Good health follows good stress-reduction programs

Good health is about more than low cholesterol and blood pressure readings. In fact, one of the most important factors is how a person copes with stress. That’s why so many of the companies named to PBN’s 2014 Healthiest Employers list have put programs in place to help their workers reduce the stress in their lives.
Rhode Island’s corporate citizens have seen the success of ShapeUp Rhode Island’s social approach to physical activity in the workplace and have signed on, or have looked at ways they can adapt the approach to their own unique circumstances. The result: many pounds lost and a healthier workforce.
A more recent phenomenon is companies providing financial counseling to their workers. With tight budgets and stagnant wages, the stress that comes from managing money and planning for the future can leave many people searching for peace of mind.
Of course, there are many other things progressive employers can do, from sponsoring group exercise classes to supplying healthy snacks, all in addition to proactive health care programs. The following pages provide evidence of all these approaches and more.
Healthiest Employers once again did the surveying and judging of the entrants, providing the expertise to identify those companies doing the most to support the wellness of their employees. Their judgment is reflected in the 32 for-profit and nonprofit enterprises you see profiled in this special section.
The corporate community’s help allows PBN to put on its recognition programs, and this year’s Healthiest Employers is no exception. The presenting sponsor once again is Tufts Health Plan. Partner sponsors are the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, CVS Caremark Corp., Santander Bank and USI Insurance Services. The media sponsor is AM790.

Mark S. Murphy
Editor

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