Every organization operates with a strategic vision, but success depends on whether its workplace culture reinforces that vision or unintentionally works against it. Leaders see the effects of culture in the metrics that matter most—employee retention, engagement, productivity, innovation, customer satisfaction, and sustainable long-term growth. While most recognize the importance of culture, the greater challenge lies in deliberately shaping it without losing focus on day-to-day operations.

The Chapman Foundation for Caring Communities addresses this challenge through its Caring Workplace program, partnering with organizations that serve their communities to help them intentionally create healthy, high-performing workplace cultures. By providing practical guidance, proven methodologies, and ongoing support, the Foundation helps organizations strengthen both their people and their results.

At the heart of the Caring Workplace program is a comprehensive three-part model designed to create meaningful organizational change. Using an evidence-based framework, the program equips employees at every level by empowering team members, developing leadership capabilities, and tracking measurable outcomes that demonstrate progress.

Recognizing that no two organizations are alike, the Chapman Foundation tailors its approach to each organization's mission, history, and objectives. The Caring Workplace program is built upon six interconnected principles of human-centered leadership that function together as a cohesive system. This adaptable framework enables organizations across a wide range of industries to cultivate the workplace culture they aspire to achieve.

Organizations that intentionally invest in building a positive culture rather than leaving it to evolve on its own are better positioned to reduce disengagement, improve alignment, and retain talented employees. More importantly, they develop resilient, accountable, and collaborative teams capable of sustaining continuous improvement, ensuring that both organizational performance and employee well-being flourish together.

From Framework to Results
Today, the Chapman Foundation is helping organizations across diverse sectors—including healthcare, municipal government, military organizations, educational institutions, and nonprofit agencies—implement the Caring Workplace approach.

Participating organizations are integrating leadership development, employee support, and everyday operational practices into their culture, resulting in measurable improvements in both workplace experience and organizational effectiveness. These efforts foster a shared understanding of communication, accountability, and leadership expectations while encouraging leaders to consistently model desired behaviors. Progress is evaluated through meaningful indicators, including employee feedback, with some organizations achieving an impressive 4.69 out of 5 rating for their caring workplace experience.

Laurie Butz, President & CEO of Capital Credit Union in Green Bay, Wisconsin, summarized the significance of the designation - "That's what the Caring Workplace designation means to us. It tells the world, 'This is what you can expect if you come here as an employee, as a member, or if you interact with us in the community.' This is what you're going to get."

Ultimately, creating a caring workplace demonstrates that investing in people is also an investment in organizational success. Strong workplace cultures not only improve internal performance but also create lasting, positive impacts for the communities organizations serve.

Join the Movement
Organizations dedicated to serving their communities and committed to strengthening leadership, employee well-being, and organizational performance can benefit from partnering with the Chapman Foundation. Through the Caring Workplace program, they gain practical tools, expert guidance, and a proven framework for building cultures where both people and performance thrive.

Click here to know more.

And-Co Achieves Canada’s First WELL Coworking Rating
Located at 1575 West Georgia Street in Vancouver, British Columbia, And-Co, a coworking and event space, has become the first flexible workspace in Canada to receive the WELL Coworking Rating. This recognition, awarded within a WELL Certified Platinum building, confirms that And-Co meets rigorous, science-backed standards that prioritize health and well-being in shared work environments.

The WELL Coworking Rating is based on strategies from the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) and is incorporated into The Instant Group’s digital platform—currently the world’s largest marketplace for flexible workspaces. This integration allows workspace users and seekers to identify coworking environments that meet advanced health and wellness benchmarks. In April 2024, IWBI and Instant announced a strategic collaboration aimed at accelerating health-forward practices in the coworking and flexible workspace sector, culminating in the introduction of this first-of-its-kind rating system for coworking providers.

With access to over 350,000 flexible workspaces and used by more than 26,000 operators, landlords, and investors, The Instant Group’s platform now features the WELL Coworking Rating as a search filter—empowering users to find spaces designed with wellness in mind.

Ryan Dass, Director at And-Co, stated, “And-Co was created for professionals looking for more than just a desk—it’s about meaningful connections and supportive environments. With a committed on-site team and thoughtful design, we’re giving our community the space to flourish. Being the first in Canada to achieve the WELL Coworking Rating reinforces our deep commitment to health and wellness in everything we do.”

Olesy Alekseev, Vice President and Canada Country Lead at IWBI, highlighted, “Canada continues to lead in designing healthy, sustainable workspaces. And-Co’s achievement not only builds on the building’s WELL Core Platinum Certification but also shows how coworking spaces can go further to support wellness—setting a new benchmark in Vancouver and beyond.”

Sam Pickering, Executive Director and Head of Sustainability at The Instant Group, added, “And-Co deserves recognition for embracing this innovative rating early. The WELL Coworking Rating is built on nearly 50 measurable features across 10 key areas—including air, water, lighting, thermal comfort, movement, and nourishment. Their commitment to creating a healthier coworking experience truly sets them apart.”

As the demand for healthier indoor environments continues to grow, studies increasingly support the value of wellness-focused buildings. Evidence suggests that such workplaces enhance comfort, satisfaction, and productivity. A 2022 study revealed that WELL Certified offices can lead to a 28% increase in employee satisfaction and a 10-point boost in productivity. Additionally, companies investing in healthy workspaces often see significant business returns—including higher rental rates, longer leases, and up to an 8% rise in employee performance due to better air quality.