connections … where appropriate.  As the Harvard Business Review (HBR) put it, “the workplace needs laughter.” A simple chuckle is loaded with health benefits. According to the Ma ..read more