Children’s Friend keeps its employees fit for work

PBN Healthiest Employers Awards 2022
15-499 EMPLOYEES
4. CHILDREN’S FRIEND AND SERVICE

CEO (or equivalent): David Caprio, CEO and president
Number of employees: 345


CHILDREN’S FRIEND AND SERVICE’S MISSION – being an innovative leader by improving the health and well-being of Rhode Island’s most vulnerable children – extends to the organization’s nearly 350 employees. New wellness initiatives include private fitness challenges and rewards incentives, and discounted memberships at Healthtrax Fitness & Wellness Center in East Providence and Warwick.

“Seventy percent of respondents participating in our benefits survey in 2021 indicated that our low-cost and inclusive benefits package and our wellness incentive program are reasons to stay,” said Julie Colangeli, the Providence-based nonprofit’s benefits and wellness ­specialist.

In its annual health survey, Children’s Friend’s year-over-year cohort shows that 12% of staff improved sleep habits and exercise, while 18% improved stress levels, she says. In 2021, employees were offered free Headspace app memberships and webinars on stress reduction, healthy sleep strategies and virtual fitness.

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Children’s Friend, “now officially a hybrid workforce,” said Colangeli, represents a flexible work-life environment.

A Healthy Thought: ‘We evaluate data, consider ways to bring employees together and fold health and wellness into employees’ overall experience.’
JULIE COLANGELI, Children’s Friend and Service benefits and wellness specialist