Workout for the workers
Getting stressed at the workplace is nothing new. What may be new is that many local corporations have recognized the problem and have been instituting programs to help employees cope with stress during tough times.
From stress counselors and “wellness” coaches to on-site yoga classes and massage therapies, local companies have implemented various programs to help their employees bust their stress.
PepsiCo Inc., which recently announced that the Purchase-based beverage company”™s bottling division will keep its headquarters in Somers, is offering several programs to help employees.
“Globally, PepsiCo employs comprehensive worksite health and wellness programs to suit the needs of associates,” spokesperson Kerry Snow said.
As part of the company”™s “Healthy Living” wellness program, employees and their spouses can participate in a stress-management program for free, available online and by phone with a certified wellness coach.
Wellness counselors
“The program provides one-on-one coaching to help employees deal with the stresses in life and improve overall health and well-being. It provides stress-management techniques,” Snow said. PepsiCo also recognizes that financial worries can be a major contributor to stress. It offers a financial wellness program called “Healthy Money,” in which employees can work with a trained financial counselor to build a financial plan and get answers to financial questions ”“ whether it”™s about paying down credit-card debts or planning for retirement.
Corporations have also recognized that one of the best ways to combat stress is through regular exercise. At PepsiCo”™s global headquarters in Purchase, the company provides a 12,000-square-foot exercise facility and aerobics rooms. It also offers year-round competitive and recreational activities and on-site exercise classes ”“ ranging from zumba and cycling to yoga and pilates ”“ as well as meditation seminars and on-site massage therapies to help employees alleviate stress and muscle tension.
Stamford, Conn.-based Purdue Pharma also said it recognizes the importance of its employees”™ well-being and has instituted an extensive wellness program, for which it received the “gold award” from The Business Council of Fairfield County. “We are concerned about the health and wellness of our employees and we want to do what we can to support them in their effort to maintain a healthy lifestyle and their own personal fitness,” said Patty Heyl, senior director of environment, health and safety.
“We have a fairly significant program and we do a number of different efforts.”
The pharmaceutical company, in each one of its sites, maintain health centers staffed by physicians.
From yoga to Tai Chi
People”™s United Bank in Bridgeport, Conn., is also serious about busting employees”™ stress. “We do offer a number of programs related to stress management. We offer an online seminar on stress management. We also offer, through our health care plan from Aetna, several health-assessment and monitoring programs,” said Stacy Moher, manager of employee benefits.
“We also have a slew of fitness offerings. One is our walking program, in partnership with the American Heart Association. We also offer discounts to fitness centers so that our employees can go to fitness centers on a reduced rate. And at our headquarters in Bridgeport, we have a number of on-site exercise classes including yoga and tai chi,” she said.
Verizon, one of the major employers in New York and Connecticut, also offers a number of stress-management programs. These include confidential support and referral services, with further resources available to help employees meet the challenges of everyday life, said John Bonomo, director of media relations. The services are available to all employees and their household members at no additional cost.
And at Entergy and its Indian Point Energy Center in Buchanan, the company has a full-time health coordinator who manages programs and initiatives ”“ called EnShape ”“ to help employees focus on healthy living. “We have an on-site fitness center workout room at Indian Point and employees are entitled to partial reimbursements for gym memberships and other health-conscious activities,” said Jerry Nappi, communications manager at Indian Point.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, at its Purchase office, also offers various wellness programs and encourages employees to utilize these resources, according to Christine Pollak, spokesperson.
The company also regularly holds seminars for its employees on topics including managing stress, work-life balance, weight loss and nutrition.