Issue 12 2020

Acquisition International - Issue 12 2020 7 Wellness Works Wonders After spending a decade working her way up the corporate ladder, Nicole Mixdorf suddenly fell ill from the overwhelming stress in her work and personal life. Her story is not unique, and the revelation that stress affects so many professionals around the world led her to found Balance by Nature, an award-winning employee wellness company. Now recognised as Most Influential Woman in Corporate Wellness Services 2020 – USA in Acquisition International’s Global Excellence Awards, Nicole Mixdorf spends her days helping busy professionals create more balance and thrive. We take a closer look to find out more. hen Nicole launched Balance by Nature in 2012, she could not have known the positive impact that she would have on the workplace. Many people know that they should maintain a healthy diet and exercise, but few consider the effect of mental strain on the body. Balance by Nature develops healthy corporate cultures that support balance and positive health outcomes, using Nicole’s own experience and expertise as a guide. When people are taken care of, they feel better, provide exceptional service, and have greater job satisfaction. Given the right tools to support their physical, mental, and emotional well-being, employees can bring their best selves to work and perform to their greatest potential. Nicole works with companies of all sizes, across different sectors and industries to design, implement, and manage employee wellness programs. There is no end to the variety of wellness experiences they offer, each providing a level of support suited to the individual needs of employees. The value of wellness has become more highly regarded throughout the pandemic, with many different organisations seeking wellness solutions to support employees during difficult times. Balance by Nature has thrived by virtue of being strategic, innovative, and flexible. The team offers a consultative approach in designing award- winning corporate wellness programs by gaining valuable insights about the client’s business, culture, people, challenges, and goals. Every program is different, designed specifically for the organisation, using feedback from staff to understand how they are feeling and what support they need. The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to Nicole and her work, as the company came to an abrupt stop when each of the firm’s corporate clients cancelled their onsite wellness events as they sent their employees to work from home. With a mindset that embraces change and finds opportunities in every challenge, Nicole got to work and successfully took the whole company online in a mere 30 days. Balance by Nature started livestreaming fitness classes, healthy cooking demos, meditation classes, and a wide range of other unique and fun stress reduction and team building experiences. Nicole has spoken weekly about building emotional resiliency, breaking through fear, and embracing change. This new business model of virtual wellness solutions has extended their reach and contributed to exciting growth for the company. With a calm and collected attitude, Nicole has expanded her catalogue of wellness experiences, her network of wellness providers, and her client base. Her tireless efforts have ensured the business has made it through the pandemic in W Company: Balance by Nature Contact: Nicole Mixdorf Email: [email protected] Aug20281 incredible shape. When employees return to their offices, a hybrid model will ensure that the business will thrive long into the future. Nicole’s work is vital to the workplace, as it inspires people to believe in themselves, to play a bigger game in their own lives and do their best work. Companies are successful when their staff is happy and healthy, and Balance by Nature offers a delightfully empowering way achieve those goals. Every program is different, designed specifically for the organisation, using feedback from staff to understand how they are feeling and what support they need.