Worksite Wellness and Sustainability: Bringing Fitness to the Bottom Line

Because most adults spend a majority of their waking hours at work, a sustainable working environment is critical.  The work site, organizational culture and working environment are powerful influences on behavior.   Wellness programs have been used as instruments to address weight reduction, reduced stress levels, improved physical fitness, health, and well being.   But did you know they are also linked to business sustainability programs improving the bottom line? 

 Elaine Cohen, author of the CSR for HR  notes in a post, “It is estimated that employers spend $13 billion annually on the total cost of obesity. Approximately 9.1% of all health care costs in the United States are related to obesity and overweight. Workplace obesity prevention and control programs can be an effective way for employers to reduce obesity. They can produce a direct financial return on investment (ROI) by lowering health care costs, lowering absenteeism, and increasing employee productivity.”

  Additionally, “Return on investment – Canada Life in Toronto showed a return of $6.85 for every $1 invested in its Workplace Wellness program; while the Canadian government realized $1.95-$3.75 per employee per $1 spent.”

  Within our sustainability consulting, we cite the benefits of wellness programs as part of sustainable business strategies for all sizes of organizations:  

•    Enhanced recruitment and retention of healthy employees
•    Reduced health care costs
•    Decreased rates of illness and injuries
•    Reduced employee absenteeism
•    Improved employee relations and morale
•    Increased productivity

        Providing employees with wellness programs not only provides them a way to improve their health, but it also demonstrates corporate social responsibility.  Businesses taking it to the next step are integrating sustainability plans into the core business and including wellness programs as a means to improve the bottom line.

Houses are for Residents; Homes are for Families « Building Healthy Communities

I just returned from the absolute best Habitat build – ever.  Without exaggeration, I’ve probably visited over 100 houses built by Habitat for Humanity and been to dozens of build events.  I’ve never left one feeling disappointed; never felt like my time wasn’t very well spent; could always see the tangible impact of the volunteers’ efforts.  But the one I participated in last week truly stands apart.

I meant to write this last week on the plane ride home, but I needed some time and perspective to consider why this event was different.  Almost all volunteer events are special and rewarding; you always leave feeling better about human beings than when you arrived.  For me, when the work involves a house, it is even more fulfilling because someone has trusted you to come into their home, their most personal place, and allowed you to put part of yourself there, whether by building it, improving it or repairing it.  (And, I must admit, that I often wonder whether I would want someone like me working on my own home!)  Last week’s event was unusual in a number of ways, not the least of which was the spectacular location in Colorado – in September, no less.  Additionally, it was an amazingly large event, the largest I’ve participated in, with over 600 volunteers and thanks to Pikes Peak Habitat for Humanity, exceptionally well organized.

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Parlez-vous Green?

Sometimes when I talk about green living or a sustainable lifestyle to someone unfamiliar with environmental values, I get the “deer in the headlights” look.  You know, the eyes gloss over, there’s a lost look in the face, and there’s a gentle stare of confusion.  As a green living consultant, I view these moments as a gift in time to share the value of living a sustainable lifestyle for myself  -  with someone else.

In my professional consulting, I’ve discovered the easiest way to promote a sustainable lifestyle to others is by sharing with friends, neighbors, and in the community.  Sharing is a genuine expression of the value found in the sustainability concepts that are embraced in your life.  It’s easier for others to make the connection between the ideas of living green and how it’s put into action when examples are shared.

Following are suggestions mentioned in our eco friendly training to help get the conversation going.

Want to talk about the weather?  Grow that typical conversation about local weather patterns into an expanding discussion about climate change.  Take the lead and solicit opinions about global warming, pollution, emissions, or a host of other environmental issues and opportunities related to the weather.  Explore possible solutions and eco actions to take.

Want to talk about work?  Turn that uninspiring workplace problem into an exploration of business sustainability solutions.  Leverage those issues into a discussion of business innovation, operational efficiencies, or exciting new technologies.

 •    Want to talk about family and children?  Explore conversations about green living, eco travel, or fun green activities for the kids.

 •    Want to talk about projects around the house?  There is a number of topics to choose from, either though personal experience or thoughts of doing in the future.  As a starter, energy efficiency is always a conversation starter for home improvement projects and appliance upgrades.

 Remember to share what you are doing and why you like taking those eco actions.  If it feels good to preserve natural resources, say so.  Are you saving money? Say that too!  We all have different motivations and your sharing of your sustainable lifestyle may very well inspire your friends, neighbors, and family members to discover the value in green living for them. 

Fashion, Fun and Good Business

Fashion Week is over, but the week held memorable events for the “Good Business” community.

By far the most fabulous event of Fashion Night 2010 in New York (September 10) was the jazzy champagne flowing evening at haute couture cashmere company Brunello Cucinelli. At least that is where Good-B’s Executive Director Monika Mitchell and Associate Editor Debbie Almonte chose to spend the evening.

Decked out in their Madison Avenue best, Deb and Monika strolled into Cucinelli at 683 Madison Ave, 2 blocks from Barney’s New York, to join the festive New York tradition. Why? Well, first of all, the event featured the brilliantly talented and upcoming star Joey Pero. Pero sings like Sinatra, plays like Wynton, and looks like a young Elvis. The charming Joey recently released his new album “Resonance” to critical acclaim-worth a listen and destined to be a classic.

However, what brought Good-B’s dynamic duo there was not the young star, fantastic music or the fabulous clothes, it was the philosophy of the luxury cashmere company itself. Company founder Brunello Cucinelli is a self-described “ethical capitalist.” What? Not just fluff and feathers? Er…cashmere?

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New York Fashion Week: Compassion goes Trendy

Never say that New Yorkers trivialize the most sacred things, but…we can find a way to make almost anything chic!

This week was Fashion Week in the Big Apple and the buzz in high couture is eco-conscious and socially responsible. Green rags are all the rage. Earth911 reported on a great collection by eco-conscious Luis Valenzuela called “upcycled couture” featuring clothing made with “silk from lampshades, chandelier crystals and printed recycled fabrics.”

Change.org reports one designer Jaclyn Sharp presented her collection “Imposter” featuring fake fur and imitation leather. Sharp brands her line as “certified animal friendly” for those animal lovers who wish to make “the compassionate choice.”

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