Flex time chance to exercise your muscles

A Healthy Thought:
“It’s not uncommon for employees to be on a treadmill next to the CEO.” 
Amelia Sugarman
Community marketing specialist
A Healthy Thought: “It’s not uncommon for employees to be on a treadmill next to the CEO.” Amelia Sugarman Community marketing specialist

The decision for Pawtucket-based vacation tour company Collette to “go healthy” had been in the works for some time. A survey of its 276 Rhode Island employees revealed that 85 percent were onboard with the idea of a fitness and wellness center.
“People kept saying, ‘Is it really going to happen?’ ” said Collette Community Marketing Specialist Amelia Sugarman.
So, when in September 2013 the ribbon was cut to the 6,000-square-foot center staffed with a dedicated fitness team, you could say the survey had the desired effect.
Making health an easy choice is facilitated by the fact that the wellness center is immediately next door to company headquarters.
“In the travel industry, the biggest issue is time, especially with the staff always on the move,” said Sugarman. An honor system was adopted so that employees can get their workouts in or can attend any of the informational programs that include healthy cooking, going grocery shopping, how to read food labels and smoking cessation. The trade-off has proven popular, especially for those who don’t hit the gym before their first cup of joe.
Among the 85 percent who wanted the new fitness regime: the executive team. According to Sugarman, they use the wellness center each day. “It’s not uncommon for employees to be on a treadmill next to the CEO,” she said. Despite the lack of data, the consensus is that staff is feeling better about themselves and convinced it translates into greater work efficiency, which might be the healthiest outcome of all.

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