Ep 81. Rethinking Workplace Wellness in Healthcare with Derek Bell, VP at Vital WorkLife
What if workplace wellness is failing because we keep trying to fix people instead of fixing the systems around them?
In this episode, Dr. Amna Shabbir sits down with Derek Bell, MS, CWP, Vice President of Solutions and Clinical Operations at Vital WorkLife, to rethink what well-being really means at work.
Derek explains why yoga classes, mindfulness apps, resilience training, and wellness perks can only go so far when employees are dealing with understaffing, heavy workloads, limited autonomy, and poor leadership. They explore what organizations can do differently to create workplaces where people actually feel seen, supported, and able to thrive.
They also discuss purpose, “deep gladness,” perfectionism, and why progress, experimentation, and connection may matter more than chasing an ideal version of wellness.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
In this episode, Dr. Amna Shabbir sits down with Derek Bell, MS, CWP, Vice President of Solutions and Clinical Operations at Vital WorkLife, to rethink what well-being really means at work.
Derek explains why yoga classes, mindfulness apps, resilience training, and wellness perks can only go so far when employees are dealing with understaffing, heavy workloads, limited autonomy, and poor leadership. They explore what organizations can do differently to create workplaces where people actually feel seen, supported, and able to thrive.
They also discuss purpose, “deep gladness,” perfectionism, and why progress, experimentation, and connection may matter more than chasing an ideal version of wellness.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Workplace wellness must address root causes, not just symptoms of burnout.
- Resilience training cannot compensate for broken systems, understaffing, or overwhelming workloads.
- Leadership, autonomy, psychological safety, and feeling heard are critical to employee well-being.
- Organizations should measure outcomes like retention, burnout, patient experience, and performance, not just wellness-program participation.
- True well-being is deeply connected to meaning, purpose, identity, and contribution.
- Perfectionism can limit experimentation and growth; progress requires accepting some messiness.
- Wellness is less about constantly doing more and more about creating conditions where people can truly flourish.
About Derek Bell
Derek Bell is Vice President of Solutions and Clinical Operations at VITAL WorkLife and a nationally recognized expert in workplace health and well-being. He has led enterprise-wide well-being strategies and previously served in leadership roles with the National Wellness Institute and Ascension.
Derek also teaches “Finding Purpose and Meaning in Our Work” in the MBA program at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point and hosts the podcast Highway to Well with Derek Bell. He is a Certified Wellness Practitioner with decades of experience helping organizations build healthier, more connected cultures.
Derek Bell is Vice President of Solutions and Clinical Operations at VITAL WorkLife and a nationally recognized expert in workplace health and well-being. He has led enterprise-wide well-being strategies and previously served in leadership roles with the National Wellness Institute and Ascension.
Derek also teaches “Finding Purpose and Meaning in Our Work” in the MBA program at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point and hosts the podcast Highway to Well with Derek Bell. He is a Certified Wellness Practitioner with decades of experience helping organizations build healthier, more connected cultures.
Connect with Derek Bell
Derek Bell Wellness - Connect. Create. Contribute. Care. Listen to the Highway to Well podcast here.
About the Host
Dr. Amna Shabbir, MD, NBC-HWC, CPC is a Dual Board-Certified Physician and TEDx Speaker with advanced training in Integrative Well-being, Performance, and Leadership Development. She speaks, coaches, and consults on Workplace Wellness, Perfectionism, Sustainable Success, and the well-being of High Achievers.
Dr. Amna Shabbir, MD, NBC-HWC, CPC is a Dual Board-Certified Physician and TEDx Speaker with advanced training in Integrative Well-being, Performance, and Leadership Development. She speaks, coaches, and consults on Workplace Wellness, Perfectionism, Sustainable Success, and the well-being of High Achievers.
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Perfectionism Has A Solution - It is Not What You Think: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNIzzM4Vg3s&t=3s
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❌ Disclaimer
This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any employer or institution.
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