Leading for Wellness: How to Create a Team Culture Where Everyone Thrives

Leading for Wellness by Dr. Patricia Grabarek and Dr. Katina Sawyer, published by Wiley, explores how leaders can create a thriving workplace culture by prioritising employee well-being. Based on extensive research, the book provides science-backed strategies for fostering trust, engagement, and productivity. This 256-page book is available in e-book and print formats.

Dr. Patricia Grabarek and Dr. Katina Sawyer’s book, Leading for Wellness: How to Create a Team Culture Where Everyone Thrives, provides a data-driven approach to leadership, demonstrating how workplace well-being is deeply connected to leadership behaviour and organisational culture. 

Based on two in-depth studies conducted by the authors, this book uncovers the key factors that drive employee satisfaction, retention, and performance.

With a science-based framework and real-world case studies, Leading for Wellness serves as a practical guide for leaders seeking to create an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and engaged.

“Leading for Wellness is a game-changer for leaders who are ready to prioritize both people and performance. With a masterful blend of actionable insights, compelling research, and real-world examples, this book offers a clear and inspiring roadmap to create workplaces where wellness isn't just a buzzword but a driving force for success. Whether you're navigating the challenges of a growing team or reimagining your leadership style, this book is an invaluable resource for creating a lasting impact”, said KANDI WIENS, author of Burnout Immunity.

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A science-backed approach to workplace well-being

Dr. Patricia Grabarek and Dr. Katina Sawyer introduce Leading for Wellness as a research-backed guide to fostering a workplace culture that prioritises employee well-being. The book highlights the disconnect between employees and employers on wellness, providing solutions to bridge this gap. 

It explores how leadership tone—not just time spent at work—shapes workplace culture and trust. The authors also discuss strategies for work-life integration, helping organisations craft roles that support employees’ lives rather than forcing them to adapt their lives to work.

The book is structured into five sections, each offering a roadmap for creating healthier, more engaged workplaces. The first section, No One Wants a Superhero, encourages leaders to embrace authenticity, showing how vulnerability fosters stronger workplace connections. 

The second section, It’s the Tone, Not the Time, emphasises how leaders can build trust and create a supportive environment through their communication and actions rather than their work hours.

Further chapters explore work-life balance and mental health awareness in leadership. Work Should Support Life provides strategies for flexibility and setting clear boundaries. One Size Doesn’t Fit All addresses the need for personalised leadership approaches and eliminating stigma around mental health. The final section, Final Thoughts and Actions, offers practical steps for leaders to implement people-first strategies while managing challenges and potential resistance within organisations.

About Dr. Patricia Grabarek

Dr. Patricia Grabarek is an Industrial/Organizational Psychologist and co-founder of Workr Beeing. She has led people analytics and talent management initiatives for over 60 organisations across various industries, focusing on research-backed strategies to improve workplace well-being, retention, and productivity. With experience in both consulting and internal roles, she specialises in helping leaders create healthier, more engaged workplaces through science-driven insights. Dr. Grabarek’s work has been featured in academic and industry publications, making her a sought-after expert in employee wellness and organisational psychology.

About Dr. Katina Sawyer

Dr. Katina Sawyer is an Industrial/Organizational Psychologist and an Associate Professor of Management and Organizations at the Eller College of Management at the University of Arizona. She is also the co-founder of Workr Beeing, an organisation dedicated to workplace well-being. Her research focuses on employee well-being, positive organisational cultures, and creating inclusive work environments. Dr. Sawyer has received grants from the National Science Foundation and numerous teaching and research awards. She is widely recognised for her expertise in workplace wellness and leadership, helping organisations implement evidence-based strategies for a healthier, more engaged workforce.