CEO (or equivalent): Daniel J. Sullivan Jr., CEO and president
Number of employees: 487
Collette is on the verge of celebrating 100 years in the guided-travel business, and in the same way it caters to the needs of its customers, it cares for employees with a successful wellness program that sets the tone for the company.
“Wellness and well-being is a huge part of our culture,” said Rachelle Handfield, executive vice president of human resources. “Healthy and engaged employees lead to higher levels of performance and we are committed to providing tools and resources that enable employees to make healthy lifestyle choices.”
In 2013, Collette opened a 6,000-square-foot exercise and wellness facility, available free of charge to employees and their spouses. Staffed by an outside company, Perfectly Fit, and set up with traditional fitness equipment, it offers classes such as yoga, meditation, Tabata, step, and boot camp. Each employee is entitled to one free, personal training session with a trainer each quarter.
“We’ve hosted a Simon Says workout where participants channel their inner child and are challenged in this highly interactive and fun workout,” Handfield said. “We are always looking to provide our employees with fresh, fun and meaningful wellness activities.”
It’s one thing to offer a wellness program, it’s another to make it a success.
In Pawtucket, 98 percent of the 364 employees are members of the wellness center and all employees have access to the wellness portal, according to Handfield.
“We have a robust communication strategy in place that leverages our corporate intranet and other communication channels to keep employees connected to the opportunities ... Employees also encourage one another … often teaming up to challenge each other,” Handfield explained.
One such program is the annual Biggest Loser Challenge. Cross-departmental teams of eight embark on a 10-week journey to greater overall wellness. Employees request it year after year.
“In 2015, we had 79 participants engaged in this challenge who lost a combined total of 590.5 pounds. In 2016, participation increased to 96 participants, including members of our global team, who experienced a combined total weight loss of 679.5 pounds,” Handfield said.
“I have lost 40 pounds and have kept the weight off going on three years,” said Deborah Beaulieu, a product coordinator at Collette. “Participating in many wellness challenges and the support offered by the wellness-center professionals has kept me on track.”
Shannon Desmarais, group air coordinator, has been at Collette for 12 years, and used to make excuses for not taking care of her health.
“With the wellness center right next door and the flexibility to work this into my daily routine, I have not only become much more active than I previously was, but my overall well-being has improved,” she said.
The hard work literally pays off. In partnership with their health care provider, Collette employees are offered wellness rewards. Each employee and their significant other can earn up to $200 per plan year in the form of gift cards, said Handfield, amounting to more than $18,000 in wellness awards for Collette employees in 2016.
It’s not just the employees and their families who benefit from the wellness culture and education. Handfield said the company experienced a decrease of 1.7 percent in costs for the annual health care renewal in 2016. In addition, 97.9 percent of employees now stay in network and 84 percent use generic drugs, lowering health care costs.
The wellness culture serves as an incentive for drawing new talent, as well.
“Job seekers, in particular, are looking for organizations that invest in their employees … Many new employees consider our wellness programs as a key factor in their decision to work at Collette,” Handfield said.
The wellness focus is part of the company’s history of enthusiasm, drive and family.
“Healthier and engaged employees are more productive, innovative and collaborative, which contributes to Collette’s long-term success,” Handfield said.
