Health initiatives that were introduced at William B. Meyer, Inc. brought an unexpected reward in addition to the employees’ improved lifestyles, better fitness, and healthier eating. The program was recognized in the community on May 7 when the company received a Workplace Wellness Award from the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce. The Award of Distinction was presented to company leadership at the 10th Annual Regional Health Care Breakfast took place on June 12.
In the awards notification letter, Anthony P. Rescigno, President of the New Haven Chamber of Commerce, said, “Your wellness program is truly outstanding.”
When the wellness initiative was launched sixteen months ago at William B. Meyer, Inc., many of the company’s 160 employees eagerly accepted the challenge. Jan Wojna, Director of Human Resources introduced the biometric “Know Your Numbers Campaign.” Throughout the year, the program was kept in the forefront with an exercise challenge, sharing of healthy recipes, flu shot clinics, a DermaScan event to reveal the harmful effects of overexposure to the sun’s harmful rays, CPR training, St.Vincent’s Mobile Mammography Van, and a popular Health Fair.
Company officials introduced interesting ideas to keep the challenge motivating and fun. Hours of exercise – even cutting the grass – earned raffle tickets for a prize. Approximately 50 percent of employees attended the Health Fair, which introduced innovative ways on integrating healthy habits and activities into the daily lifestyle. Staff feedback indicated they were encouraged by the positive support and the variety of events. Management continually encourages staff in all efforts to eat well, exercise regularly, stop smoking, and adopt a healthy lifestyle. Some employees have even seen their health improve with weight loss, lower blood pressure, and better cholesterol levels.
“From day one, here at William B. Meyer, I have been overwhelmed with the attention the company gives to health and wellness in so many programs to educate employees and allow them to make choices with the additional information they need,” said Sherry Boyd, Account Executive and award submitter. “Never in my life have I seen any company that cares about the health and longevity of their employees, the way William B. Meyer does.”
