Tom’s of Maine Honored by State of Maine for Innovative Healthy Workplace Efforts
Tom’s of Maine, a leading maker of natural personal care products , recently received the Maine Governor’s Council on Physical Activity 2007 Healthy Workplace Award – Medium Business Category. The Award was received by Dee Roberts, Tom’s of Maine’s Community Wellness Leader, at a ceremony hosted by Maine’s Governor John Baldacci at the State House Hall of Flags in Augusta.
Tom’s of Maine received the award for its long history of empowering employees to live healthy, active lives and for an innovative new rewards-based Wellness Challenge implemented earlier this year. The eight-week Challenge encouraged employees to exercise and practice healthy lifestyle habits by awarding points for physical activity (up to one hour each day) and for making healthy dietary and mental choices throughout their day. Employees from all areas of the company—corporate headquarters in Kennebunk, Maine; manufacturing and fulfillment in Sanford, Maine; and field locations across the country—formed teams of five, which built community spirit and created connections between sometimes far-flung coworkers. Over 140 of the 170 Tom’s employees, ranging in age from 20 to 65, participated in the effort.
All participants were awarded $25 for signing up; those who completed the competition were awarded an additional $25 at the end, with the first- and second-place teams receiving more. Throughout the eight weeks the company sponsored and provided two healthy breakfasts and coordinated healthy fellowship lunches where employees gathered to eat, learn about healthy life options, and share their team experiences. Plans are being made for another Wellness Challenge with measurable goals and wellness targets customized for each employee.
Tom’s of Maine also has two employee Wellness Centers, located in both Kennebunk and Sanford, Maine. Ms. Roberts acts as a personal trainer and leads fitness classes in core conditioning and stretching. Employees can take advantage of monthly sessions on everything from proper nutrition to self-defense. Also offered to employees are weekly yoga sessions and monthly on-site massages for nominal fees. For Tom’s of Maine employees across the country, the company provides a $300 benefit per year to use towards personal wellness.