EMPAC

09/03/2026

This September, during National Su***de Prevention Month, we're reminded of a simple truth: no one thrives alone.

Resilience isn't something we build in isolation. It's shaped by the people around us, the moments we pause to ask, "How are you really doing?" and the space we create for honest answers.

Sometimes a colleague's struggle is quiet. A shift in mood. Pulling back from the team. Missing the little things they used to enjoy. These signs are easy to miss when we're busy, but noticing them can make all the difference.

You don't need the perfect words. You just need to show up – whether you’re a manager, colleague, or team member.

Are you worried about someone at work, or are you dealing with suicidal thoughts?

These confidential resources are available:
- If you or someone you know is in crisis, call, text, or chat at 988, which is the National Su***de and Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours.
- Use the following line when you’re not in active crisis, but feel an urgent need to connect with someone about your emotional distress: Compassionate Ear Warmline: 866.927.6327 / 4 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Let's look out for one another this month, and all year long.

Want to find out more about how empac can help you or a coworker? Get started: https://empac-eap.com/contact/

***dePreventionMonth

09/01/2026

Are You Running on Empty?

You can’t pour from an empty cup but too often, we expect ourselves to keep going anyway.

Maybe you’re:
• Checking emails before your feet hit the floor
• Feeling tired even after a full night’s sleep
• Struggling to focus or stay motivated
• Saying “I’m fine” when you’re anything but
• Giving everything to work, family, and others with little left for yourself

Running on empty isn’t a badge of honor. It’s a signal.

For leaders, it’s also worth asking: How is my team really doing?

Creating a healthy workplace isn’t about eliminating every source of stress. It’s about making sure employees have the support, resources, and permission to take care of themselves before they reach empty.

At empac, we believe wellness starts with recognizing that people are people first and supporting the whole person matters.

💙 Pause. Check in. Recharge. Reach out.

What’s one thing you can do today to refill your cup?

08/28/2026

Are you ready to celebrate?

Empac is thrilled to announce the promotion of Heather Wiley, MBA, CCP, to Chief Operations Officer (COO) -- as featured in the Wichita Business Journal's People on the Move section.

Heather's journey is impressive! After earning her social work degree from Wichita State University, she spent 18 years serving children and families in the foster care system.

She went on to earn her MBA from Friends University, build expertise in Human Resources, and become a Certified Coach Practitioner in 2022.

Every step of her career has been rooted in a commitment to her clients, colleagues, and our community, which makes her a natural fit to help lead empac's mission of healthy people and thriving organizations.

In fact, Heather's promotion reflects our mission in action -- investing in leadership to prioritize workplace well-being, resilience, and growth.

Read the full announcement in the Wichita Business Journal here: https://www.bizjournals.com/wichita/potmsearch/detail/submission/6577310/Heather_Wiley

Drop a congratulations for Heather in the comments! Way to go, Heather!

08/26/2026

The Hidden Cost of Employee Stress 💭

Employee stress doesn’t always show up in obvious ways.

Sometimes it looks like an employee calling in sick.

Sometimes it’s someone who is physically at work but not fully engaged.

Sometimes it’s increased turnover, lower productivity, strained teams, or rising healthcare costs.

The reality? Workplace stress has a cost and ignoring it can be even more expensive.

In our latest blog by M. Keith Robinson we explore the hidden costs of employee stress and why investing in employee well-being isn’t simply a “nice to have.” It’s a smart business strategy.

From absenteeism and presenteeism to employee retention and organizational performance, understanding the impact of stress is the first step toward creating a healthier, more resilient workplace.

👉 You can find the blog here:

https://empac-eap.com/2026/08/cost-of-employee-stress/

Employee stress has become one of the most significant challenges facing organizations. It has real and lasting effects on employees and the organizations they work for. Likewise, there will always be some stress in the workplace – as you may agree – we are all doing challenging things.Chronic s...

08/25/2026

The strongest leaders don't always have the best answers, they simply ask the best questions.

Meaningful leadership begins with meaningful conversations.

One thoughtful question can strengthen trust, uncover challenges, and help employees feel genuinely supported.

Consider asking during your next one-on-one:

• What has energized you most this week?

• What's been your biggest challenge recently?

• Is there anything preventing you from doing your best work?

• How can I better support your success?

• What accomplishment are you most proud of right now?

These conversations don't require a significant investment of time, but they often have a lasting impact on engagement, morale, and retention.

At empac, we work alongside organizations to develop confident leaders who create psychologically healthy workplaces through practical communication and leadership skills.

Because when employees feel heard, organizations become stronger.

Which leadership question has helped you build stronger relationships with your team? Share it below so we can learn from one another!

08/20/2026

This August, join us in celebrating our partners who further our mission of building healthy people and thriving organizations.

These organizations don't just sign a contract -- they make a statement about how they want to create a workplace centered on the mental health and well-being of their team members.

They've helped employees navigate life's challenges, build resilience, and show up as their best selves -- at work and beyond -- with the support of empac's team of experts.

These thriving companies include:

KETCH
Aero-Mach Labs
VillaMaria, Inc.
Waldinger Corporation
Wichita Area Sexual Assault Center
Yingling Aviation
BTCO, Inc.
Susan B Allen Memorial Hospital
Allen, Gibbs, & Houlik, L.C.
Catholic Charities of Wichita
Southwest & Associates
Exploration Place
Bergkamp, Inc.
Scholfield Automotive Group
Hatchett Devlin Automotive Group
City of Moundridge
Homestead Health Center
Kansas Turnpike Authority
South Central Kansas Medical Center
NWI – Nashville
Music Theatre Wichita
Metal Arts Machine Co.
Citizens Bank of Kansas
Destination Innovation
Union State Bank
City of Clearwater

Thank you for your continued commitment to a healthier, stronger workforce. Here's to many more years of growing together.

08/18/2026

🌟Employee Spotlight 🌟

Behind every great organization is a team of people who keep everything moving. Today, we’re shining the spotlight on our Administrative Program Manager, Anita Downs and wanted to share some insight from our CEO, Stacey Winter.

"It has been such a privilege to work alongside Anita. She brings a steady sense of calm to the office. I’m not sure I’ve ever heard her complain or become flustered, even in challenging situations. I imagine that’s one of the reasons she has been so successful as a first responder throughout her career. I have always appreciated Anita’s honesty and insight. She genuinely seeks to understand both herself and others, and she isn’t afraid to share her experiences or ask thoughtful questions to gain clarity rather than make assumptions. That curiosity and openness have made her an incredible teammate and learner. More than anything, it is clear to me that Anita’s personal values align beautifully with empac’s core values of Service, Partnership, and Compassion. It has truly been an honor to work alongside her".

We also wanted to share some fun facts about Anita:

What are your hobbies and how did you get into them? I love spending time with my husband, our six daughters, and our growing family including two grandkids, with another little one on the way. We enjoy camping, being outdoors, and making memories together. I also enjoy DIY projects around the house.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? Ireland would be my dream destination. Being of Irish heritage, I've always felt a connection to its history and culture. I'd love the opportunity to explore the countryside, visit small villages, and experience the traditions that have been passed down through generations.

What is the best piece of advice you've ever received? "Always look for the positive first and choose your battles wisely". Life is too short to spend your energy on the little things. I try to find the good in every situation, keep things in perspective, and focus on what truly matters.

What do you enjoy most about working at empac? Knowing that the work we do makes a real difference in people's lives. I enjoy solving problems, improving processes, and helping our team succeed. Every day brings something different, and it's rewarding to know that my work helps our organization provide support to those that need it.

Thank you for all you do, Anita! Your hard work, commitment, and willingness to step up make a difference every day. We’re grateful to have you on the empac team! 💙

08/14/2026

💙 We’re excited to welcome our newest partners! 💙

Thank you, Goodwill Industries of Kansas, Oklahoma State Department of Health, Vitreo-Retinal Consultants, Cherry Creek Treatment Center, and Mulvane Public Library for the opportunity to support your most valuable asset!

We’re honored to partner with organizations that recognize the importance of employee well-being, mental health, and a healthy workplace culture.

At empac, we believe that when people have the support they need, people and organizations thrive!

We’re looking forward to building strong partnerships, making an impact, and being there when it matters most. 🤝

08/13/2026

Ready to weave resilience into your everyday routine? It's all about small, consistent actions that build strength over time.

Here are a few practical steps you can start today:

- Set a Small Goal: Choose one manageable task for the day, such as organizing your desk or taking a 10-minute walk. Accomplishing it provides a sense of control and achievement.
- Practice Gratitude: Before you go to sleep at night, think of one thing that went well during your day. It could be a productive meeting or a kind word from a colleague. This shifts your focus toward the positive.
- Reflect on Progress: Acknowledge how you've handled recent challenges. Recognizing your own strength reminds you that you have the capacity to overcome future obstacles.

Even on busy days, taking just a few minutes for these practices can make a huge difference in how you handle stress.

What's one small step you'll take this week to build your resilience? Share in the comments.

08/07/2026

Your current problems are often the result of patterns you're standing inside of -- and can't yet see.

We learned this yesterday at the Global Leadership Network's Global Leadership Summit -- and we wanted to share this important concept with you.

Leadership expert Craig Groeschel puts it simply: "What you repeat is what you produce." That's true in your organization, your relationships, and your personal habits. Patterns -- not isolated incidents -- shape outcomes.

So how do you change what keeps going wrong? Start by asking three honest questions:
- What keeps repeating?
- What is always missing?
- What tension keeps resurfacing?

From there, the path forward looks like this:
- See it – Recognize the pattern before it compounds.
- Break it – Disrupt it deliberately (it doesn't have to be dramatic -- sometimes a simple solution fixes the pattern).
- Build it – Replace it with something intentional.
- Protect it – Great cultures are designed, not accidental.

Wrong patterns don't fix themselves. Change requires honesty, humility, and the courage to act.

Do you need help breaking a pattern -- whether at work or in your personal life? If you're ready to say, "Different starts now," let's get started. Reach out today: https://empac-eap.com/contact/