Wellness in the Workplace
Posted on Mon, Jan 24, 2011 @ 10:56 AM
Have you kept your New Year’s resolution to work out more and be healthier?
To help any of our associates struggling with this endeavor, last Friday at 6:45 a.m. a team of health and wellness specialists descended upon our Strongsville headquarters. They were there to take blood pressure, check height and weight, and measure cholesterol and glucose levels of any MCPc employee who wanted a screening.
Personally, I was apprehensive to subject myself to the scale where I would find out my actual body mass index, especially knowing that I needed to cut down on my sugar and fat intake. But at the same time, I figured it might be the kick in the pants I need to jump-start my own New Year’s resolution.
So, along with dozens of my colleagues, I participated in MCPc’s second annual complementary employee health screening, which is a part of our ongoing wellness initiative. (For employees at other MCPc locations, the company will reimburse anyone who wishes to get a health screening through their own physician.)
Wellness is a Lifestyle, Not a Yearly Resolution.
Study after study has shown that healthy people not only live longer, but also have more energy and lower overall medical costs. I have a great deal of respect for those people who are disciplined enough to take care of themselves as they should.
However, it’s often difficult to find the self-motivation to eat better and exercise more, which is why it’s so important to support others on their healthy life journey. Taking this to heart, after our screenings, a work friend and I decided to join Weight Watchers next Tuesday. (Don’t ask…Okay, we’re celebrating another co-worker’s birthday on Monday.)
I hope (and believe) that starting the program together will allow us to encourage each other on days we want to run out at lunch for a chocolate shake.
Developing a Work Environment that Promotes Wellness
At MCPc, we do our best to create an environment that encourages healthy activity. We participate in several walk-a-thons each year and always have a great time socializing with co-workers outside of the office. On fair-weather days, many of us take advantage of a neighboring outdoor track during our lunch hour. And we’re excited about the fitness center we’re building at our new corporate headquarters in downtown Cleveland. In fact, we’ve already purchased the exercise equipment that is ready to be stamped with our logo and installed!
Another way we show commitment to wellness is through the health savings account (H.S.A.) option in employee medical plans. HSAs encourage associates to be smart about their health needs on the front end to prevent problems down the road. Isn’t that what wellness is all about? MCPc even offsets the premium cost to associates to encourage participation, and deposits up to $1,200 in employee health savings accounts each year.
What Can You Do For Yourself?
Of course, good health ultimately starts with individual initiative. Now that I know my cholesterol levels and blood pressure are great (thanks to my free health screening), I can focus on shedding a few pounds and improving my glucose level. I’m also going to take a health-risk assessment on my benefit provider’s website to get further recommendations, and sign up for daily healthy tips that will be emailed to me in order to keep my own wellness at the forefront of my mind. I encourage you to do the same!
Your Turn
- What are you doing to promote your own wellness?
- What are your struggles?
- How do you think your employer could facilitate a more health-conscious environment?
I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
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Beth Stec is VP of Corporate Communications and Human Resources at MCPc, and is responsible for the development and management of personnel programs and policies. Connect with Beth on LinkedIn.
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photo credit: the richardlife
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