FloridaACE 2026

Wellness in the Workplace is an interactive 30-minute roundtable designed for employers, career professionals, and organizational leaders committed to cultivating healthy, human-centered work environments. Together, we will explore how companies are supporting employee wellbeing through meaningful initiatives, ranging from mental health benefits and flexible work structures to creative perks that promote balance, belonging, and resilience. Participants will share current practices, discuss evolving employee expectations, and examine how wellness directly influences engagement, retention, and organizational culture. The session will also highlight how career professionals can empower students to prioritize wellbeing during the job search and evaluate employer wellness offerings. Attendees will leave with actionable ideas and a deeper understanding of how to integrate wellness principles into both workplace strategy and career development support.

This roundtable discussion explores how intentional, low-stakes networking experiences can strengthen students' career readiness, confidence, and career exploration. Participants will learn about a collaborative networking initiative between Florida Gulf Coast University's Communication program and both the professional and FGCU student chapters of Florida Public Relations Association. The event provided students with an opportunity to practice networking skills in a supportive environment designed to reduce anxiety and encourage authentic professional conversations. Roundtable participants will discuss strategies for creating networking opportunities, preparing students for professional engagement, and partnering with both student organizations and employers to support skill development.

The transition back to work after a significant leave is often viewed as a hurdle to be cleared rather than a creative opportunity. Traditional career models demand linear progression, but life is rarely linear. This roundtable explores how Life Design principles can transform the return to work after life transitions into an intentional, innovative journey. Participants will discuss high-level strategies for reframing re-entry challenges and prototyping flexible pathways that harmonize professional ambition with personal priorities.