For the last 2 tax seasons, we have implemented a Wellness Program to encourage healthy habits and reduce stress at a time when the work days are longer, the workloads are heavier and eating habits are more quick and convenient instead of nurturing. We form teams for a 9-week walk-a-thon challenge to encourage active movement throughout the day and enhance staff camaraderie. By providing every employee with a pedometer, the goal is to walk as much as possible over the course of each week and the individual with the most steps is rewarded with their choice of items like weights, exercise videos and books, yoga balls, water bottles, gym bags, gift cards for healthy eating options, and much more.
At the end of tax season, there will also be grand prizes given to the individual and team with the most steps. We will also recognize and reward most improved, most spirited and most creative. The different teams have fun coming up with their names and mascots, as well as finding fun ways to motivate each other. Some of the teams engage in group walks outside or up-and-down the stairwells. Others get together for lunch and walk to a local restaurant.
In conjunction with this Wellness Program, we have also scheduled Saturday sessions that cover a wide variety of health topics and professional services.
During the first week, we identified our Body Mass Index (BMI), which is a measure of body fat based on height and weight. The second week was spent learning about self-defense from protection expert, Bill Hayes, who is an 8th degree Black Belt. We also scheduled two different sessions for upper body massages that include both a deep tissue reconstructive technique and Swedish relaxation method. Cindy Koller-Kass will be speaking on Celiac disease and the benefits of adopting a gluten-free diet and Ramsey Chiropractic will be presenting on the importance of listening and understanding our bodies. A health educator from Ladies & Gentleman Salon will talk with us about the advantages of taking care of our bodies and offer suggestions to help de-stress during tax season. Hot paraffin wax treatments will also be provided at one of these sessions, as a way to ease the pain of achy joints, swelling and poor circulation and to keep our skin moisturized.
We also reached out to local businesses to tell them about our program and ask for donations and the response from the community was overwhelming! We are not only appreciative of their generosity, but grateful that they would acknowledge and support our efforts and the importance we’ve placed on healthy living. Ramsey Chiropractic donated several significant prizes and gift certificates for chiropractic care, Ladies & Gentleman Salon put together a beautiful gift basket valued at $150 of products services, Robeks sent gift certificates and 20 oz travel mugs, and Salon 180 spoiled us with gift certificates for a haircut & style, manicure & pedicure, and color & blow dry services. Thank you!
Through this experience, our staff has become mentally and physically healthier, stronger, and significantly less stressed, which enables us to provide better client service during our busy season.
Week 1 Walk-A-Thon Winner – Laura Haines (75,112 steps)
Week 2 Walk-A-Thon Winner – George Anderson (91,683 steps)
