With the recent changes in healthcare policy and the rising healthcare costs in the workplace, employers are getting creative and inspiring healthy lifestyles among their employees. Local employers are endorsing employee participation in races like the Gazelle Girl Half Marathon & 5k to build team morale, boost fitness and help raise over $50,000 for area charities that benefit programs for women and girls.
For local business owner Robert Hughes, the Gazelle Girl Half Marathon & 5k is a way his employees can help make a difference - and focus on their fitness goals.
“The Gazelle Girl Half Marathon & 5k is a natural fit for our wellness program,” says Hughes, president of Advantage Benefits Group. “We love the uniqueness of the event, and as a runner I love the mission that encourages women of all fitness abilities to run. And when you can combine corporate wellness with a charity race like Gazelle Girl Half Marathon & 5k- you’ve got a double win.”
An expert in employee benefits and wellness programs, Hughes knows firsthand the impacts that recent healthcare policy changes and rising healthcare costs have had on employers.
“Healthcare costs continue to escalate for employers and employees. Employers are focusing more on ways to encourage healthy behaviors,” explained Hughes. “There is a trend of employers offering creative incentives and programs to encourage healthy behaviors such as supporting their employees to participate in events like the Gazelle Girl Half Marathon & 5k.”
To employers considering developing a similar wellness initiative Hughes recommends to make it easy for people to do, be fun, be supportive and suggest ideas for all abilities. For Hughes, the Gazelle Girl Half Marathon & 5k fits this bill perfectly.
“We have created an in-house wellness competition among employees to encourage active lifestyles,” explained Hughes. “We sponsor employees’ participation in events like the Gazelle Girl Half Marathon & 5k and the MSU Gran Fondo cycling event.”
Advantage Benefits Group not only covers racer registrations, but incentivizes participation in their wellness competition with gift cards. Each employee also receives a wearable fitness device paid for by the company to track everyone’s activities.
While some employers may balk at the idea of encouraging a running group on company time, Hughes believes in the power of encouraging employees to lead healthy lifestyles. “As an employer, what you will get is healthier, happier, more energetic employees,” encouraged Hughes. “Not to mention, the camaraderie developed in team events like the Gazelle Girl Half Marathon & 5k translates into teamwork in the office. And that is better for everyone.”
Sharon Loughridge, president and C.E.O. of D.A. Blodgett - St. John’s echoes Hughes’ sentiment. “Investing in your wellness team pays big dividends,” says Loughridge. “You have a healthier workforce; you have a happier, more positive attitude workforce and it builds morale and team spirit across your agency.”
In addition to being an event charity partner, D.A. Blodgett - St. John’s sponsored over 40 runners from their staff last year to participate in the Gazelle Girl Half Marathon & 5k as part of their wellness initiative. This year, DA Blodgett - St. John’s expects a similar turnout. “We had staff involved from across all program areas and campuses from the entire agency. They were proud of their efforts and also proud of D.A. Blodgett - St. John’s sponsoring them.”
Loughridge views the racer registrations as an investment in her employees. “ I think the fees invested are well worth the payout to the agency and the staff who participate,” says Loughridge. “It’s a great way to show your staff you appreciate them, care about them, and get some really great exposure and kudos for your agency.”
Employees agree. Jessica Bigelow, account manager at Advantage Benefits Group trained as part of the ABG team for the half marathon distance. “I enjoyed it being an all-female event, it brought a new and interesting dynamic to the race,” said Bigelow. “My colleagues did wait at the finish line for me to finish and were wonderful supporters.”
“Completing the Gazelle Girl Half Marathon & 5k as a team established a more cohesive bond with my colleagues and helped to kick start our company wellness program,” said Bigelow. “I look forward to participating in the event again this year. “
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