January Connections

HERO is respected as a research collaborator and the voice of employers in health and well-being. Because of that, we receive invitations to sit at the table with forward-thinking organizations. Here’s a sample of what happened this month:

• Work Futures Initiative at the Interdisciplinary Center for Healthy Workplaces (the aforementioned San Francisco trip)
• New research project to investigate trends in vaccination strategies among US employers and explore the financial impact.

HERO Committees

Committee participation is a benefit of HERO membership. If you are interested in learning more or signing up for any of the 2026 committees, please contact Karen.Moseley@hero-health.org.

• Education Committee
• Healthcare Summit Planning Committee
• Research Committee
• University Summit Planning Committee
• Value on Investment Research Workstream
• Workforce Mental Health & Well-Being Study Committee

HERO Events

We’re bringing new thinking to the HERO learning agenda for 2026, and new connections to traditional thinking, especially around the value of employee health and well-being.

HERO Think Tanks – a HERO member benefit 

HERO members can expect three member-only convenings this year: Spring, Summer & Fall. As we finalize the details, you will be the first to know. Meanwhile, please let us know if you or your organization have expertise and/or case studies to contribute in the following areas:

• VOI: How to maximize your value on investment in health and well-being through new engagement and participation strategies.
• Leading from Any Seat: Encouraging individuals to take ownership of culture and well-being—regardless of title.
• Influence without authority: How employees can shape workplace culture.
• Empowering individuals to manage their time, attention, and tech for better health.
• Rebuilding social trust, emotional literacy, and inclusive culture in the workplace.
• Financial Well-Being and the Economics of Stress.
• Nature & Resilience: How to design a life we don’t need to get away from.
• Social prescribing and the power of non-clinical connections (art, nature, social engagement).

HERO Summits 

For more than a decade, HERO has hosted annual unique convenings specifically for those responsible for the health and well-being of employees of healthcare systems and universities. Each year, emphasis is placed on exploring tangible, real-world solutions to the unique challenges in each sector.

• The HERO Healthcare Summit convenes healthcare leaders to address issues unique to the healthcare workforce. Participants learn from peers and subject matter experts while sharing their experiences in engaging collaborative sessions. Watch for this virtual convening in September 2026!
• The HERO University Summit brings together thought leaders to address issues affecting faculty and staff health and well-being from an employer perspective. During this collaborative, interactive event, participants learn from peers and subject matter experts while sharing their experiences. Watch for this virtual convening in October 2026!

Biannually, the HERO CMO Summit addresses workforce trends that are critical to the role of Chief Medical Officers, Chief Health Officers, and Corporate Medical Directors. We pair this important gathering with the HERO Think Tank for an integrated agenda of learning and networking. As with all our Summits, the CMO Summit combines expert speakers and experienced panelists with interactive small group discussions to bring proven solutions to challenges faced by participants. Watch for this in-person convening on Lifestyle Medicine & Better Brain Health in November 2026!

Interested in sponsoring? Take a look at the 2026 Sponsor Prospectus.

HERO Webinars

Getting to What Matters for Well-Being in the Workplace – a conversation between Jessica Grossmeier, PhD, MPH and Paul Terry, PhD aired on January 28, 2026. If you missed it, check the HERO Webinar Archives for the recording.

The Organizational Care Gap: New Research, Real Strategies 

February 11, 2026 12:00 pm Central | Register

Guest Panelists:

Only 1 in 4 employees strongly agree their organization cares about their well-being—a number that decreased from the past year. And yet, the data is clear: when employees feel genuinely cared for, everything improves—from employee engagement with work and retention to well-being and life satisfaction.  In this webinar, you’ll get new insights into data from the Workplace and Employee Survey conducted by WebMD’s Center for Research, alongside client stories and tactical insights that show how employers are taking action to move the needle on care. You’ll walk away with a clear understanding of the six elements employees say matter most—and how you can bring them to life through leadership, communication and culture.

Learning Objectives:

After attending this webinar, participants will be able to:

• Understand current trends around organizational care and what it means for retention, burnout and performance.
• Identify six key elements that make employees feel genuinely cared for.
• Explore real-world examples from organizations who are doing great work to foster care.

SPEAKERS:

Erin Seaverson is the Senior Director for the Center for Research at WebMD Health Services, steering the Center’s health and well-being research agenda. She serves as a research consultant and principal investigator on strategic initiatives, program evaluation and outcomes studies. Erin has published numerous peer-reviewed scientific research studies, and her work in research and reporting helps to define best practices for the industry. Her research has been recognized as Paper of the Year by the American Journal of Health Promotion and as one of the 25 most important studies in workplace health promotion for its contributions to the industry. Erin serves on the Board of Directors for the Health Enhancement Research Organization. Erin earned her bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Health Science from Alma College and her Master of Public Health degree in Epidemiology from the University of Massachusetts. She has also studied at the University of North London in London, England. Erin resides in Tampa, Florida with her husband, Marc, and daughter, Ruby. She has a deep love for endurance running, strength training and baking, finds peace in the great outdoors, and believes in giving back to her community through volunteerism.

Judy Lee is the Senior People Scientist for the Center for Research at WebMD Health Services, where she focuses on translating research into practical strategies. Her passion lies in empowering both employees and organizations to create healthier and more fulfilling workplaces by blending principles of people science and organizational management theories. With a diverse background in management consulting, research, and product management, Dr. Lee has collaborated with clients and teams across sectors such as Fortune 500 companies, tech startups, and non-profit organizations. These experiences have equipped her with expertise in addressing complex business and well-being challenges at both organizational and individual levels, leveraging mixed methods research, data analysis, and actionable insights. Her contributions have garnered recognition in the field of organizational research and have been featured in news articles. Dr. Lee earned her Ph.D. in Management from the Business School at Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea, where she had previously earned her Bachelor of Science in Business. Additionally, she completed a study abroad program at the University of Washington in Seattle, WA. Dr. Lee lives in West Hartford, CT, with her family. She finds pleasure in both reading and traveling, having embarked on international trips and explored 40+ states within the U.S.

HOST:

Paul Terry, PhD, is a Senior Fellow at HERO where he leads our learning agenda. Paul is also Editor-in-Chief of the American Journal of Health Promotion. His prior positions were president and CEO at HERO, president and CEO at StayWell Health Management, and president and CEO at The Park Nicollet Institute. Paul is the author of four books and over 200 research and professional papers. A study he led won the C. Everett Koop National Health Award. He was awarded two Fulbright Senior Scholarships and served on advisory councils for The National Academy of Sciences, the American Heart Association, the CDC, the University of North Carolina, Gillings School of Global Public Health, and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

With thanks to HERO Sponsor:

Only 1 in 4 employees strongly agree their organization cares about their well-being—a number that decreased from the past year. And yet, the data is clear: when employees feel genuinely cared for, everything improves—from employee engagement with work and retention to well-being and life satisfaction.  In this webinar, you’ll get new insights into data from the Workplace and Employee Survey conducted by WebMD’s Center for Research, alongside client stories and tactical insights that show how employers are taking action to move the needle on care. You’ll walk away with a clear understanding of the six elements employees say matter most—and how you can bring them to life through leadership, communication and culture.

Learning Objectives:

After attending this webinar, participants will be able to:

• Understand current trends around organizational care and what it means for retention, burnout and performance.
• Identify six key elements that make employees feel genuinely cared for.
• Explore real-world examples from organizations who are doing great work to foster care.

SPEAKERS:

Erin Seaverson is the Senior Director for the Center for Research at WebMD Health Services, steering the Center’s health and well-being research agenda. She serves as a research consultant and principal investigator on strategic initiatives, program evaluation and outcomes studies. Erin has published numerous peer-reviewed scientific research studies, and her work in research and reporting helps to define best practices for the industry. Her research has been recognized as Paper of the Year by the American Journal of Health Promotion and as one of the 25 most important studies in workplace health promotion for its contributions to the industry. Erin serves on the Board of Directors for the Health Enhancement Research Organization. Erin earned her bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Health Science from Alma College and her Master of Public Health degree in Epidemiology from the University of Massachusetts. She has also studied at the University of North London in London, England. Erin resides in Tampa, Florida with her husband, Marc, and daughter, Ruby. She has a deep love for endurance running, strength training and baking, finds peace in the great outdoors, and believes in giving back to her community through volunteerism.

Judy Lee is the Senior People Scientist for the Center for Research at WebMD Health Services, where she focuses on translating research into practical strategies. Her passion lies in empowering both employees and organizations to create healthier and more fulfilling workplaces by blending principles of people science and organizational management theories. With a diverse background in management consulting, research, and product management, Dr. Lee has collaborated with clients and teams across sectors such as Fortune 500 companies, tech startups, and non-profit organizations. These experiences have equipped her with expertise in addressing complex business and well-being challenges at both organizational and individual levels, leveraging mixed methods research, data analysis, and actionable insights. Her contributions have garnered recognition in the field of organizational research and have been featured in news articles. Dr. Lee earned her Ph.D. in Management from the Business School at Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea, where she had previously earned her Bachelor of Science in Business. Additionally, she completed a study abroad program at the University of Washington in Seattle, WA. Dr. Lee lives in West Hartford, CT, with her family. She finds pleasure in both reading and traveling, having embarked on international trips and explored 40+ states within the U.S.

HOST:

Paul Terry, PhD, is a Senior Fellow at HERO where he leads our learning agenda. Paul is also Editor-in-Chief of the American Journal of Health Promotion. His prior positions were president and CEO at HERO, president and CEO at StayWell Health Management, and president and CEO at The Park Nicollet Institute. Paul is the author of four books and over 200 research and professional papers. A study he led won the C. Everett Koop National Health Award. He was awarded two Fulbright Senior Scholarships and served on advisory councils for The National Academy of Sciences, the American Heart Association, the CDC, the University of North Carolina, Gillings School of Global Public Health, and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

With thanks to HERO Sponsor: