WORKPLACE WELLNESS
Innovative companies seek work-life balance
Guidance from staff vital
ingredient “Working 9 to 5, what a way to make a living. Only getting by, it’s all take and then no giving…” Dolly Parton
For many in the work force that’s still the way it is. But for those companies on the leading edge of the work-life integration trend, the new tune is take, but also
give back. Wellness initiatives in the workplace are on the rise, our collective consciousness is shifting and with it the paradigm of what a profitable work environment is.
State-of-the-art wellness programs were originally designed to attract and keep the best talent in the tech industry. This movement brings a growing number of companies to the realization that it is in their
best interest to have employees who are healthy, enthused and creative. Electronic Arts Canada (EAC) is at the forefront of this movement. They recognize
that an employee is more than the work they do. Not only that, EAC realizes that wellness is a moving target. Ten years ago the majority of their employees were single and in their 20s; now, however, they are in their 30s and have
families with young children. These life changes pushed the company to accommodate their employees’ situation. EAC’s package incorporates: fitness and sports
facilities (including a soccer field, a basketball court, onsite massage and classes), a gourmet cafeteria offering healthy choice alternatives, an extensive university level co-op program, and on-site amenities such as a dry cleaner, a
barber and a car wash. Burnaby’s CREO Scitex, has developed a sophisticated system based on employee focus groups, which distinguishes between health and
wellness. In addition to their extended medical plan, permanent full-time or part-time employees have a $200 account which they may spend on either wellness or health. They also offer on-site chair massage and yoga and pilates classes.
They have bike lockers and a gym in most of their facilities. As well as offering on-site facilities, Telus Mobility’s program is based upon the principles
of Me, Us and All of Us. Me stands for individual wellbeing and includes a variety of ways to support their employees in being pro- ctive and informed about
their health status. Us means the wellness within their teams. And All of Us is where wellness becomes part of the culture of the organization. Like CREO and EAC, Telus Mobility views wellness as a strategic advantage that will help them
recruit and maintain a skilled workforce. These three companies view the return on investment of their wellness initiatives in reduced turnover, productivity
gains, decreased absenteeism and increased engagement and creativity. Their views reflect a Health Canada report made in 2000, which shows a return of $3.40 for each corporate dollar invested in wellness initiatives. The report also
found that 64% of Canadian companies are offering some sort of program to promote health and wellbeing. Giving back is not only for big corporations. With a
small investment it is possible to enhance the work experience by offering employees various possibilities: flexible working hours, affiliation with fitness, yoga studio or gym facilities near the workplace, focus groups to determine
employee needs, massage, pedicure or other pampering services in the form of gift certificates, counseling in nutrition or stress management. A supportive and
healthy workplace is sensitive to employees needs. Work-life integration takes in consideration the demands on the job as well as the demands in the home and family. Whether you are a business owner, manager or employee, clarifying your
life needs will bring balance to your work-life dynamic. What are your priorities? Write them down and share them with those around you. |
