What our clients are saying:
Employer’s Edge Magazine Excerpts
PRODUCTIVITY
Absenteeism among the skilled workers at the McCormick Canada spice plant in London can critically hurt productivity, says Plant Manager Brian Teall. “We have 21 production lines, but if I have too many people call in sick, I’m forced to close a line. We lose eight hours of production on that line.”
Long gone are the days when a company could afford employees who would float through the plant and fill in where needed. Today, companies need to maximize their workforce and keep costs down in order to remain competitive.
For McCormick, the added pressure is that the food industry must adhere to strict regulations and replacing experienced employees who operate to the high standards as required, is extremely difficult, Brian explains.
Employer’s Edge has stepped in to teach employees the benefits of a healthy diet, how to choose healthy foods, and all the things they can do to remain in good health and maintain their energy levels all day.
McCormick has a strong focus on health and safety and has made Employer’s Edge part of its wellness training for staff.
“Maintaining a healthy workforce is going to directly benefit the bottom line,” Brian says.
MARKETING TOOL
The work at the Children’s Aid Society is highly stressful as caseworkers and staff deal with emotionally charged situations. Some cases may be life and death - most involve circumstances that can have a lasting impact on children and their families.
“It was important for us to look after our employees, to help them feel better about themselves and better cope with the stressful situations in which they find themselves,” says Chris Steven, Executive Director for the CAS of Oxford County. “We are also in a competitive market place for qualified staff, and for a small agency like ours - we need every advantage to retain staff and recruit good qualified people.”
Chris says Employer’s Edge has implemented a much-needed wellness program that he believes will pay dividends in the long-term.
“It goes to the heart of our corporate culture, in that we are interested in and have respect for the individual. It conveys that we understand the impact of this work environment and recognize that as an employer, we have a responsibility to an employee’s wellness.
“It demonstrates that we are not just interested in the bottom line,” Chris says, adding that when it comes to retaining valued staff and attracting new employees, that message will speak volumes about the corporate culture at Oxford County.
PERSONALIZED PROGRAMMING
Mary Flannigan, a Legal Assistant at Harrison Pensa law firm, says she has Employer’s Edge to thank for helping her get her diabetes under control. In fact, she says, her own doctor wrote Employer’s Edge to congratulate the firm for helping Mary achieve a healthier and more active lifestyle.
“I feel a lot better. I have more energy. I’m off my medication and everything is normal,” Mary says gratefully.
She admits she was skeptical about the wellness program initiated by her employer at first, but is now sold on the benefits. With help from Employer’s Edge, Mary now exercises and looks forward to going to the grocery store, shopping for the foods that are right for her, and preparing healthy meals.
The program seems to have raised energy levels, which has helped everyone become more productive, says CEO Geoff Pulford.
Harrison Pensa has the benefit of a full gymnasium in the building, and while it had been used by the serious athletic types, the use blossomed among other staff when Employer’s Edge initiated a personal fitness program.
And while the program is building a healthy, productive staff, it is also telling employees, as well as articling student recruits, that the firm is concerned about the welfare of its employees, and that it is not obsessed with billable hours.
“It tells people we value and encourage balance in life - we invest in it,” Geoff says.
IMPROVING THE BOTTOM LINE
Joe Barnes of Barnes Insurance and Financial Services Inc , a full-service Co-operators insurance agency , can foresee the day when wellness programs will be a product that could be added to a company’s employee group insurance coverage. The benefits are just that great, he says.
Absenteeism, lost time injuries, disability and illness claims, rising premiums - they all impact the bottom line .In a future of shrinking margins and competitive pricing, every area of savings could be the difference between failure and success for many companies.
The Co-operators supplies a full range of insurance products for corporations, employees and individuals. Also available is a full analysis of existing company insurance plans to help mitigate bottom line damage. Because of Co-operators’ extensive work with companies of all sizes, Joe has seen the destruction that can be caused by high claims and lost time injuries and illness.
“ Every time I talk to our group insurance division on the topic of wellness programs, they are very supportive.” Joe believes companies can expect lower premium increases because there will be fewer claims, less time off for injuries and illness, more productive employees and less reliance on costly prescription drugs.
“A firm like Employer’s Edge is on the leading edge of bringing wellness into the corporate world, and, over time, more companies are going to realize that the benefits are significant,” Joe says.
” In fact assisting well trained employees to become healthier and happier will be a major factor in stabilizing and retaining a company’s workforce thereby making them more profitable.”
HAPPY EMPLOYEES
Melanie Caperchione had made the New Year’s resolution - eat healthier, and therefore lose weight. But she was just setting herself up for failure as many resolutions do.
January 11, 2006, however, is forever burned in her memory as the day she got her life, and weight, on track. That was the day she attended a nutrition seminar sponsored by her firm, Harrison Pensa, and given by Employer’s Edge.
“That’s when it really hit home about what I should be eating, and the portion sizes. I had never really had that kind of instruction and all of a sudden it made sense,” Melanie says. “Employer’s Edge also set me up on an exercise program, and knew how to keep it interesting and fun so I wouldn’t lose interest.”
Within the first nine months, Melanie dropped 30 pounds, and started to feel much better about herself and the fact she had more energy. “I had more energy for my children - beating them at basketball and literally running circles around them. They are absolutely thrilled that their mom plays soccer and basketball with them. Just the other night, I went jogging with my oldest.”
A law clerk at Harrison Pensa, Melanie also appreciates the firm introducing a wellness program and having qualified and knowledgeable instructors like the certified professionals with Employer’s Edge who ensure the seminars and training have value, that they are instructive and informative.
“I feel valued and appreciated, and I look forward to coming to work. A healthier employee is a happy employee. It improves your outlook in your life and your attitude at work,” Melanie says.
WORK-LIFE BALANCE
Finding balance at work and in life is extremely important, says Peter Downs, a Partner at the law firm Lerners LLP. For someone who has run marathons and who has practiced a good work-life regime, Peter says he recognizes the value that Employer’s Edge brings to the entire firm.
“Their program was not only about exercise, but also the right diet. It teaches people how to eat healthy and the importance of physical activity,” Peter says, adding he benefited personally from the instruction Employer’s Edge provided.
“Their encouragement and advice to eat more sensibly and to exercise reduced my stress and helped me to better concentrate, which has resulted in increased productivity and work satisfaction,” Peter says.
He believes the result has been the same for many others around the office, adding that more importantly, through the practical advice and instruction offered by Employer’s Edge, Lerners employees are learning to have a fuller life with a better work and life balance.
RETURNING TO WORK
Linda, a receptionist, has worked at law firm Lerners LPP for 17 years, but had been off work for close to two years with a major medical problem.
As part of her rehabilitation, Linda saw specialists including a kinesiologist, a nurse practitioner and nutritionist. And while there was some improvement in her health, most of her sessions were group settings that Linda found difficult. “The information I was getting was too general; I felt like one of the many and not getting enough of the individual help I needed,” she says.
That is, until Employer’s Edge began visiting her at home as part of Lerners’ wellness program.
“The consultant was a spark. She was really relaxed and didn’t push, but she encouraged me and I began to lose weight. She took me through my diet step-by-step and incorporated an exercise program.”
The result is Linda lost over 60 pounds, says she is feeling stronger and healthier, and after returning to work part time for several weeks is now back full time.
“I recommend a program like this wholeheartedly. We’re fortunate at Lerners to have this in-house. It’s been terrific. The program allows individuals to gain knowledge, strength and confidence to take charge of their health and improves their chances of having a healthy and rewarding life.”
CORPORATE CULTURE
What kind of corporate culture would you like to have? How about a culture where employees are loyal, feel valued, happy at work and willing in to put in the extra effort.
It’s not beyond the realm of possibility. At least, not according to Deb Cumming, Executive Director of Administration at the law firm of Lerners LLP, which initiated a wellness program with Employer’s Edge in 2004.
“There is no doubt that the program has been very well received by the staff. It provides a benefit they did not have in the past, and it is something they appreciate and enjoy,” Deb says.
Getting out to exercise is difficult for some people so bringing the program in-house has been an enormous benefit and boost to morale.
The educational seminars have featured knowledgeable speakers on a variety of interesting topics. They have been extremely well attended. The speakers have provided concrete advice that employees can take away with them.
“There has been a very positive attitude toward the program, and the employees who have embraced the program are happier and healthier. I think that the program reflects well on the firm, and provides a better attitude within the firm,” Deb says.
MORALE BOOSTER
As its workforce ages, McKay Cocker Construction Ltd. has been looking for ways to help employees remain healthy and, therefore, happy.
A year ago, the company brought in Employer’s Edge and the benefits are evident, says Brenda DeCoste, HR Administrator.
“Among the women, and there are 12 of us, we’re all on board with the wellness program and we’re all losing weight. With the men, they wanted to build muscle and enjoy the one-on-one instruction they receive.”
The positive vibes, plus the fact that a couple of employees have also managed to quit smoking, have gone a long way to boosting morale within the company, she says.
“We never had an issue with absenteeism, but as we get older there are health issues and other concerns that begin to arise. Just having a program like this demonstrates that the company is interested in being progressive and proactive, and that the well-being of the employees is important,” Brenda says.
CORPORATE FITNESS
More and more companies are looking into in-house fitness facilities to help their employees stay fit. But it is more than simply putting a treadmill and some weights in a room. A well-managed company recognizes when to get outside assistance and guidance when exploring initiatives in which they have no specific expertise.
"It is very frustrating to have companies investing money in inappropriate equipment for their facility, and then complain that no one ever uses it,” says Darlene Zaifman-Guslits of Fit For Life. “Hiring a team like Employer’s Edge ensures you make the right equipment choices, and that your staff have the training on how to use the equipment properly and how to stay motivated." Trust is a huge factor when trying to get the best value for your dollar, so Employer’s Edge chose carefully when they selected Fit For Life as their preferred fitness equipment supplier. Fit For Life has been supplying corporate health facilities with high quality machines for 18 years. They have a reputation for treating each customer with the personal attention that they need, from the design stage through to delivery and maintenance.
"You do not need to pay for 24 hour/day health club equipment to go into a corporate health facility,” Darlene says, adding, “We specialize in light commercial equipment that is perfect for your setting at a cost that is surprisingly affordable."
Many companies also use home exercise equipment, or unique health items like massage chairs, as sales incentives or special gifts for their employees.
What our clients are saying:
Employer’s Edge Magazine Excerpts
PRODUCTIVITY
Absenteeism among the skilled workers at the McCormick Canada spice plant in London can critically hurt productivity, says Plant Manager Brian Teall. “We have 21 production lines, but if I have too many people call in sick, I’m forced to close a line. We lose eight hours of production on that line.”
Long gone are the days when a company could afford employees who would float through the plant and fill in where needed. Today, companies need to maximize their workforce and keep costs down in order to remain competitive.
For McCormick, the added pressure is that the food industry must adhere to strict regulations and replacing experienced employees who operate to the high standards as required, is extremely difficult, Brian explains.
Employer’s Edge has stepped in to teach employees the benefits of a healthy diet, how to choose healthy foods, and all the things they can do to remain in good health and maintain their energy levels all day.
McCormick has a strong focus on health and safety and has made Employer’s Edge part of its wellness training for staff.
“Maintaining a healthy workforce is going to directly benefit the bottom line,” Brian says.
MARKETING TOOL
The work at the Children’s Aid Society is highly stressful as caseworkers and staff deal with emotionally charged situations. Some cases may be life and death - most involve circumstances that can have a lasting impact on children and their families.
“It was important for us to look after our employees, to help them feel better about themselves and better cope with the stressful situations in which they find themselves,” says Chris Steven, Executive Director for the CAS of Oxford County. “We are also in a competitive market place for qualified staff, and for a small agency like ours - we need every advantage to retain staff and recruit good qualified people.”
Chris says Employer’s Edge has implemented a much-needed wellness program that he believes will pay dividends in the long-term.
“It goes to the heart of our corporate culture, in that we are interested in and have respect for the individual. It conveys that we understand the impact of this work environment and recognize that as an employer, we have a responsibility to an employee’s wellness.
“It demonstrates that we are not just interested in the bottom line,” Chris says, adding that when it comes to retaining valued staff and attracting new employees, that message will speak volumes about the corporate culture at Oxford County.
PERSONALIZED PROGRAMMING
Mary Flannigan, a Legal Assistant at Harrison Pensa law firm, says she has Employer’s Edge to thank for helping her get her diabetes under control. In fact, she says, her own doctor wrote Employer’s Edge to congratulate the firm for helping Mary achieve a healthier and more active lifestyle.
“I feel a lot better. I have more energy. I’m off my medication and everything is normal,” Mary says gratefully.
She admits she was skeptical about the wellness program initiated by her employer at first, but is now sold on the benefits. With help from Employer’s Edge, Mary now exercises and looks forward to going to the grocery store, shopping for the foods that are right for her, and preparing healthy meals.
The program seems to have raised energy levels, which has helped everyone become more productive, says CEO Geoff Pulford.
Harrison Pensa has the benefit of a full gymnasium in the building, and while it had been used by the serious athletic types, the use blossomed among other staff when Employer’s Edge initiated a personal fitness program.
And while the program is building a healthy, productive staff, it is also telling employees, as well as articling student recruits, that the firm is concerned about the welfare of its employees, and that it is not obsessed with billable hours.
“It tells people we value and encourage balance in life - we invest in it,” Geoff says.
IMPROVING THE BOTTOM LINE
Joe Barnes of Barnes Insurance and Financial Services Inc , a full-service Co-operators insurance agency , can foresee the day when wellness programs will be a product that could be added to a company’s employee group insurance coverage. The benefits are just that great, he says.
Absenteeism, lost time injuries, disability and illness claims, rising premiums - they all impact the bottom line .In a future of shrinking margins and competitive pricing, every area of savings could be the difference between failure and success for many companies.
The Co-operators supplies a full range of insurance products for corporations, employees and individuals. Also available is a full analysis of existing company insurance plans to help mitigate bottom line damage. Because of Co-operators’ extensive work with companies of all sizes, Joe has seen the destruction that can be caused by high claims and lost time injuries and illness.
“ Every time I talk to our group insurance division on the topic of wellness programs, they are very supportive.” Joe believes companies can expect lower premium increases because there will be fewer claims, less time off for injuries and illness, more productive employees and less reliance on costly prescription drugs.
“A firm like Employer’s Edge is on the leading edge of bringing wellness into the corporate world, and, over time, more companies are going to realize that the benefits are significant,” Joe says.
” In fact assisting well trained employees to become healthier and happier will be a major factor in stabilizing and retaining a company’s workforce thereby making them more profitable.”
HAPPY EMPLOYEES
Melanie Caperchione had made the New Year’s resolution - eat healthier, and therefore lose weight. But she was just setting herself up for failure as many resolutions do.
January 11, 2006, however, is forever burned in her memory as the day she got her life, and weight, on track. That was the day she attended a nutrition seminar sponsored by her firm, Harrison Pensa, and given by Employer’s Edge.
“That’s when it really hit home about what I should be eating, and the portion sizes. I had never really had that kind of instruction and all of a sudden it made sense,” Melanie says. “Employer’s Edge also set me up on an exercise program, and knew how to keep it interesting and fun so I wouldn’t lose interest.”
Within the first nine months, Melanie dropped 30 pounds, and started to feel much better about herself and the fact she had more energy. “I had more energy for my children - beating them at basketball and literally running circles around them. They are absolutely thrilled that their mom plays soccer and basketball with them. Just the other night, I went jogging with my oldest.”
A law clerk at Harrison Pensa, Melanie also appreciates the firm introducing a wellness program and having qualified and knowledgeable instructors like the certified professionals with Employer’s Edge who ensure the seminars and training have value, that they are instructive and informative.
“I feel valued and appreciated, and I look forward to coming to work. A healthier employee is a happy employee. It improves your outlook in your life and your attitude at work,” Melanie says.
WORK-LIFE BALANCE
Finding balance at work and in life is extremely important, says Peter Downs, a Partner at the law firm Lerners LLP. For someone who has run marathons and who has practiced a good work-life regime, Peter says he recognizes the value that Employer’s Edge brings to the entire firm.
“Their program was not only about exercise, but also the right diet. It teaches people how to eat healthy and the importance of physical activity,” Peter says, adding he benefited personally from the instruction Employer’s Edge provided.
“Their encouragement and advice to eat more sensibly and to exercise reduced my stress and helped me to better concentrate, which has resulted in increased productivity and work satisfaction,” Peter says.
He believes the result has been the same for many others around the office, adding that more importantly, through the practical advice and instruction offered by Employer’s Edge, Lerners employees are learning to have a fuller life with a better work and life balance.
RETURNING TO WORK
Linda, a receptionist, has worked at law firm Lerners LPP for 17 years, but had been off work for close to two years with a major medical problem.
As part of her rehabilitation, Linda saw specialists including a kinesiologist, a nurse practitioner and nutritionist. And while there was some improvement in her health, most of her sessions were group settings that Linda found difficult. “The information I was getting was too general; I felt like one of the many and not getting enough of the individual help I needed,” she says.
That is, until Employer’s Edge began visiting her at home as part of Lerners’ wellness program.
“The consultant was a spark. She was really relaxed and didn’t push, but she encouraged me and I began to lose weight. She took me through my diet step-by-step and incorporated an exercise program.”
The result is Linda lost over 60 pounds, says she is feeling stronger and healthier, and after returning to work part time for several weeks is now back full time.
“I recommend a program like this wholeheartedly. We’re fortunate at Lerners to have this in-house. It’s been terrific. The program allows individuals to gain knowledge, strength and confidence to take charge of their health and improves their chances of having a healthy and rewarding life.”
CORPORATE CULTURE
What kind of corporate culture would you like to have? How about a culture where employees are loyal, feel valued, happy at work and willing in to put in the extra effort.
It’s not beyond the realm of possibility. At least, not according to Deb Cumming, Executive Director of Administration at the law firm of Lerners LLP, which initiated a wellness program with Employer’s Edge in 2004.
“There is no doubt that the program has been very well received by the staff. It provides a benefit they did not have in the past, and it is something they appreciate and enjoy,” Deb says.
Getting out to exercise is difficult for some people so bringing the program in-house has been an enormous benefit and boost to morale.
The educational seminars have featured knowledgeable speakers on a variety of interesting topics. They have been extremely well attended. The speakers have provided concrete advice that employees can take away with them.
“There has been a very positive attitude toward the program, and the employees who have embraced the program are happier and healthier. I think that the program reflects well on the firm, and provides a better attitude within the firm,” Deb says.
MORALE BOOSTER
As its workforce ages, McKay Cocker Construction Ltd. has been looking for ways to help employees remain healthy and, therefore, happy.
A year ago, the company brought in Employer’s Edge and the benefits are evident, says Brenda DeCoste, HR Administrator.
“Among the women, and there are 12 of us, we’re all on board with the wellness program and we’re all losing weight. With the men, they wanted to build muscle and enjoy the one-on-one instruction they receive.”
The positive vibes, plus the fact that a couple of employees have also managed to quit smoking, have gone a long way to boosting morale within the company, she says.
“We never had an issue with absenteeism, but as we get older there are health issues and other concerns that begin to arise. Just having a program like this demonstrates that the company is interested in being progressive and proactive, and that the well-being of the employees is important,” Brenda says.
CORPORATE FITNESS
More and more companies are looking into in-house fitness facilities to help their employees stay fit. But it is more than simply putting a treadmill and some weights in a room. A well-managed company recognizes when to get outside assistance and guidance when exploring initiatives in which they have no specific expertise.
"It is very frustrating to have companies investing money in inappropriate equipment for their facility, and then complain that no one ever uses it,” says Darlene Zaifman-Guslits of Fit For Life. “Hiring a team like Employer’s Edge ensures you make the right equipment choices, and that your staff have the training on how to use the equipment properly and how to stay motivated." Trust is a huge factor when trying to get the best value for your dollar, so Employer’s Edge chose carefully when they selected Fit For Life as their preferred fitness equipment supplier. Fit For Life has been supplying corporate health facilities with high quality machines for 18 years. They have a reputation for treating each customer with the personal attention that they need, from the design stage through to delivery and maintenance.
"You do not need to pay for 24 hour/day health club equipment to go into a corporate health facility,” Darlene says, adding, “We specialize in light commercial equipment that is perfect for your setting at a cost that is surprisingly affordable."
Many companies also use home exercise equipment, or unique health items like massage chairs, as sales incentives or special gifts for their employees.
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