Girlfriends' Locker Room: Building a healthy workforce

July 13, 2004

Building a healthy workforce

THERESA: The L.A. Times reports that many companies are creating innovative programs and space to encourage employees to get and stay fit. "Some opt for partially or fully subsidized fitness centers (usually built and run by another company) that occasionally rival first-class health clubs," writes reporter Jeannine Stein. "Others sponsor off-site gym memberships or Internet or telephone fitness and wellness coaching. When there's no room for a fitness center, some companies support walking and running clubs or on-site Weight Watchers programs. And some businesses even dangle a healthy carrot in front of employees in the form of financial rewards - a discount on insurance premiums for those who partake in health and fitness programs."

One thing I do love about my job is our terrific company gym, available to employees for just $5 a month (which even includes clean towels!). It's such great perk for all of us at the Daily News and Inquirer. The company even recently installed new high-quality weight machines. We have treadmills, bikes, weights, a rowing machine, elliptical trainers. And I also love the fact that this workplace offers fitness classes and activities on site, from yoga to salsa dancing to karate, Weight Watchers groups and more. All this promotes a healthy workforce, keeps health costs down, keeps stress at bay and really builds camaraderie among employees.

I'd be interested in hearing from people from other companies about the fitness environment their employers offer.

KIMBERLY: Kudos to the Daily News and Inquirer! Every company in America large and small should follow PNI's lead and do everything to promote employee health, fitness, and wellness. It makes common sense and common cents. Companies concerned about their bottom line should make an investment in their most significant assets - the employees. I'm convinced if you take care of the employees the employees will take care of the company.

YVONNE: Sorry to go immediately off point somewhat, but I think not enough emphasis is placed on the value of walking around the block once or twice during the day, walking to the deli for lunch instead of the cafeteria or frankly, walking a few blocks of Market or Chestnut streets window shopping. Or taking your lunch to Love Park. I agree with Theresa that it's wonderful that our building has a gym. Lots of people don't have that luxury. But fitness and mental well-being can be anywhere and everwhere if you're clued in to it.

Comments

The initial investment that a company would have to put out for exercise equipment would be recouped many time over. I has been shown that companies like Knight Ridder increased productivity, decreased absenteeism due to illness, improved employee morale and decrease in healthcare claims paid by the company because the employees have improved their overall health. Companies like Cigna and Johnson & Johnson have led the way in this very important area.

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