A Job Well Done

Would it not be great to have a gym, organic cafeteria and incentive program to exercise at your fingertips every day at work?  Eating Well Magazine has found some incredible places to work that will undoubtedly improve your quality of life.  An interesting statistic is that obesity costs Americans $13 billion annually.  One study showed that for each dollar that a company decides to dedicate to a wellness program, they will end up saving an average of $3.14.   Let the following stories inspire you to make change at your office, your home and in your community. 

NRG Systems- Hinesburg, VT
*Manufactures wind measurement equipment for the energy industry
The CEO and founders of this company, Jan & David Blittersdorf, have collectively lost 135 pounds.  After transforming their lives, they wanted to support similar efforts from their employees.  Meals from the kitchen are made from organic vegetables grown nearby or the staff all pitch in to make a meal together.  They also have a pool, workout facility and a summer bike to work challenge.  The Blittersdorfs will also sponsor any employee that wants to take part in the University of Vermont’s weight loss program called VTrim. 

 Google- Mountain View, CA
*Internet search engine company- so famous, Google is both a noun and a verb!
Not only is it one of the best search engines around, it may have the best lunch in town.  Fresh sushi, roasted bass and Japanese Udon noodle salad are all available to employees at not cost.  Yes, I said FREE!  They also have a nutritionist that mingles with the lunch crowd and answers their nutrition questions.  Much of the lunch food comes from local growers, too.  They also have onsite locker/shower rooms for those exercising their way to work, on-site physicians, massage therapists and a twice weekly hair cutting service.  Wow!

Stark Investments – St. Francis, WI (full disclosure – my husband’s employer!)
*Hedge Fund
Founder Brian Stark works out daily, often biking 30 miles to and from work, and has installed state of the art workout facilities in each of the company’s 11 offices world-wide.  Stark also has an on-site cafeteria that offers subsidized healthy options for employees, even in the land of beer and cheese!

Organic Valley- La Farge, WI
*Maker of organic foods like milk, juice, cheese and yogurts
This company offers an onsite workout facility, yoga classes, kickboxing, cooking classes, healthy onsite meals for lunch and more.

Moen- North Olmstead, OH
*Kitchen and Bath fixtures company
Every year, employees at Moen compete in a weight loss incentive program.

Stark Mountain- New Haven, CT
*Custom wood working company
When the owner Skimmer Hellier built a kitchen at work, employees, friends and families started taking turns preparing healthy lunches.  Employees that bike 650 miles to work throughout the year received a $1,000 bonus!  No bike, you will be given a $500 advance to buy your own bike!

*Consider Organic to Go if you live in Seattle, LA or Orange County California.  Employees of Boeing and Starbucks corporate office use this service to bring in healthy foods like salad, wraps and sandwiches.  Forget about ordering pizza and Subway!

Get inspired to make changes at home and work….go greener, get healthier, feel better!