Company drives sugar habit out of the office

GTECH Corp. Americas, a worldwide operator and provider of technology for gaming, says its best investment is in the people who work for the company.
GTECH offers a fitness center equipped with elliptical machines, treadmills, free weights, and exercise classes. The staff provides personal fitness evaluations: employees are encouraged to join programs such as ShapeUp.
“We also offer zero-calorie, vitamin-enhanced water as one of our free beverages for employees. We provide coaches for weight loss, diabetes and heart health,” said Susan Eikinas, senior benefits manager at the Providence-based headquarters for the Americas division of Rome-based GTECH S.p.A. The introduction of th water decreased soda consumption by 8,832 gallons, dropping sugar intake by more than 2 tons.
GTECH manages its own in-house food service department, providing healthy foods at a low cost. Nutritional information posted in the cafe defines meals that are unhealthy and suggests nutritious alternatives.
GTECH uses health plan performance review data to measure employee results and improvements. Its eight-week ShapeUp summer program totaled a loss of 406 pounds, and the exercise program inspired 653,450 minutes of exercise.
“Employees at GTECH can expect to find programs and resources that encourage healthy living, preventative care and shared responsibility,” said Eikinas. •