Inside KKR's Innovative Workplace Health Facility — The Latest in Employee Wellness

KKR, a leading name in private equity, unveiled a state-of-the-art 3,500-square-foot wellness hub at its New York headquarters.

Perched 69 floors above Manhattan's Hudson Yards, this expansive health sanctuary offers services ranging from bodily alignment sessions and mental well-being support to extensive diagnostic screenings. With a $700 billion valuation, KKR is optimistic that this initiative will bolster employee health and concentration.

"The younger workforce demands these amenities," explained Grace Koo, the global human capital leader at KKR, emphasizing the importance of robust benefit packages as key employment incentives.

During a recent tour, Business Insider observed a setup more akin to a top-tier medical clinic than a typical corporate health office. The center is staffed by 10 healthcare professionals from 360 Medical and showcases wellness merchandise alongside framed captures of the serene Lake Como. This facility upgrade comes amid a broader movement among corporations to enhance wellness resources for their teams.

Welcome Area

Originally, KKR maintained a modest wellness nook of 750 square feet on the 80th floor, which ballooned to nearly four times its original size this past August.

The new wellness zone can cater weekly to around 70 individuals each for primary and musculoskeletal care. Christopher Kim, spearheading benefits and wellness globally for KKR, mentioned that around 300 employees have already availed of the amenities since its launch. While most services come at no cost to employees, some might require a minor copayment depending on individual healthcare plans. The center adheres to standard healthcare regulations, including HIPAA compliance.

Changing Facilities

The establishment ensures privacy with lockers and dressing rooms for physiotherapy and chiropractic sessions, providing attire for a smooth transition from workwear to treatment readiness.

Physical Rehabilitation

A host of physical wellness services, from orthopedic advice to therapeutic interventions, are on offer at the center. Patients typically undergo an initial one-hour assessment, followed by a series of 8 to 12 sessions lasting between 30 and 45 minutes each.

General Health Services

Employees are encouraged to consider the center their primary healthcare location for annual check-ups and other standard medical needs. Appointments can be easily managed through a secure application.

Emotional Wellness Support

The demand for mental health services remains high. Previously, the limited space led to appointment backlogs, but the expanded facility offers 25 sessions per week, with a second mental health room added to meet increasing requirements. Considering the popularity, there may soon be an additional professional recruited.

"Mental health benefits hold significant value currently," noted Julie Schweber, an HR knowledge expert.

Promoting Therapy Acceptance

To maintain confidentiality, patients can meet therapists through a discreet access point, bypassing the main reception. KKR actively promotes mental well-being support, with high-ranking partners openly discussing their therapy experiences, aiming to destigmatize mental health care.

Special Healthcare Events

Recently, KKR collaborated with Jet Dental for in-office dental services, part of their ongoing assessment of employee healthcare aspirations. Christopher Kim emphasized the convenience factor, noting that leaving the building is often a barrier to receiving care.

Wellness Retail Corner

For those wishing to maintain their wellness regime outside the office, various products, including popular cannabis-derivative creams without THC, are available. Launching and maintaining this expansive wellness effort demands significant initial and recurring investments, according to Kim. Nevertheless, the ultimate goal is to enhance access to healthcare for the KKR team and ensure their experiences are universally positive.