Foot Levelers supports its employees

March 9, 2011 — “Foot Levelers is a healthcare company. Therefore, we believe it is important to act like one,” said Heather Poff, vice president of human resources for Foot Levelers.

Foot Levelers is family oriented and focused on health, wellness, and growth. Despite the difficult economic conditions over the last several years, the “Workout for Payout” program was created to invest in Foot Levelers employees — to promote overall well-being both externally as well as internally.

The Workout for Payout program is motivating more than 78 percent of employees to engage in healthy behaviors. Activities include exercising in the on-site company gym, one-on-one sessions with the personal trainer, lunch and learn programs, and eating healthier.

In return, they earn points that will be exchanged for rewards at the end of each quarter with a cash prize given at the end of the year. At the close of 2010, a company-wide celebration was held to payout more than $20,000 to employees who practiced healthy behaviors throughout the year. Twenty-nine employees received a check for $500, the maximum cash payout.

Many positive results have been witnessed company-wide since the program was started. Through free on-site health screenings, employees have identified healthcare issues early, helping to prevent more serious issues. Healthcare costs have been contained for employees participating over the last few years. Most importantly, employees are better educated about living healthy and feel confident they can maintain this lifestyle.

Each year since 2008, the program has evolved to better educate employees, increase participation, and provide more targeted incentives. After last year’s success, employees collaborated and set a goal of $50,000 to be paid out at the end of 2011. Currently, over 50 percent employees are on track to receive a payout at the end of the year.

“I love this program,” Poff states. “My favorite thing about the program is the support employees are providing each other. The encouragement and accountability your fellow employees provide makes it easier to stick with the program. It works for all employees because of the flexibility and diversity of prizes — they can earn as many or as few prizes each quarter as they choose! Our employees choose to make it a success!”

Source: Foot Levelers, www.footlevelers.com