Episode 68 - Inside LinkedIn’s Employee Wellness Strategy - with Michael Susi from LinkedIn

In this episode of the Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast, host Seth Serxner welcomes Michael Susi, the leader behind LinkedIn’s long-running employee wellness program, for a fascinating conversation about what workplace wellness looks like when it’s built around real human behavior rather than generic corporate initiatives.

Michael shares his unconventional career journey from football coaching and personal training to leading wellness strategy at one of the world’s most recognized companies. Along the way, he discovered something many organizations still overlook: employees often know what they “should” do for their health - but stress, sleep, overwhelm, and everyday life get in the way.

The discussion explores how LinkedIn evolved its wellness philosophy into a practical, accessible, and compassionate program centered around six core tenets:

1. Thoughts
2. Breathing
3. Hydration
4. Nutrition
5. Movement
6. Rest

Rather than focusing narrowly on exercise or weight loss, the program reframes wellness in more approachable ways that encourage participation from everyone - not just already health-conscious employees.

Seth and Michael also discuss:

• Why “movement” works better than “exercise” for employee engagement
• How language and inclusivity shape wellness participation
• The role of gamification, rewards, and social proof in driving engagement
• Why wellness ROI is often best measured through participation and behavior change
• How LinkedIn creates global wellness experiences across very different office cultures
• The hidden impact of stress and sleep deprivation on employee wellbeing
• Why wellness programs should avoid guilt, shame, and perfectionism
• The balance between wearable technology and listening to your own body
• How health literacy empowers employees to make better healthcare decisions

Michael also shares creative examples from LinkedIn’s wellness initiatives, including wellness swag, point systems, hydration campaigns, and engagement strategies designed to create genuine curiosity and peer-driven momentum.

One of the strongest themes throughout the episode is that sustainable wellness is not about intensity or perfection - it’s about helping employees build healthier habits in realistic, compassionate ways.

As Michael explains: “Wellness is not a moment in time - it’s the moments of your life.”

This episode is packed with practical insights for HR leaders, benefits professionals, wellness leaders, healthcare innovators, and anyone interested in creating healthier, more human-centered workplaces.

Listen now to hear how LinkedIn approaches employee wellness, engagement, and health literacy at scale.

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Want to see how EdLogics' gamified platform can boost health literacy, drive engagement in health and wellness programs, and help people live happier, healthier lives?

Visit the EdLogics website: www.edlogics.com.

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