Empowering workers to manage their own path to health and wellness is an avenue employers have begun to emphasize. more

It is not by chance that faculty and staff at Bryant University have been making healthier choices. In 2005, the Bryant Wellness Committee was formed. The following years brought national recognition from the Wellness Council of America with the kick-off of the successful “Healthy YOU at Bryant U” program. The school’s wellness platform aims to enhance awareness and promote behavioral changes, such as better eating habits and greater physical activity. more

For the people, by the people: The health programs offered at Ryan LLC in Providence, a leading global tax-services firm, aren’t just for workers, they’re designed by workers as well. more

At Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island, staffers can apply for reimbursement checks for bicycle repairs, yoga lessons and health-club memberships. And soon, other workers in the state could be enjoying the same benefits, because the health-plan provider is advising clients to adopt a similar wellness program. more

The health-and-wellness program at Gilbane Inc. – Gilbane Cares – aims to inspire and motivate employees to take responsibility for their own safety and health. more

CharterCare Health Partners, a hospital system that includes Roger Williams Medical Center, St. Joseph’s Health Services and Elmhurst Extended Care, offers a smorgasbord of wellness events and activities for its 2,200 employees. Initiatives include yoga, Pilates, Zumba, walking programs, healthy cooking options, lunch-and-learn sessions, smoking-cessation and sleep-improvement programs, as well as sun safety, body composition and wellness clinics. more

Eight-seven percent of FM Global’s employees said that health and wellness has become part of the company’s culture, according to the most recent employee health survey. “Our business is all about minimizing risk and preventing losses,” said Carole Williamson, manager of FM Global’s health-and-wellness programs, explaining why initiatives resonate with employees. more

Paul E. Kandarian more

On the walking track outside its corporate headquarters on Royal Little Drive in Providence, employees of AAA Southern New England can frequently be seen engaging in the company’s latest wellness challenge – a walking event – in which more than 725 of the firm’s 1,500 employees are participating. Pedometers, so they can measure their progress, are provided through UnitedHealthcare of New England, the self-insured company’s partner in its wellness program. The goal is have employees take 10,000 steps a day. more

Care New England’s commitment to wellness begins at the top. more