Employer Stories

Scaling Well-being Strategies for Small Business

Workplace well-being programs aren’t reserved for large organizations with deep pockets. Addressing your employees’ overall well-being — physical, mental, social and financial health — benefits companies of all sizes.

The American Heart Association’s Well-being Works Better^™ Scorecard offers organizations a roadmap to evaluate, advance and continuously improve employee health and well-being. The Scorecard walks business leaders through a series of questions addressing organizational policies and programs and assessing well-being strategies. Then offers a ranking and shows areas of excellence and opportunities for improvement.

In Sarasota, Florida, Crystal Clean Green Cleaning, founded 14 years ago by Steven and Kristina Pajevic, has used the Scorecard to build a thriving company culture that prioritizes their employees’ overall health.

“Well-being sets the tone. When people are supported and healthy, they lead better, work smarter, and create real impact. That’s how strong teams—and strong communities—are built,” said Steven.

With a staff size that fluctuates between 5 and 20, the Pajevics knew early on that their business was only as healthy as their employees. They turned to the American Heart Association’s Well-being Works Better initiative and its Scorecard to implement a comprehensive wellness program for their small group of employees.

From Bronze to Platinum: A Strategic Climb

Crystal Clean began their wellness journey with a bronze rating on the Scorecard. Rather than settling, they used the feedback to make targeted improvements year after year, eventually reaching platinum status. “We ask the staff what they need to be happier and healthier,” Steven explained. “Using their voice to shape the program has been key.”

The Scorecard helped them identify gaps and implement changes that mattered. For example, when some employees weren’t using a fitness allowance, they asked for professional development opportunities instead. Steven listened and adjusted the program accordingly.

Wellness on a Budget

Despite limited resources, Crystal Clean found creative ways to support their team:

• Partnered with a local drugstore to offer flu shots and health screenings.
• Provided nutrient-dense snacks in the workplace—free and self-serve.
• Created safety routines, hazard identification protocols and stress-reduction practices.
• Supported employees through personal crises, including mental health challenges and food insecurity.

“We had to do the right thing for our teams, even without the funds,” Steven said.

Building a Culture of Care

Crystal Clean’s values—being real and honest, helping out, creating value and having fun—are reflected in their wellness efforts. They’ve launched a volunteer program that lets employees choose where to give back, and they’ve collected food donations for more than 2,800 families, with a goal of reaching 10,000.

“We wouldn’t be here without a wellness program,” Steven said. “Healthier teams are safer and more productive.”

A Model for Small Businesses

Crystal Clean Green Cleaning shows that small businesses can lead the way in workplace wellness. By using tools like the Scorecard strategically and listening to their employees, they’ve built a resilient, compassionate and high-performing team.

“The correlation of happy and healthy employees means happy and healthy families, and then happy and healthy communities. So there’s a triple bottom line,” Steven said.