Employee Wellness Room: A Sanctuary for Miami VA Staff
The Miami VA Healthcare System recently opened an Employee Wellness Room—a serene, dedicated space designed to support staff in taking their 15-minute breaks to recharge, de-stress, and enhance their mental well-being.
This innovative initiative, a first for the Miami VA, reflects a national trend, with over 35 VA facilities nationwide establishing similar spaces to promote productivity, morale, and employee satisfaction.
The Wellness Room is equipped with a multi-functional massage chair, aromatherapy diffuser, Himalayan salt lamp, yoga mat, and soft lighting, creating a calming environment for staff to unwind. The concept, inspired by best practices from other VA facilities, aims to reduce burnout, boost morale, and enhance employee satisfaction by providing a private setting for employees to take a much-needed pause during their busy day.
Accessing the room is simple—staff members can reserve their 15-minute slots through an online booking link. Feedback so far has been positive, and a survey will soon be available to assess the room’s impact on staff wellness, potentially expanding the program to other spaces in the future.
By investing in the well-being of its staff, Miami VA aims to foster a healthy, balanced work environment that benefits both employees and the Veterans they serve. As Richard Singh, Employee Whole Health Coordinator, notes, "This room is not just a break space; it’s an investment in our team’s well-being, creating a ripple effect of positive energy that extends to our Veteran community."