Designing a Stress and Anxiety Management Program for a Community Bank
WHO
Founded in 1903, Simmons Bank is a community based bank headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas with more than 3,000 associates across seven states. They are committed to growth, innovation, customer service and empowering the local community. These commitments begin with a commitment to supporting the overall wellness of their associates with ongoing educational and leadership programs. Across Simmons Bank’s philanthropic footprint, their focus is on economic development, financial literacy, youth development, health and human services, arts and culture, and a better quality of life for everyone in our communities.
INITIAL REQUEST: MEDITATION IN THE WORKPLACE · 2016
In 2016, a Simmons Bank Human Resources Executive reached out to Big Rock Yoga founder Wendy Cook and asked her to lead their HR Management team in the practice of meditation and to educate them on how meditation within the work environment can benefit all employees. The goal was to provide the team with tools to manage work induced stress and anxiety. This was then expanded into an education on yoga’s positive impact on listening, teamwork, and leadership skills.
YOGA FOR LEADERSHIP · 2017-2020
Between 2017-2020, Wendy led four Yoga for Leadership sessions within Simmons’ personnel. A leadership professional development program was designed for new employees and lower level management. These sessions continued to educate employees on the benefits of a steady yoga and meditation practice to create clear listening skills, strengthen teamwork, and increase the ability to effectively lead others.
30 DAY PROGRAM FOR STRESS AND ANXIETY MANAGEMENT IN THE WORKPLACE · 2018
In 2018, Simmons Bank began a 12-month employee program focused on overall wellbeing in the areas of finance, physical health, and behavioral health. As part of this program, they requested that Wendy design a 30 day program on stress and anxiety management.
The 30 Day Stress and Anxiety Management Program was designed in a PDF format that would be presented 1-2 times per week to the employees via their company wide intranet. The program included educational content written by Wendy with additional links to professional yoga and behavioral health sites. In addition, the program included a daily mindfulness meditation challenge to encourage participation within local branches across 10 states. The program concluded with a live 2 hour presentation by Wendy Cook to expand on their meditation experiences and education.
OUTCOMES
The positive written responses from the HR management, leadership program employees, and employees at large resulted in the continuation of program developments over a four year period. The individual responses cited new understandings on the impact of meditation on the central nervous system and the need to create a daily practice before high stress situations occur.
“Wendy Cook has had success in the corporate environment and as an entrepreneur. Her introspection and ability to empower others positively through mindful practices is the result of her extensive experience in the yoga and mindfulness field. She has contributed as an HR Consultant and led Mindfulness for Leadership and Team Development multiple times since 2016. Even within successful companies anxiety, stress, and pressure are ever-present. Wendy delivers education and practical mindfulness practices that give balance to the demands of work and home. The methodology is a complement to traditional styles of leadership programs.”
— ALLISON COX, FORMER SVP TALENT MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT, SIMMONS BANK