GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) — One Green Bay Area company is making sure their employees are well taken care of.
On Wednesday, KI hosted their final Wellness Wednesday of the season. On Wednesdays throughout May-October, the company puts on a healthy event for employees to participate in.
Wednesday’s one mile walk/jog at KI Headquarters had about 200 employees participate.
“It makes me feel like KI cares about me and my personal health,” said employee Julie Flis. “The employees just love this because it keeps them in shape, and when they feel better about themselves it makes them a better worker.”
KI incentivizes employees to participate in Wellness Wednesday; if they swipe their card at the event they get a chance to win a gift card from their sponsor partner, Run Away Shoes.
“This event is during company paid time, so employees can come at any time they want and get outside and get active,” said Jennifer Aerts, KI’s Integrative Health Coach and On-Site Nurse. “They like the natural lighting, getting away from their desk, they can partner with a buddy, and it just makes them feel better.”
Aerts says all businesses could benefit from implementing a wellness program.
“We have a wellness team made up of different entities from different departments. We do surveys to see what employees are looking for and what would appeal to them,” said Aerts. “Engage your employees, hear their voices, and make a plan from there. Also make it company paid for so they don’t feel like they have to use their own time; do it during company time to show you’re engaged and want the best for them.”
Ross McDowell, Owner of Run Away Shoes, agrees.
“The different companies that are doing this, you can see the retention is better and their employees are much happier,” said McDowell.
Participants in Wednesday’s walk/jog also got a free KI hat and a healthy snack.
