Hospital for Special Surgery wellness program champions employee well-being
According to the National Academy of Medicine, between 35% and 45% of nurses and physicians report symptoms of burnout. In addition to its toll on mental health, healthcare worker burnout can impact care quality and safety. As part of a broader staff wellness program, the Hospital for Special Surgery opened the HSS Wellness Center at its main campus location in Manhattan in January 2025.
The Wellness Center is a core piece of HSS’ comprehensive employee wellness program which supports the physical and emotional well-being of its workforce and helps combat stress. The program combines enterprise-wide virtual and digital resources coupled with on-site experiences.
Through the broader program, employees can access a wide range of no-cost resources, many of them available 24/7, focused on addressing the realities of working in healthcare, including guided meditation, instruction in physical activity, sleep support and emotional well-being. In parallel, the Wellness Center offers dedicated space with in-person programming and special events to help employees reset and recharge.
Programming is tailored to meet the diverse needs of HSS staff, with classes run daily by expert instructors vetted by HSS’ team of wellness experts. Offerings include:
- a comprehensive gym;
- fitness and meditation classes;
- hyperbaric oxygen therapy;
- a multi-sensory recharge room;
- warm-up and recovery equipment;
- and a reflecting room with books and games.
The employee wellness program has become part of the culture at HSS. It’s been integrated into onboarding for new hires who are encouraged to begin accessing available resources as soon as they begin employment. This approach reflects HSS leadership’s commitment to supporting employee wellness both at work and beyond.
In 2025, 1,400 unique staff members visited the wellness center and several thousand staff engaged with the digital offerings.
For more information about the program, contact Christina Holsten, assistant vice president, communications, at holstenc@hss.edu or 917.260.4962.
