Skip to content

Thrive Summit Day 1 Recap 

Wellbeing is critically important today for us, our organizations, and those we support. 

Burnout is at an all-time high. More than 79% of employees experienced work-related stress in 2021, leading to millions quitting their jobs, costing the U.S. economy $500 billion and 550 million workdays, and putting people at risk of developing chronic conditions like obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure. 

At Thrive Summit 2022, Virgin Pulse is helping people reconnect, re-energize, revel, and reset. 

Over 1,200 healthcare professionals, and HR leaders and benefits professionals from Fortune 500 companies and beyond converged in Austin, Texas and virtually today for the start of the 9th annual event, which features thought-provoking sessions, peer learning, and strategies for healing from industry-leading visionaries, wellbeing experts, innovators, academics, and peers. 

Virgin Pulse CEO Chris Michalak kicked off the three-day event with an inspirational talk that welcomed attendees and provided a sneak peek of what’s to come at Thrive – and how we’re turning up the volume on all things health and wellbeing – physical, financial, emotional, social, purpose, and beyond. 

Following Chris’s talk, the energized audience participated in a hilarious, interactive improv session led by Second City. 

Several brave Thrive attendees joined Second City pros in improv scenarios designed to boost resilience, inclusion, and growth. Attendees learned how to apply the three tenets of improv – trust your instincts, reserve judgment, and provide constant support – to their own lives and foster greater acknowledgment, empathy, and inclusion. Whether envisioning an epic party at Versailles or debating “dogs vs. no dogs,” the attendees had a blast while also learning some valuable approaches to better collaborating and engaging with colleagues. 

Day 1 ended with in-person attendees getting their groove on in the live music capital of the world at an electric welcome event hosted by Austin’s own DJ Cassandra. 

Day 2 at Thrive Summit featured sessions on fostering resiliency, creating an inclusive and supportive workplace, and reducing healthcare costs; a preview of Virgin Pulse enhancements to support today’s health and wellbeing challenges; and inspirational talks from international athletes, wellbeing experts, and industry leaders.  

Want to learn more? Signup for our mailing list to get the latest updates, guides, and tips from Virgin Pulse, including information from Thrive Summit 2022, or speak with one of our health, wellbeing, and benefits navigation experts