CEO (or equivalent): Daniel Dwight, CEO and president
Number of employees: 272
The Cooley Plankers is not the name of a rock group, but the moniker for the Cooley Group’s sales employees and executives who practice planks – a core-strengthening exercise – four times daily. Operations employees stretch daily before their shifts, and participation in the twice-yearly Keep Fit Be Healthy Walking Challenge has grown from about 10 percent staff participation in 2011 to more than 80 percent, said Vice President of Human Resources Debra Bedrosian.
Several years ago, high rates of workplace injuries and employee illnesses accompanied the “production first” approach at the Pawtucket-based global manufacturer and distributor of polymeric engineered geo-membrane applications. With the shift to focusing first on health and safety, the company’s three facilities have remained injury-free for more than two years.
The Cooley Group’s other engaging and rewarding programs include safety days and regular trainings; physical activities; monthly wellness topics; and community initiatives.