Healthiest Employees: 5,000+ Employees | #1. International Game Technology PLC
CEO (or equivalent): Renato Ascoli, CEO, North America
Number of employees: 7,000
When it comes to promoting workplace health and wellness, the folks at International Game Technology PLC in Providence definitely practice what they preach.
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From biometric screenings, flu-shot clinics and stress reduction, to weight loss, state-of-the-art fitness centers and parental leave, IGT offers a host of programming and support aimed at engaging its employees and encouraging them to take the right steps to better their health.
And the effort appears to be working, as more than half of the company’s employees take advantage of some form of health betterment program.
“A healthy individual will be more productive,” said Erika Benson, IGT’s wellness and benefits specialist. “Physical activity, not just exercise, improves all functions of the body. If an employee increases their daily activity by simply parking further from the building, [they] are at less risk of injury or disease.”
Benson, who cited chronic illness as one of the largest contributors to lost time amongst employees, said IGT knows that reducing that time away will increase productivity and mental health.
“We know physical activity improves memory and brain function,” Benson said. “Being healthy also improves our outlook. If I feel good, I’m happier. We are more willing to see the positive. Motivation is a function of being connected or engaged. If I like what I do, I am more willing to do it, happily. And if I am motivated, I am going to positively contribute more.”
IGT’s wellness programming goes beyond just being physically active by encouraging employees to embrace healthy new eating habits as well. To that end, IGT’s cafeteria serves fresh food that is prepared on-site, including menu items such as low-sodium soups, infused waters and low-calorie juices.
Outside the office, IGT team members are equally encouraged to be active as well as to give back to the community.
“Our employees are given one paid volunteer day off to work together as one in animal shelters, soup kitchens and more,” Benson said. “It was a great success this year. This spring, we encouraged all employees to participate in a Global Step Challenge leading up to our highly anticipated Global Walking Day. Our goal was to increase engagement in the workplace but also to raise awareness on how important it is to take a break and get exercise. We are constantly promoting and encouraging our employees to participate in local 5Ks, the blessing of the fleet 10-miler and even the stair climb at the Omni [Providence] Hotel – IGT pays in full for IGT employees and family members who participate in these races.”
Michael Branch, who spent seven years as a computer operator at IGT’s data center in Jefferson City, Mo., and the past three as a proposal writer in Rhode Island, says the company shows tremendous innovation in its varied approach to on-site offerings that seek to appeal to a wide swath of employee interests, including offerings that include kickboxing, dance, bodyweight, cardio step and yoga.
“I certainly feel that the steady implementation of healthy habits can increase work productivity,” Branch said. “Not by incorporating strict or complex health goals that are unrealistic to dedicate oneself to for longer than a few months such as a current diet trend or ‘miracle pill,’ but rather through the stable alteration of habits – habits that don’t require an excessive amount of money or faith from the participant; just determination.”
Branch said habits such as developing and sticking to a regular sleep schedule; positive stress-coping mechanisms such as running, stretching and focused breathing; and making the effort to drink more water are all great starts and will contribute to productivity in and out of the office.
With executive leadership playing an active role in supporting and communicating IGT’s health and wellness programs, it’s easy for employees to follow their lead.
A healthy thought:
‘IGT takes an innovative, empowerment-based approach [to wellness].’
Erika Benson, Wellness and benefits specialist, International Game Technology PLC
