By Jenny Seidman
One of the hallmarks of our organization is the professional team of approximately 1,000 that works with dedication and passion to care for our community. As such, one of our top priorities is to nurture our professionals who provide so much of themselves to support our community.
The volunteer leadership and the management team of The Associated: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore care deeply about our employees and understand that their health and wellness, as well as the wellness of their families, has direct impact on their ongoing commitment to our organization. Having informed, healthy and happy employees is beneficial for an effective workforce.
With healthcare costs on the rise, a wellness program is essential to help reduce medical claims, encourage healthier lifestyle behaviors which in turn increase productivity, boost morale and organizational loyalty.
Through a variety of wellness initiatives, we ensure that the programs are comprehensive and accessible to our entire workforce. We provide a courtesy fitness membership to the Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore, generous benefits and vacation and employee assistance program services, all of which contribute to our team’s physical, mental and financial wellness. Instituting well-being classes during lunch breaks and directly after the work day make it easy for working parents. Providing a variety of options for staff is also a great way to build a more inclusive culture and increase participation.
For the last six years, I have been the dedicated Wellness Manager for The Associated system. My core objectives are to educate, engage and excite employees and their families to take responsibility for their health and wellness.
Wellness Workshops with Health Specialists are held monthly with topics that range from chronic disease prevention, healthy cooking, Stress reduction, Tai Chi, emotional aspects of financial management and the importance of digitally detoxing. An annual Wellness Expo provides staff with flu shots and biometric screenings, vision and hearing testing at no cost.
By meeting employees where they are, we make it easier for staff to take advantage of our wellness programs. Time is given to staff who participate in a Weight Watcher’s program that meets weekly on-site. We incentivize staff to have annual physicals and complete an annual health survey so that they are conscious and informed on their health status.
I am proud of the strides we have made to create a healthy and happy workplace for our employees and look forward to continually growing this program for the sake of our most treasured asset – our employees, that’s why it matters.
Rochelle Eisenberg contributed to this article.
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