#Employee wellness initiatives

[blogs587]

Corporate Wellness: A Key to Thriving Workplaces

In today's fast-paced and demanding work environments, the concept of corporate wellness has become more than just a trend. It is an essential aspect of a thriving workplace, focusing on the well-being of employees both physically and mentally. Companies that embrace corporate wellness programs not only improve employee health but also benefit from increased productivity, higher job satisfaction, and reduced turnover. In this article, we explore the significance of corporate wellness, the benefits it offers, and how businesses can effectively implement wellness initiatives.

What is Corporate Wellness?

Corporate wellness refers to a comprehensive set of initiatives and practices aimed at improving the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of employees within a corporate setting. It goes beyond traditional health insurance or sick leave policies by providing proactive support to help employees lead healthier, more balanced lives. Corporate wellness programs can include fitness challenges, mental health support, nutrition workshops, flexible work hours, ergonomic office setups, and mindfulness practices. The goal is to create an environment where employees feel supported, valued, and equipped to handle the stresses of modern work life.

Why is Corporate Wellness Important?

1. Enhanced Employee Health and Well-being

The primary goal of any corporate wellness program is to improve the health of employees. Regular physical activity, stress management techniques, and proper nutrition all contribute to lower rates of chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Wellness programs can also address mental health, providing resources to combat anxiety, depression, and burnout. This holistic approach to health helps employees feel better, both physically and mentally, leading to improved overall well-being.

2. Increased Productivity and Performance

Healthier employees are more productive employees. When employees feel good physically and mentally, they are more engaged and focused at work. Corporate wellness programs help reduce absenteeism caused by illness and fatigue, allowing employees to stay at work and perform at their best. A fit and energized workforce is better equipped to meet deadlines, collaborate effectively, and drive innovation. Moreover, healthier employees are less likely to take extended sick leaves, resulting in fewer disruptions to the business.

3. Reduced Healthcare Costs

A well-structured wellness program can help lower healthcare costs for businesses in the long term. By promoting healthier lifestyles and preventing chronic health conditions, companies can reduce the frequency of medical claims and insurance premiums. For example, offering gym memberships, healthy snacks, or access to counseling services can lead to fewer doctor visits, lower health-related absenteeism, and a decrease in costly health conditions. Investing in employee wellness ultimately translates into savings for both employers and employees.

4. Improved Employee Engagement and Retention

Corporate wellness programs play a significant role in employee engagement. When companies prioritize the well-being of their employees, it fosters a sense of loyalty and appreciation. Employees who feel cared for are more likely to stay with the company, reducing turnover rates and the associated costs of recruiting and training new talent. Furthermore, wellness programs contribute to a positive company culture, where employees are encouraged to support one another in their health journeys, building stronger team dynamics.

5. Attraction of Top Talent

In today’s competitive job market, offering corporate wellness programs can set a company apart from others. Job seekers increasingly value work-life balance, mental health support, and wellness benefits when choosing an employer. A company that offers comprehensive wellness programs is seen as more attractive to top talent, giving it a competitive edge in recruiting the best candidates.

Key Components of a Successful Corporate Wellness Program

To maximize the benefits of a wellness program, companies need to implement initiatives that cater to the diverse needs of their employees. Some key components include:

Physical Health Initiatives: These include fitness programs, gym memberships, on-site fitness facilities, walking challenges, or subsidized sports activities. Encouraging regular physical activity can help employees stay fit, reduce stress, and improve energy levels.

Mental Health Support: Offering access to counseling services, stress management workshops, and mindfulness sessions can significantly enhance employees’ emotional well-being. Providing mental health resources and creating an open, stigma-free environment is crucial for addressing issues like anxiety, depression, and burnout.

Flexible Work Arrangements: Flexibility is a critical component of modern wellness programs. Allowing employees to work remotely, adjust their hours, or take mental health days gives them the autonomy to manage their work-life balance and reduces stress.

Healthy Eating and Nutrition: Providing healthy snacks in the office, offering nutrition workshops, and encouraging balanced eating habits can have a positive impact on employees' energy levels and overall health. Companies can also partner with local vendors to offer nutritious meals or discounts at health-focused restaurants.

Ergonomics and Workplace Environment: Creating a comfortable and healthy workspace is essential. Ergonomic office furniture, proper lighting, and a focus on reducing repetitive strain injuries can make a significant difference in employee comfort and productivity.

Employee Recognition and Motivation: Corporate wellness isn’t just about physical health—it’s also about creating an environment where employees feel appreciated. Recognizing achievements, offering rewards for participation in wellness programs, and fostering a culture of support can increase employee morale and engagement.

Implementing a Corporate Wellness Program

To implement a successful wellness program, businesses should start by assessing the needs and preferences of their employees. Surveys or focus groups can help identify the areas of wellness that employees most value. Once the needs are understood, companies can develop tailored programs that reflect their unique culture and resources. It’s important to create a supportive leadership environment, where managers actively promote wellness initiatives and lead by example.

Moreover, companies should set measurable goals and regularly evaluate the effectiveness of their wellness programs. This allows them to make data-driven adjustments, ensuring the program remains relevant and impactful.

Conclusion

Corporate wellness is an investment that yields significant returns in the form of improved employee health, productivity, engagement, and retention. In a world where work-related stress and burnout are all too common, implementing comprehensive wellness programs is an essential step toward creating a healthier, happier, and more productive workforce. By prioritizing the well-being of employees, businesses not only enhance their bottom line but also contribute to a more sustainable, positive workplace culture.

[marketxcel]

Top 10 Employee Engagement Activities for a Positive Workplace

Elevate your workplace culture with these top 10 employee engagement activities. Foster a positive environment, boost morale, and enhance teamwork for a more productive and enjoyable work experience.

[sysig]

“My streamer” voice: My doctorrrrrr (Patreon)

[arolesbianism]

I Cee I Cee

[mizzyislost]

how much are you tipping?? (he spills your drink everywhere and critiques your order)

[lyricalchrysanthemum]

Since in my head Re:Coronation is a hack n’ slash I think it’d be cool if like. A post game reward was getting to play as the other main characters and experience their battle styles, with their own pokemon, main battle themes, navigators, and everything. So like instead of Victor as your navi, it’s Sonia, Piers, or Oleana/Opal.

[fitzrove]

I might be wrong cos idk the US context so take this w a grain of salt... but despite scores of posts about it I fail to see the plan to ban tiktok as a bad thing 😅 it's already banned for employees/official devices by governments and international organisations across the world for compromising user data and um, literally being spyware. It's not like it's the Last Bastion of Free Speech either like dude just use a different app...

[springlock-suits]

Got the pizza box from amc :] now I just need to get the regal one since they're apparently different

[pharmaceutical-company-in-india]

Fostering a Culture of Wellness and Belonging in India's Thriving Pharma Landscape

Fostering a Culture of Wellness and Belonging in India's Thriving Pharma Landscape

India’s pharmaceutical sector is a dynamic engine of growth, discovery, and wellbeing. Behind the innovation in drug development, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and healthcare solutions, lies a less visible but equally vital force: the culture that powers its people. Today, as organizations compete not just to innovate but to inspire, the focus on employee wellness programs, engagement, and meaningful culture is becoming a cornerstone of sustainable success.

In this context, companies like Zuventus exemplify the evolution of the pharma industry—not only as a provider of impactful pharmaceutical products, but also as a progressive employer shaping a vibrant work culture. While this article does not aim to highlight a single brand, examples from forward-thinking firms like Zuventus help illustrate what modern workplace excellence looks like in the pharmaceutical industry in India.

Culture Beyond Compliance: The New Corporate Pillar

For decades, the pharmaceutical company in India was synonymous with manufacturing excellence, global partnerships, and regulatory compliance. However, the new benchmark for the best pharma company in India is increasingly defined by its employee engagement activity, its sense of company culture, and its commitment to employee wellbeing.

As one of the top pharma companies in India, a company's value is no longer measured solely in market share or drug portfolios, but in how it empowers its teams to thrive, learn, and feel valued.

From Labs to Laughter: Why Fun Matters in Pharma

The idea that “fun” and “pharma” can co-exist is no longer novel. Across the country, fun employee engagement activities in office have become more than feel-good events—they are strategic investments in talent retention, creativity, and morale.

Be it a company sports day, Diwali celebration at workplace, or regular employee engagement initiatives, these moments of connection are now deeply integrated into the rhythms of leading pharma companies. Such activities are key to promoting work life balance, building a sense of belonging, and creating a workplace where innovation is not just expected but inspired.

Zuventus, for instance, has hosted corporate sports day events, annual day celebration functions, and vibrant workplace celebrations that reflect not just team spirit, but a true understanding of wellbeing in the workplace.

The Business Case for Wellness

Employee wellness is no longer a luxury—it's a necessity. As one of the fastest-growing pharmaceutical manufacturing companies, the industry demands high performance, resilience, and precision. In return, companies must invest in the physical, mental, and emotional health of their teams.

Leading corporate wellness programs now include on-site health check-ups, fitness challenges, mindfulness sessions, and broader health and wellness programs tailored to the needs of the workforce. These aren't just perks—they're strategic imperatives. A well-supported workforce directly impacts productivity, innovation, and customer satisfaction.

Celebrations that Build Culture

In organizations with large and diverse teams, shared celebrations go a long way in reinforcing values and unity. Be it a corporate annual day celebration or a sportsday tournament, such events provide employees an opportunity to feel appreciated, seen, and connected beyond their professional identities.

Companies that prioritize such moments—through company sports day activities, inclusive annual day celebrations, or cultural festivities like celebrate diwali in office—tend to attract and retain top talent, even in competitive sectors like pharma.

A Human-Centric Approach to a High-Stakes Industry

What sets apart a truly great pharma company today is not just its innovations in pharmaceutical products or its scale among the largest pharmaceutical companies. It’s the human touch—the ability to integrate business success with employee experience.

Zuventus serves as a compelling example in this shift. As a pharma company in Mumbai, it operates with global ambition and local heart, balancing its identity as a respected brand with a reputation for vibrant, inclusive employee engagement activities.

Their initiatives in employee wellness programs, wellness activities for employees, and a celebration-driven culture show that behind every medicine is a motivated, supported, and valued individual.

Conclusion: The Future is Culture-Driven

As the pharmaceutical industry in India continues to grow, it's clear that success will belong to those who not only innovate but also inspire. Organizations that embrace a strong corporate culture, foster employee wellbeing, and invest in fun at work are building more than businesses—they are building legacies.

In this transformation, companies like Zuventus are playing a silent yet significant role, setting benchmarks for what it means to lead with both excellence and empathy.

[smeoh]

SME OH offers occupational health assessments, employee health screening, workplace mental health support, and fitness for work evaluations services in the UK.

[mckinlily]

Plot armor but it’s Bruce Wayne’s wealth.

Bruce is one of the richest men in the world. Bruce does not want to be one of the richest men in world.

He starts by implementing high starting salaries and full health care coverages for all levels at Wayne Enterprises. This in vastly improves retention and worker productivity, and WE profits soar. He increases PTO, grants generous parental and family leave, funds diversity initiatives, boosts salaries again. WE is ranked “#1 worker-friendly corporation”, and productively and profits soar again.

Ok, so clearly investing his workers isn’t the profit-destroying doomed strategy his peers claim it is. Bruce is going to keep doing it obviously (his next initiative is to ensure all part-time and contractors get the same benefits and pay as full time employees), but he is going to have to find a different way to dump his money.

But you know what else is supposed to be prohibitively expensive? Green and ethical initiatives. Yes, Bruce can do that. He creates and fund a 10 year plan to covert all Wayne facilities to renewable energy. He overhauls all factories to employ the best environmentally friendly practices and technologies. He cuts contracts with all suppliers that engage in unethical employment practices and pays for other to upgrade their equipment and facilities to meet WE’s new environmental and safety requirements. He spares no expense.

Yeah, Wayne Enterprises is so successful that they spin off an entire new business arm focused on helping other companies convert to environmentally friendly and safe practices like they did in an efficient, cost effective, successful way.

Admittedly, investing in his own company was probably never going to be the best way to get rid of his wealth. He slashes his own salary to a pittance (god knows he has more money than he could possibly know what to do with already) and keeps investing the profits back into the workers, and WE keeps responding with nearly terrifying success.

So WE is a no-go, and Bruce now has numerous angry billionaires on his back because they’ve been claiming all these measures he’s implementing are too expensive to justify for decades and they’re finding it a little hard to keep the wool over everyone’s eyes when Idiot Softheart Bruice Wayne has money spilling out his ears. BUT Bruce can invest in Gotham. That’ll go well, right?

Gotham’s infrastructure is the OSHA anti-Christ and even what little is up to code is constantly getting destroyed by Rogue attacks. Surely THAT will be a money sink.

Except the only non-corrupt employer in Gotham city is….Wayne Enterprises. Or contractors or companies or businesses that somehow, in some way or other, feed back to WE. Paying wholesale for improvement to Gotham’s infrastructure somehow increases WE’s profits.

Bruce funds a full system overhaul of Gotham hospital (it’s not his fault the best administrative system software is WE—he looked), he sets up foundations and trusts for shelters, free clinics, schools, meal plans, day care, literally anything he can think of.

Gotham continues to be a shithole. Bruce Wayne continues to be richer than god against his Batman-ingrained will.

Oh, and Bruice Wayne is no longer viewed as solely a spoiled idiot nepo baby. The public responds by investing in WE and anything else he owns, and stop doing this, please.

Bruce sets up a foundation to pay the college tuition of every Gotham citizen who applies. It’s so successful that within 10 years, donations from previous recipients more than cover incoming need, and Bruce can’t even donate to his own charity.

But by this time, Bruce has children. If he can’t get rid of his wealth, he can at least distribute it, right?

Except Dick Grayson absolutely refuses to receive any of his money, won’t touch his trust fund, and in fact has never been so successful and creative with his hacking skills as he is in dumping the money BACK on Bruce. Jason died and won’t legally resurrect to take his trust fund. Tim has his own inherited wealth, refuses to inherit more, and in fact happily joins forces with Dick to hack accounts and return whatever money he tries to give them. Cass has no concept of monetary wealth and gives him panicked, overwhelmed eyes whenever he so much as implies offering more than $100 at once. Damian is showing worrying signs of following in his precious Richard’s footsteps, and Babs barely allows him to fund tech for the Clocktower. At least Steph lets him pay for her tuition and uses his credit card to buy unholy amounts of Batburger. But that is hardly a drop in the ocean of Bruce’s wealth. And she won’t even accept a trust fund of only one million.

Jason wins for best-worst child though because he currently runs a very lucrative crime empire. And although he pours the vast, vast majority of his profits back into Crime Alley, whenever he gets a little too rich for his tastes, he dumps the money on Bruce. At this point, Bruce almost wishes he was being used for money laundering because then he’s at least not have the money.

So children—generous, kindhearted, stubborn till the day they die the little shits, children—are also out.

Bruce was funding the Justice League. But then finances were leaked, and the public had an outcry over one man holding so much sway over the world’s superheroes (nevermind Bruce is one of those superheroes—but the public can’t know that). So Bruce had to do some fancy PR trickery, concede to a policy of not receiving a majority of funds from one individual, and significantly decrease his contributions because no one could match his donations.

At his wits end, Bruce hires a team of accounts to search through every crinkle and crevice of tax law to find what loopholes or shortcuts can be avoided in order to pay his damn taxes to the MAX.

The results are horrifying. According to the strictest definition of the law, the government owes him money.

Bruce burns the report, buries any evidence as deeply as he can, and organizes a foundation to lobby for FAR higher taxation of the upper class.

All this, and Wayne Enterprises is happily chugging along, churning profit, expanding into new markets, growing in the stock market, and trying to force the credit and proportionate compensation on their increasingly horrified CEO.

Bruce Wayne is one of the richest men in the world. Bruce Wayne will never not be one of the richest men in the world.

But by GOD is he trying.

[iwatcheditbegin]

There’s a place for conversations regarding the ethics of billionaires, but I just cannot bring myself to care about Taylor being a billionaire when she’s known for compensating all her employees very well and has done more than the government to when it comes to helping alleviate food insecurity.

[upnowapp]

Enhance Employee Wellbeing with Corporate Wellness Programs

In today’s fast-paced world, workplace stress, burnout, and declining mental health are common challenges for employees. Investing in corporate wellness programs can significantly improve your team’s productivity, motivation, and overall well-being. Tailored to your company’s specific needs, these programs help employees manage stress, build confidence, and enhance their mental health. A happier, healthier workforce leads to better retention and a more successful company. Visit UpNow.com to learn how these holistic wellness solutions can transform your workplace.

[reasonsforhope]

Good Trans News Roundup! July 8, 2025

"North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein (D) has vetoed several anti-diversity bills, including one that would ban gender-affirming care for transgender inmates in the state prison system.

The bill is H.B. 805, which bans the state from paying for gender-affirming hormone replacement therapy and surgeries for transgender inmates. It would have also required the state to keep a copy of a transgender person’s original birth certificate if they have the gender marker on it updated, and it included language saying that there are only two genders, male and female...

The other three bills that Stein vetoed on Thursday [July 3, 2025] were related to diversity measures. One of the bills would have cut funding to schools that engage in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Another bill would have banned diversity training and staff positions at state agencies, and it also would have banned state funds from being used for diversity initiatives at those agencies."

-via LGBTQ Nation, July 7, 2025

--

"A three-judge panel for the Ohio Tenth District Court of Appeals ruled that gender-affirming care for minors constitutes an essential medical treatment for trans youth and that the ban on gender-affirming care is in violation of a state constitutional amendment. Originally passed by Republicans to undermine Obamacare, the amendment is now being used to prevent federal or state intervention in denying any form of essential healthcare...

In a smart move, the plaintiffs argued that gender-affirming treatment be considered essential medical treatment, pointing to the numerous medical studies proving its effectiveness in treating gender dysphoria and improving the mental health and well-being of transgender adolescents. For that reason, they argued, it should protected under Ohio’s Health Care Freedom Amendment.

...In [passing the constitutional amendment], they inadvertently gave Ohioans broader constitutional protections around healthcare because the amendment prohibits any law from banning “the purchase or sale of health care or health insurance” or even imposing a fine on such purchases."

-via LGBTQ Nation, March 19, 2025

--

"Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs (D) vetoed three anti-transgender bills passed by her state’s Republican legislators. Though the bills passed largely along party lines, Republicans are unlikely to override Hobbs’ veto since their numbers in the state House and Senate fall short of the required two-thirds majority votes needed to do so. Arizona is largely considered a red state...

Of the three bills, H.B. 2438 would have prevented any gender marker changes on people’s birth certificates (even if they underwent gender-affirming surgeries), S.B. 1694 would have denied funding to any college or university teaching about “gender identity,” and H.B. 2062 would have ended all legal recognition of trans people in the state...

Transgender journalist Erin Reed noted that, in 2023, Hobbs signed executive orders requiring state employee healthcare plans to cover trans-related gender affirming surgeries, extending LGBTQ+ anti-discrimination protections to state employees and contractors, and banning conversion therapy, the widely debunked pseudoscientific practice of attempting to change someone’s gender identity or sexual orientation. Republicans threatened to sue her over the anti-discrimination protections..."

-via LGBTQ Nation, May 6, 2025

--

"An anti-trans measure in US president Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act has been dropped at the last minute in a small victory for the LGBTQ+ community. 

The legislation struck the ban on Medicaid coverage for gender-affirming care after the Senate parliamentarian found it did not comply with the Byrd Rule.

Named after Senator Robert Byrd, the Byrd Rule aims to prevent irrelevant matters from being included in budget reconciliation legislation...

In earlier drafts, the so-called “Big, Beautiful Bill” included a provision that would have ended Medicaid payments for “gender transition procedures” for people of all ages, and introduced narrowly rigid definitions of “sex,” “female,” and “male” that some experts believe would have far-reaching implications, beyond access to healthcare. However, amid a flurry of revisions and amendments, the controversial ban on gender-affirming care was removed shortly before Senate Republicans voted to pass the legislation on Tuesday. 

Though there are many other aspects of the bill that will severely limit millions of Americans’ access to healthcare, trans rights advocates see the removal of the ban on Medicaid coverage of gender-affirming care as a win. [Note: Over 20% of trans people are on Medicaid Source]

-via Rolling Stone, July 1, 2025

--

"Billie Butler, a transgender woman who ran for the New Hampshire House of Representatives as a Democrat, defeated her opponent, Republican Ken Hilton, in a special election held this past Tuesday. Butler won with 964 votes to Hilton’s 774. Butler will be representing the Strafford 12 district.

Strafford 12 is a multi-member district in Strafford County, consisting of two towns: Rollinsfield and Somersworth. Of the registered voters in the districts, 33% identify as Democrats, 27% identify as Republicans, and 41% are unaffiliated...

According to this map created by independent journalist Erin Reed, New Hampshire is a high-risk state for legislation that could harm transgender people... For this reason, Butler’s win is considered a step towards increased trans representation in politics."

-via LGBTQ Nation, June 26, 2025

--

"Delaware’s Democratic governor on Friday signed an executive order protecting recipients and providers of gender-affirming care in the state.

The order, signed by Gov. Matt Meyer at an LGBTQ+ community center in Rehoboth, makes Delaware a “shield state” for trans people and bans state agencies from providing “medical records, data or billing information, or utilizing state resources” that could help any criminal or civil investigation against someone receiving or providing gender-affirming care.

California, New York, and 12 other states, and Washington, DC, have similar protections for trans people and their medical providers. Residents, along with patients traveling to shield states, can receive care without fear of retribution.

“In Delaware, we cherish privacy, dignity and the right to make personal medical decisions,” Meyer said at the signing ceremony. “Everyone deserves the freedom to access healthcare rooted in science and compassion.”"

-via LGBTQ Nation, June 24, 2025

--

"The number of out LGBTQ+ elected representatives in the U.S. rose in the last year, continuing a steady upward trend that has lasted through the Trump era, according to a new report.

On Tuesday, the LGBTQ+ Victory Institute released its annual Out for America report, which tracks the number of out LGBTQ+ elected representatives nationwide and at all levels of government. This year’s report showed an overall 2.4% increase in out LGBTQ+ representation between June 2024 and May 2025 and a 198% increase since the organization, which provides training and support for out candidates, first launched the report in 2017 (during President Donald Trump’s first term in office).  

“This year’s Out for America report shows the resilience of our LGBTQ+ elected leaders,” LGBTQ+ Victory Institute President and CEO Evan Low said in a statement. “Despite hateful rhetoric plaguing the 2024 election cycle, LGBTQ+ elected officials won at the ballot box and made history.” ...

According to the 2025 report, the number of out LGBTQ+ elected officials of color rose by nearly 7% since last year. The number of out Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) elected officials grew the most (32.6%), while the number of multiracial officials increased by 28.6%, and the number of Black representatives grew by just over 4%. LGBTQ+ Latinx representatives remain the largest non-white group of out elected officials, holding steady at 193, the same as last year’s total..."

-via LGBTQ Nation, June 25, 2025

--

"The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Yeztugo (aka. lenacapavir or LEN), a twice-a-year injection that stops HIV from replicating inside cells, thereby reducing the risk of transmitting the virus to other people by 96%. HIV advocates hope it will help reduce national transmission rates because the medication is easier to take than the many current once-a-day medications.

“This is the single best opportunity in 44 years of HIV prevention,” said Mitchell Warren, executive director of the AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition (AVAC), an HIV advocacy nonprofit group, according to NBC News. The FDA approved the drug after Gilead Sciences, the drug’s developer, found it to be overwhelmingly successful early into Phase 3 clinical trials last September.

“The approval of LEN is a much-needed boost for HIV prevention, given the strength of the science and the simultaneous disruption in HIV programs globally,” Warren added."

-via LGBTQ Nation, June 18, 2025

[foldingfittedsheets]

When I was working at the sex shop I was pulling poverty wages. I loved my job but I was on food stamps and still barely getting by. When they hired the stores first male employee and he started at my pay rate after I’d been there for three years I quit.

I was initially really nervous when I saw the post for the mattress job. It listed a pay scale that I couldn’t even conceptualize and I appeared qualified. When I got an interview I was over the moon but also petrified. Reactions to my line of work often varied but most people were very embarrassed or skeptical. I worried about how I’d address it in the actual interview.

I lived far to the north of their headquarters and drove almost two hours to get there. When I finally arrived it was in the nicest thrift store clothes I could find, but I shrank inside to see a room full of older white men in nice suits waiting to be interviewed for the same job.

Why did I bother? I was decades younger than anyone else in the room, shabbily dressed, and I suspected I was the only afab person in the entire building. I stewed in my insecurities until I was called in.

The second I met my interviewer I was instantly put at ease. The man had the energy of a therapy dog, he was abound with positive, good natured energy. He was also incredibly beautiful. I grinned back at his welcoming smile as we said our pleasantries. But still. This very beautiful polished man seemed very innocent. How would the sex shop question go?

“I see here you worked at STORE?”

“Yes,” I said hesitantly.

“And that was sales? Or you just rang people up.”

“No, it was sales. I’d help people find products, we were encouraged to upsell, there was sales spiffs, and most importantly we educated customers on products to help them find what they liked best.”

He grinned approvingly and asked, “Can you give me an example of a time you successfully upsold a customer?”

I paused, wringing my hands before I asked, “How vague would you like me to be…?”

“Not at all!” He assured me. “Go for it!”

“Well. A man came in looking for something to make his fingers vibrate so when he was touching his wife it would enhance that sensation. We had cheap $10 cockrings that I showed him first. But we had a rechargeable waterproof one made of nicer material, and after I showed him a demo he bought that one.”

“How much was that one?”

“$110”

“Wow! You had an upsell of 100% from what he came in looking for! That’s incredible!”

He was so truly genuinely stoked and not at all embarrassed that for the first time I saw a tiny glimmer of a future where I didn’t have ramen and peanut butter tiding me over between paychecks.

He asked me to wait then came back to tell me he liked me so much that he wanted to send me right into another interview, if that was okay. He didn’t want me to have to drive back later, it was terribly considerate and exciting. I beamed and told him it would be lovely.

I then had the second worst interview I’ve ever had. The worst goes to the time I applied to be a store manager for a pet food place years later. The district and store manager interviewing me passed notes and texted while I was speaking. When the district manager called to inform me I didn’t get the job I told him I’d never have accepted anyway because I’d never had such a disrespectful interview.

The new man sitting behind the desk radiated an aura of a brick wall. As someone with anxiety I’m highly keyed into the emotional states of people I’m talking to. To receive no feedback at all was my personal hell. After a perfunctory greeting he asked me with no inflection to sell him a pen.

I gathered the shreds of my courage and attempted the Herculean task he’d set me. Through my whole improvised spiel he resisted all attempts at engaging him, regarding me with a cold apathy as I touted the benefits of my fictitious pen.

Halfway through I broke into a cold sweat. My smile didn’t waver but it grew strained as I projected friendliness and warmth into the black hole of his heart. My thoughts scattered and my sales pitch grew redundant in the face of his nothingness. I finally concluded with a hard close and he simply nodded.

He glanced at my resume and commented, “You didn’t ask me to touch or hold it. Though I suppose I can understand from your previous line of work why you wouldn’t.” I shriveled and died inside knowing that I encouraged people to touch dildos all day long and had been too frazzled to offer him the pen.

He bid me a cool farewell. I made it to my car before I started sobbing. I had never been so rattled. I couldn’t understand what I’d done to make him so unfriendly or if my threadbare clothes were what had made him treat me like dirt. I drove an hour and a half to get home, weeping intermittently.

I was therefore taken by complete surprise to receive a call the next day inviting me on board for their five week training program. The first man who’d interviewed me gushed on the phone about how the second guy had loved me and that I was going to be fantastic.

I was in shock. When I showed up to training the second interviewer was charming my new classmates, beaming and laughing. He was an utterly different person. To my dismay I learned he was the trainer for my district and would be my point of contact if I made it through training.

He joked with me later that his interview facade was just a tactic to see how people held up under pressure and I filed him into a category of my deepest enmity. I never forgave him for how small he made me feel that day, but I never showed him the depths of my fury.

I aced every test and went on to be valedictorian of the eight people who had survived the rigorous training process to earn a sales position. When I got my first paycheck I bought myself new clothes, the first non-thrifted things I’d owned in years.

[townpostin]

XLRI Jamshedpur to Host "HR for the Greater Good" Conclave on August 26-27

National event for CPSEs to share transformative experiences in HR practices The conclave aims to explore HR’s role in advancing sustainability, ethics, and employee well-being in organizations. JAMSHEDPUR – A national HR conclave focusing on corporate sustainability and social responsibility will be held at XLRI Jamshedpur this August. The "HR for the Greater Good" Conclave is scheduled for…