CMCS Connections

Sarah Murphy appreciates the CMCS treadmill desks and uses them frequently. CMCS Wellness in the Workplace by Katie Gray, Director of Human Resources I n 2010, CMCS rolled out a new wellness program for our employees. Realizing that healthy employees in general are more productive and have lower medical costs, we began offering "healthy credits" as a reward for employees who participate in the wellness program. Points can be earned by completing healthrisk assessments and screenings, engaging in behavior modification programs (such as tobacco cessation), exercising, complying with preventive guidelines and obtaining further health education. At the end of 2012, CMCS realized that we wanted more than just a wellness program. We wanted to create an environment at CMCS that promoted wellness through a healthy lifestyle. We formed a Wellness Committee to help us find new, creative ways to meet our health goals. CMCS has worked hard to create a healthy culture that educates, motivates and empowers our employees to adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Both physical and mental health have been encouraged through diverse programs and educational events. Our hope is that by raising awareness and actively engaging our employees in health-conscious activities, they will see the huge difference that healthy choices can make in their overall health and quality of life. Some of the activities that we have offered to promote wellness include: on site Yoga classes, organized walks, Lunch and Learn Sessions, Health Fairs, No Elevator Days, No Treat Tuesdays, treadmill desks, and healthy choices for catered lunches. Some of the Lunch and Learn Sessions have included topics such as CMCS connections 2 Healthy Cooking, Creating a Long Health Span: Improving Quality of Life, Diabetes: Diet and Education, Financial Wellness and Geometric Psychology. I n Fe b r u a r y t h e We l l n e s s Committee teamed up with the Volunteer Committee for a GoRed campaign to promote American Heart Month. Both committees worked together to provide educational information and activities to encourage everyone to take action against heart disease. CMCS also raised $489.00 for the American Heart Association as a result of our campaign efforts. Our company hosted its first health fair in March. Informative material and demonstrations were provided to increase and promote health awareness. During the middle of May, employees also enjoyed a Health & Fitness Week complete with a nutrition presentation, yoga demonstration, outside physical activities and a healthy food tasting. The CMCS staff has embraced the two LifeSpan treadmill desks that were purchased in June. The desks include an adjustable work surface complete with laptops and are loaded with technology that tracks time, distance, and calories burned. The treadmill desks operate between 0.1 – 4.0 mph, so they are safe to work and walk at the same time. Our goal was to get employees away from their desk to reduce the negative effects of prolonged sitting. Employees sign up for 15-minute intervals on the treadmill desks where they can keep working while moving. The Surgeon General recommends a minimum of 10,000 steps per day and Sarah Murphy, an avid user of the treadmill desks, appreciates the fact that she is able to take care of about 2,500 of those steps every day while at work. "They're wonderful," Sarah states. "Such a great way to keep moving." As we move towards another new year, CMCS will continue to strategize on ways to improve the health and wellness of our employees. 4th quarter 2013

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