Healthiest Employers of Rhode Island Awards 2020 | 500-1,499 EMPLOYEES
2. Bryant University | Ross Gittell, President | Number of employees: 692
IN ADDITION TO an abundance of current health initiatives such as flu clinics and arthritis and bone health programs, Bryant University stepped up its employee health and wellness game during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We got a lot of feedback and everybody is in a different boat; some people have kids, other people are isolated at home,” said Shahara Proulx-Tracy, Bryant’s human resources information systems and payroll analyst.
‘We were not very virtual before, but now we really meet people where they are.’
Shahara Proulx-Tracy, Bryant University human resources information systems and payroll analyst
In response, Bryant implemented a work-from-home preparedness affinity support group in which people could talk about their concerns and offer tips. The university also implemented a “Wellness Wednesday” program, and such offerings included a themed newsletter, a virtual 5K, and Zoom calls that focused on a fun game, guest speakers and webinars on requested topics.
“We were able to give people that connectedness,” Proulx-Tracy said. “Mental health is the big focus right now. We offered fun stuff, as well as information, and really tried to keep the community together.”
