In the fast-paced and often challenging world of the Army, resilience is essential for success. It encompasses the ability to persevere, adapt, and grow in dynamic and stressful environments. Recognizing this, White Sands Missile Range prioritizes the well-being of its personnel by offering a range of resources and programs designed to support employee wellness.
By prioritizing its workforce’s mental and physical health, the Army creates a positive environment that improves morale and increases productivity among its personnel. At White Sands Missile Range, various resources and organizations are dedicated to promoting employee wellness while on the job.
“I feel confident in saying that the Army’s stance on wellness for employees is highly encouraged,” said Zachery Holmes, White Sands Missile Range Human Resources Specialist. “Offering the fitness program to employees, ensuring developmental trainings are available, and leaders who ensure the work-life balance is not just a statement. They are surefire ways to show how seriously the Army and the Command Teams of White Sands Missile Range take employee wellness.”
According to Holmes, the G1 Ready & Resilient Program helps coordinate with other organizations on the post to report numbers for events and plan events. They are working on locating rooms to turn into resiliency or relaxation rooms around White Sands. They also offer Master Resiliency Training lessons for service members, Department of the Army employees, and the community.
Below are different wellness programs and resources offered at White Sands Missile Range. Please contact the various agencies mentioned for more information on their programs.
***Consult a physician before starting any exercise program or activity.**
Army Substance Abuse Program and Employee Assistance Program
Within the Army Substance Abuse Program is the Employee Assistance Program that helps employees work through various life challenges that may adversely affect job performance, health, and personal well-being. The goal of the organization is to optimize employee wellness and success. This office’s resources are open to the entire installation it serves.
Specifically, at White Sands Missile Range, the ASAP and EAP office provides a private relaxation room with a massage chair, workshops and training sessions, short-term counseling, and guidance on various challenging issues. The lobby area features comfortable sofas for employees to relax, and fresh popcorn and snacks are usually available daily.
“If someone comes in and says I have this specific problem (such as an eating disorder), then I get them connected with resources in their city, usually Las Cruces, El Paso or Alamogordo. There are different treatment groups and support groups,” said Jessica Williams, the Army Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist for the Employee Assistance Program.
Some available workshops hosted by the EAP include yoga, fork tuning, and Tibetan singing bowls led by White Sands community member Ms. Lorena. Williams schedules the workshops as team building for organizations.
“At this point, people reach out, and if they’d like Ms. Lorena to do sound bowls or yoga, we can set it up at the Professional Development Center or go to their office,” said Williams.
ATEC Physical Fitness Program
U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command Civilian Fitness and Health Promotion Program is designed to increase wellness and mission productivity. It allows participating employees three hours of administrative leave per week to participate in physical fitness, preventive health and educational events.
Many employees go to Bell Gym during their physical fitness time. The gym is also a great place to practice wellness. The locker rooms have a sauna, which are known to reduce stress, improve circulation and have many other health benefits.
According to Holmes, the Army has found evidence that employees allowed to participate in fitness and health promotion programs experience increased readiness and resiliency, enhanced morale, increased productivity, reduced sick leave use, and increased job and life satisfaction.
McAfee Clinic Zen Den
Working in a medical environment can be stressful. McAfee U.S. Army Health Clinic staff works diligently to maintain their appointment schedule and keep patients happy. If employees are feeling unwell, they have the option to retreat to the “Zen Den.” This dedicated space is designed to help the staff decompress and relieve stress. It has a massage chair, an aroma diffuser, essential oils, a meditation rug, a yoga mat, a Tibetan singing bowl, a noise machine, and a foam roller.
“If we can reduce their stress and burnout, then we have less turnover. It also makes going to work fun,” said Lt. Col. Kelley Watts, Deputy Commander for Nursing and Patient Services at McAfee. “In this fiscal constraint, we don’t have a department that just runs employee wellness for the entity.”
According to Watts, individual organizations must figure out how to incorporate wellness to keep employees happier and healthier. That is why Watts took it upon herself and her team to create the Zen Den at the clinic on a minimal budget.
Upon entering the room, the shift away from the clinic’s fluorescent lights and loud noises significantly reduces stress levels. Adding calming scents and the option to stretch or lie down further promotes relaxation. This room can serve as a sanctuary for anyone experiencing a migraine, feeling overwhelmed by the day’s events, or just needing a break.
Watts hopes that other organizations at White Sands will use the clinic's room as a blueprint to create their own relaxation rooms. She has a slide deck presentation on employee wellness that provides ideas and pricing on building a Zen Den. Anyone interested in learning more about creating a relaxation room may contact Lt. Col. Kelley Watts at the McAfee Clinic.
Arts and Crafts Center
The White Sands Missile Range Arts and Crafts Center has a room furnished with comfortable couches and chairs, soft lighting, and reading materials designed to help employees relax and reenergize for their workday.
Initially, the room was intended to serve as a haven for creating art in a tranquil environment. However, according to Albert Fuller, Arts and Crafts Business Manager, most people use the space to de-stress after a tough day, which he acknowledges is perfectly acceptable. Fuller also said the room is available to everyone on the installation during regular business hours.
The Arts and Crafts Center also offers an inspiring program called “Resiliency Through Art,” which takes place every Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., allowing people to come during that block of time for their convenience. Participants can explore their creativity through four fantastic mediums: painting, drawing, sculpting, and collage. This program is open to both experienced artists and beginners.
The sessions are non-instructional, providing a welcoming environment for experimentation and self-expression. It’s a refreshing break from the daily grind, encourages imagination, and inspires a journey of self-discovery through art.
Are there any other relaxation rooms or wellness programs at White Sands Missile Range that should have been mentioned in this article? If so, let us know in the comments or email vanessa.flores17.civ@army.mil
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