An Educator’s Perspective on Worksite Well-Being

What The Teck?

Dr. Mike Perko is a Professor of Public Health Education at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG). He served as the Associate Director of Alabama Power’s Good Health Makes Sense worksite health promotion program, recognized as one of the top 10 programs in America. In 1994, Dr. Perko developed the Survey to Predict Adolescent Athlete Dietary Supplement Use, which is used by researchers worldwide. As a high-rated speaker and authority figure in public health, he has authored nearly 50 peer-reviewed articles, has presented 100 national papers, and is the author of two books.

In this episode…

As new generations of students enter college post-pandemic, they must transition from online instruction to in-person learning in unfamiliar environments. This difficult adjustment translates to the workforce, where companies’ demands contradict the social behaviors acquired from remote instruction. As a society, how can we prepare the next generation of students for the workforce?

As a pioneer of worksite well-being, Dr. Mike Perko observes students’ demands for convenient education and advocates for remote work policies that deliver similar valuable experiences. With mental health struggles rising among students and next-generation employees, Dr. Perko urges educators to shift from an environment that rewards participation to one that encourages active engagement. This involves fostering a sense of community, acknowledgment, and acceptance to build trust and security.

On this episode of What The Teck?, UNCG’s Professor of Public Health Education, Dr. Mike Perko, joins Rolando Rosas and Dave Kelly for a discussion about cultivating worksite wellness among students. Dr. Perko addresses the evolving perceptions about the workforce, why educators should prepare programs for the long-term, and the value of the 500 fist bump experience.