Best practices
Physical environments foster sound minds and productivity
Leaders at the best companies demonstrate caring by providing a safe and healthy working environment, and by showing an interest in people’s personal lives, says Jen Wetherow, CEO of Great Place to Work Institute. “Often, this includes providing support for employees to balance the demands of work and home life. Employees at caring companies bring all of their gifts to the workplace, focus more on their work responsibilities and are more willing to go the extra mile.
Here are few examples of healthy workplaces fostered by innovative employers.
Environics Communications Inc. offers marketing communications and public relations services for public, private and governmental organizations. In 2007, Environics launched a comprehensive program to reduce the company’s impact on the environment. Despite the added expense, Environics undertook this initiative, saying it was “the right thing to do.” Among other initiatives, Environics has sought out environmentally responsible caterers, and provided its staff with refillable water bottles to reduce plastics in the office. Plus, employees are eligible to receive $250 towards the purchase of a bicycle. Environics also achieved its goal of becoming carbon neutral earlier this year.
SC Johnson, founded in 1886, is a family-owned and managed company recognized among the world’s leading manufacturers of household cleaning, home storage, air care, personal care and pest control products. SC Johnson management demonstrates caring by building a work environment that promotes employee health. In 2006, SCJ was a recipient of the “Eat Smart” award from the Government of Canada’s Health Unit, which recognizes workplaces for healthy food choices.
Karo Design provides communications design, web design, environmental/interior design and product design to a variety of very high-profile clients. Karo Design management demonstrates caring by building a work environment that supports environmentally responsible transportation and employee fitness. The company makes a fuel-efficient smart car available for employees to use during workdays for client meetings or personal business. The company also provides incentives that encourage employees to use transit or ride their bikes to work. There are also two mountain bikes available for use during work hours or for after-hours recreation. Showers are provided for commuters and those who exercise during the workday.
Source: Best Place to Work Institute
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