At this year’s Working Well Conference, the Health & Wellness Coalition proudly recognized Orion Training & Education as the 2026 Working Well Award winner, an honor that reflects not only strong outcomes, but a deeply rooted culture of wellness. Selected unanimously by the review committee, Orion stood out for its high employee participation rates and its ability to make wellness both engaging and fun. Their approach proves that when wellness is woven into the fabric of an organization, it becomes more than a program, it becomes part of how people work, connect, and thrive.

At the center of Orion’s success is their long-standing Healthy Me! Workplace Wellness Program, which has been evolving since its launch in 2007. What began as a pilot has grown into a comprehensive initiative supporting physical, mental, nutritional, and financial wellbeing. Each year, the program adapts based on employee feedback and best practices, ensuring it stays relevant and meaningful.

For the 2025–2026 program year, Orion introduced the theme “Tune In To You,” using a creative 80’s-inspired approach to capture attention and keep employees engaged. From retro visuals to humorous skits and short videos, Orion has reimagined how wellness is communicated, turning everyday messaging into something employees genuinely look forward to.

And the results speak for themselves. This year, 78% of Orion staff set personal wellness goals, choosing focus areas like physical activity, nutrition, stress management, or financial health. Employees participate in monthly challenges ranging from hydration and physical activity to sleep and digital detox, helping build sustainable habits over time. Preventative health also plays a key role, with opportunities for screenings, education, and wellness resources built into the program.

But what truly sets Orion apart is its culture. As Kris Misak, Assistant Executive Director and CFO, shared at the conference, their success comes from a willingness to adapt, grow, and lead with intention. Rather than relying on one-time initiatives, Orion has created a structure that encourages year-round engagement while giving employees the flexibility to participate in ways that fit their lives.

That flexibility is intentional—and it’s felt by staff. As one employee shared: “What I appreciate most about Orion is that leadership truly supports wellness. The flexibility and family-first approach make it easier to prioritize health.” This “family-first” philosophy is more than a tagline. Orion fosters an environment of trust, encouraging employees to balance work and personal responsibilities while still achieving their goals. Resources like a fully funded Employee Assistance Program and strong community partnerships further reinforce their commitment to whole-person wellbeing.

Ultimately, Orion demonstrates what’s possible when wellness is supported at every level, from leadership to daily practice. Their model aligns with evidence-based strategies, emphasizes prevention, and shows how creativity can drive participation and connection. For organizations looking to strengthen their own wellness efforts, Orion offers a clear takeaway: When you invest in people, create space for balance, and make wellness engaging, the impact extends far beyond the workplace.

Congratulations to Orion Training & Education on being named the 2026 Working Well Award winner—an inspiring example of what it means to truly work well.

Learn more about Orion Education & Training here https://www.orioneducationtraining.org/