
Investing in Our Team: Dweck’s Employee Wellness Initiative Program
Wellness is not one-size-fits-all. For some, it might look like getting more steps in during the workday. For others, it might mean making time to care for their mental health, learning more about their finances, reconnecting with a loved one, or simply taking a few moments for themselves.
At Dweck Properties, we care about wellness as it impacts each individual person, and have crafted a dedicated Wellness Initiative Program to help our team members achieve their wellness goals. Our initiatives are designed to support Dwecksters physically, mentally, socially, and financially, because we know that feeling well in one area of life can have a meaningful impact on every other part of it.
“We recognize that employees who feel supported physically, mentally, and financially bring more energy and engagement to their work,” says our Wellness Initiative Program coordinator, who runs Dweck’s wellness programs and brings the resources to life. “Well-being and performance go hand in hand.”
Dweck’s programming is intentionally varied because no two people have the same needs, interests, or definition of wellness. Throughout the year, Dwecksters have opportunities to participate in movement challenges, health webinars, financial education, social activities, and initiatives that encourage connection and self-care.
The goal is not to check a box. It is to give employees practical resources they can use in whatever way makes sense for them. “It is a genuine investment by Dweck in them,” she says. “We want to provide practical tools they can actually use across movement, self-care, social connection, and financial health.”
For Project Administrator Alex Williams, that investment has translated into participating in nearly every initiative offered. A self-described competitive person, she admits the chance to win a prize is part of the appeal.
The step challenges have become a particular favorite, providing an opportunity to turn movement into a little friendly competition with colleagues. Senior Director of Property Accounting Sebat Abdulkader always participates, helping her feel more connected to her colleagues through teamwork, friendly competition, and encouragement. “Whether we are participating individually or as a group, we motivate one another, joke around, and push ourselves to stay active. Even during the winter, the challenge inspired me to go for walks when the roads were covered with snow,” Sebat shares. “The fun messages from teammates, such as “I’m coming after you,” always made me smile and kept me going.”
While the motivation may start with a leaderboard, the impact can last well beyond the challenge itself. “I’m a competitive person, so the idea of winning something that I competed for is what motivates me,” says Alex. “Then I tend to keep good momentum after the challenge ends.” Sebat agrees, adding, “To me, wellness is a real commitment and a way of life.”
And sometimes, the competition creates connections in unexpected ways. Alex recalls discovering that she had been silently competing against a colleague, only to learn that the feeling was mutual. “It could be someone I normally don’t interact with at work, so it’s nice to connect in that way to different people in our organization.”
Some of Dweck’s most successful wellness initiatives have brought together multiple dimensions of well-being at once. The annual Breast Cancer Walk is one example, combining physical movement with a meaningful cause and a shared sense of purpose.
“Our Breast Cancer Walk and step challenges stand out,” says our Wellness Initiative Program coordinator. “The Breast Cancer Walk combined movement goals with a meaningful cause, driving strong participation and a sense of shared purpose, which further supports our goal #DoWhatMatters.”
Dweck’s Running Club, founded and managed by Assistant Property Manager Ricardo Pritchett, shares the goal of creating “a property management company that also cares about our residents’ health and wellbeing.” Open to employees and residents, Dweck’s Running Club offers a weekly chance to stay active and motivated through friendship and movement.
Some of the most powerful moments in the Wellness Initiative Program can be the simplest ones. During the Call Someone You Care About Challenge, one participant was reminded of just how much a small gesture can mean to someone else.
“My biggest takeaway was realizing how much impact a simple phone call or text message can have on someone’s day and overall well-being,” shared Assistant Property Manager Thania Lama. . “Knowing the challenges people may be facing, such as grief, health concerns, or loneliness, reminds me that taking just a few minutes to check in can provide comfort, strengthen connections, and sometimes make a life-changing difference.”
It reminds us that social and emotional well-being are just as important as physical health. Taking care of ourselves can mean moving our bodies and managing stress, but it can also mean nurturing relationships, asking for support, or making time for the people who matter to us.
For Alex Williams it means intentionally paying attention to all of those pieces. “Actively working on mind, body, and soul,” they say. “Even if it’s something little every day, as long as you are working on something that is working towards your overall wellbeing.”
One of the most important things Dweck has learned from its employees is that people value clarity, accessibility, and practical guidance, particularly in areas like financial health and mental wellbeing. For example, Dweck offers financial wellness guidance designed to help employees manage money, reduce stress, and plan for the future, including sessions like “Take Control of Your Taxes,” “Time in the Market,” and “Roadmap to Retirement.”
Feedback from employees continues to shape the way wellness opportunities are created. Rather than asking employees to fit into a single definition of health, Dweck strives to offer different entry points so everyone can find something that feels relevant to their life and their needs.
“By building programs across multiple categories rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, people can engage with what’s most relevant to their life stage and needs,” says the program coordinator. Ultimately, it is not about achieving perfection. It is about making choices, big or small, that support the life you want to live.
For some, that might mean walking a few extra steps. For others, it might mean learning something new about their financial future, improving their sleep habits, taking time to care for their mental health, strengthening a relationship, or simply making space for themselves.
“Do it!” one participant says when asked what they would tell a coworker considering a future challenge. “It can only help you, and if you participate enough, you may get a very cool prize out of it, not to mention bragging rights.”
At its heart, Dweck’s wellness program is about creating an environment where taking care of yourself is encouraged, supported, and valued. Because when we make space for the whole person, every part of life has the opportunity to feel a little healthier, more balanced, and more connected. Haven’t had the opportunity to participate in a wellness initiative yet? On October 15, 2026, Dwecksters will have another opportunity to prioritize their health at the company picnic, where we will be hosting a health fair!


