VIDEO: The Surprising History of Workplace Wellness

What is workplace wellness—and where did it all begin? In this eye-opening video, Mike Veny, a Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist® and three-time Corporate LiveWire Innovation and Excellence Award winner (2022, 2023, 2024), takes you on a journey through the surprising origins of workplace wellness dating back to the 1700s.

You'll discover how Bernardino Ramazzini, the “father of occupational medicine,” laid the foundation for what would evolve into today's global wellness movement. From dusty factory floors to modern-day employee assistance programs, the evolution of workplace wellness is filled with surprising twists, historical insights, and lessons for today’s leaders.

Mike also breaks down a critical distinction that many professionals overlook: the difference between “wellness” and “wellbeing.” These terms are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings that significantly impact your workplace strategy. Understanding this difference could be the key to building more effective, sustainable programs that actually improve employee health and morale.

Whether you’re an HR leader, manager, or employee curious about wellness trends in the workplace, this video gives you a compelling mix of history, practical insight, and expert guidance from one of today’s most recognized thought leaders in workplace mental health.

By the end of this video, you’ll be equipped with the historical context and modern-day knowledge you need to advocate for more intentional and impactful wellness initiatives in your organization.

✅ Learn about:

* The real difference between wellness and wellbeing
* The 1700s origin of workplace wellness with Bernardino Ramazzini
* Why wellness programs matter more than ever in today’s workplace
* Common misconceptions about workplace wellness
* Trends shaping the future of wellness in the workplace
* How to start improving your company’s wellness strategy right now

🎓 Mike Veny won the 2023 Leader of Mental Health Awareness from NAMI New York State, Corporate LiveWire’s Innovation & Excellence Award (2022-2024), and Acquisition International Magazine's 2025 Global Excellence Award Winner for Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist® of the Year. His mission is to help organizations improve employee engagement, performance, and emotional wellness.

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Stay in touch with Mike Veny!

Website: https://www.mikeveny.com
Courses: https://learn.mikeveny.com
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeveny

Mike Veny

Mike Veny is a globally recognized mental health speaker and Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist® who has made it his mission to transform stigma into strength through rhythm and story. Known for his electrifying drumming keynotes and raw, real talk, Mike helps workers thrive and organizations create emotionally healthy cultures. His work bridges inclusive excellence, mental health, and professional development—and is known for producing measurable change. He has been booked by NAMI, Microsoft, Merck, and hundreds more. Mike is also the CEO of Lovely Refinement, a women's mental health and wellness brand, which owns the Training Refinery, a continuing education powerhouse. In all of his professional efforts, Mike is fiercely committed to empowering employees to discover emotional wellness and resilience so that they can accelerate personal and professional growth and avoid damaging burnout. He is also the host of a podcast called “Coffee With Mike: Mental Wellness & Belonging for Leaders.”