A family feeling helps build a well workplace

At Moran Shipping Agencies, it’s all about family.
“Everyone here is like family. Everyone’s been here for five or six years at least and some have been here 40,” said Michael Sullivan, Moran wellness coordinator.
That’s why when the family-owned national shipping company relocated its Providence headquarters, it took the opportunity to develop a wellness program that keeps its employees happy and healthy.
The initiative is now four years old, and includes an array of programs on lifestyle and physical wellness, offering its 31 Providence office employees classes on healthy cooking and stress management, an annual walking competition, a flu clinic and weekly deliveries of Farm Fresh Rhode Island vegetables.
And though the campaign for healthy living began with the company administration, employees and their feedback have been the key to making the program work.
“[Employees] play the biggest role. When I’m planning programs I go to employees and ask if there is anything in particular [they] want,” Sullivan said. “Without them we can’t have a program.”
Moran also embraces community health. The company held seven blood drives in its office in the past year and a half and, following its relocation, transformed its headquarters into a “green” building.
“Run-off on the building, rain water, is filtered back into the ground. We also have a geo thermal well,” Sullivan elaborated. “We tried to go green and be healthy as [we] could for the employees.” •