Healthiest Companies in North Bay 2013 winner profiles

Points accumulated can be redeemed for an iPad, gift certificates and -- at yearend -- can go toward a cost reduction on their health benefits premium in the coming year.Codding InvestmentsFirst-time winnerFocusing on work, fun, health and community

[caption id="attachment_83791" align="alignleft" width="280"] Codding Fitness Challenge: Walking 1,340 miles or 479 hours in just 27 days[/caption]

ROHNERT PARK -- With a long tradition of genuinely appreciating employees as its greatest asset -- something established by founder Hugh Codding -- today the firm maintains this commitment as part of a culture that places emphasis on work, fun, health and community.

"The overall health of our employees has increased dramatically due to our dedication to providing a healthy workplace," said Lisa Codding, vice president and chief operating officer.

The firm provides bicycle parking and encourages walking and cycling to work, while also promoting individual and group physical activity as well as offering subsidized memberships to offsite gyms and fitness programs. Confidential on-site biometric health screenings monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, bone density and other wellness measures and improvements.

[caption id="attachment_83792" align="alignright" width="320"] 2013 Halloween: Laughter keeps us healthy![/caption]

 "As a family company, many of our employees choose to share their test results from one screening to the next. Our team has also embraced healthy eating by taking part in Community Supported Agriculture programs that deliver food to our business location," Ms. Codding added.

"Employees have been known to become fiercely competitive during our annual fitness challenges."

Employees attend on-site fitness classes with recognizable health benefits and tangible strength improvement results.

Nine out of 10 of Codding's 50 employees regularly participate in the firm's wellness program.

Recently the company provided on-site skin cancer screenings and scheduled an Oral Health Lunch-and-Learn session in October.

Staff members often request topics for Lunch-n-Learn presentations on a wide range of health-related subjects, and health information is provided monthly to everyone in both English and Spanish.

A display strategically placed in the office encouraged employees to take the stairs rather than use the elevator.

Codding provides this array of healthy workplace opportunities to its employees for less than $5,000 a year, but the real payback can be seen in worker wellness and attendance -- employee absenteeism is at an all-time low.EPIC Insurance Brokers & ConsultantsFirst-time winnerA strong advocate for a work/life balance

[caption id="attachment_83793" align="alignright" width="280"] EPIC employees at the Color Run finish line[/caption]

PETALUMA -- The local North Bay office of the EPIC national insurance brokerage and consulting firm participates in a companywide wellness program that over the past four years has seen amazing results.

A number of the firm's 14 employees in Petaluma have eliminated medications and discovered health issues they would not have found if they had not participated in the firm's biometrics assessment program. Many have lost weight, and others have lowered their cholesterol and blood pressure numbers.

Another key outcome was the camaraderie that developed among co-workers in support of each other's wellness goals.

"We also have been able to realize a decrease in our annual premiums, and some carriers have awarded us bonus amounts to support our wellness initiatives," said Mary Smith, executive vice president for human resources.

[caption id="attachment_83794" align="alignleft" width="320"] Heart Walk participants[/caption]

"Through this program our employees have become strong advocates for our wellness efforts, and we have seen tremendous results in terms of employees making life-saving changes in their health. This is really about them and their efforts to achieve better health and work/life balance."

The firm promotes healthy eating messages and physical activities for its workers organized by a wellness committee.

EPIC's management team believes that employees want to work for companies that care about them.

"We believe that the various wellness benefits we offer provide long-term results for our employees and our company. When employees feel their best in body, mind and spirit, they and their families benefit, EPIC benefits and our clients benefit," Ms. Smith said.

Company headquarters for EPIC (formerly known as Edgewood Partners Insurance Center) is located in San Mateo. The firm implemented its wellness program nationwide beginning in 2009 among all 300 employees in 10 California cities, Denver, Chicago and New York.Exchange BankTwo-time winnerAn 'Every Body Benefits' employee program

 SANTA ROSA -- Exchange Bank is committed to providing a multi-faceted, relevant and results-oriented wellness program for its 408 employees.

Of this total, 55 employees have participated in an online Total Health Assessment process; 95 registered for WeightWatchers at work; 217 took part in the company's Mix it Up nutrition competition, and 122 received on-site flu shots.

"Exchange Bank's Every Body Benefits wellness program, launched in 2010, is designed to provide all employees with meaningful and timely wellness information along with practical ways to enable them to take charge of their health -- both on and off the job," said Bill Schrader, president and CEO.

"It's important for us to offer support and motivation for our employees to build excitement, interest and strong participation at all levels, from front-line staff to our executives."

The bank organizes on-site competitions, such as the Thrive Across America online exercise contest and Mix It Up, to foster teamwork and build a culture that promotes ways to lead a healthy and active lifestyle.

Mix It Up is an eight-week competition where employees can earn thousands of produce points for consuming fruits and vegetables.

These programs not only demonstrate Exchange Bank's dedication to its employees, but also help reduce benefit-related costs, and lower time away from work.

In addition to offering new activities, the bank continues to make reimbursements available to defray the cost of employee health club memberships, as well as for weight loss and smoking cessation programs.

Exchange Bank was honored by the Sonoma County Economic Development Board (EDB) with a gold award (the highest level of achievement), as part of its Healthy Business Recognition Program, as well as by the Business Journal through its Healthiest Companies in the North Bay acknowledgements.

"At Exchange Bank, employees believe that when we all take steps to be healthy, Every Body Benefits," said Lori Zaret, senior vice president and chief human relations officer.

Ghilotti Bros., Inc.Two-time winnerEngaging in healthful 'Wellsteps' activities

[caption id="attachment_83796" align="alignright" width="280"] Ghilotti Bros. employees on a walk[/caption]

SAN RAFAEL -- A Ghilotti Brothers employee observed, "I've participated in numerous campaigns where my company has promoted nutrition, exercise and stress reduction. They really care about my health and offer a wide variety of opportunities for me to be even healthier."

President Michael Ghilotti said, "Good health is important to our employees, their families and to us. That's why we have introduced Wellsteps, a comprehensive health and wellness program to help us learn how to live healthier and embrace more responsible lifestyles. With a little effort, some informed choices and a spirit of teamwork at work and home, we can all live healthier and have some fun in the process."

Employees and their families are invited to participate in a variety of Wellsteps physical activities, nutrition programs, tobacco cessation classes and other events conducted throughout the year.

[caption id="attachment_83797" align="alignleft" width="320"] Ghilotti Bros. employees during in-house yoga class[/caption]

Emphasis is placed on tapping into the needs of Ghilotti's varied workforce so health-focused programs can reach every employee.

"We've seen a wonderful turnout at in-house yoga classes, brown bag lunch seminars with guest speakers from Sutter Health, at our walking group programs at lunch, as well as in the number of employees coming to salad bar potlucks," said Human Resources Generalist Stephanie Taylor.

"Another goal is to increase participation by at least one percent each quarter. We have been able to meet this and our other wellness goals during the past year."  JDSUTwo-time winnerFostering a healthy and team-oriented environment

[caption id="attachment_83799" align="alignright" width="450"] JDSU employees gather for a group photo during Bike to Work Day[/caption]

SANTA ROSA -- Workplace wellness is important to JDSU and its employees as a way to foster a healthy, interactive team environment.

"Healthy employees are happier and more productive," said Tom Waechter, president and CEO. "We sincerely care about the health of all of our people."

[caption id="attachment_83800" align="alignleft" width="288"] JDSU employees display healthy food alternatives[/caption]

Employees collaborate and take an interest in each other's wellbeing. There are fewer work-related injuries and illnesses since the company started its Workfit program, and employee awareness, engagement and responsibility for their own health has increased through biometric screenings and other programs.

Employees can also work with health coaches and personal trainers to improve individual areas of concern that need attention.

The JDSU Healthy Connections program delivers 10-minute webinar presentations focusing on education, and sets a challenge for the quarter ahead -- such as a 10-week exercise competition where those staying the course for eight of the 10 weeks with a 150 minute minimum exercise total earn $50 gift cards.

The Know Your Numbers program includes biometric screening to raise awareness of employees' current health status and ways to get on -- and stay on -- the path to better health.

The company has an in-house gym and an occupational health nurse who counsels employees on ways to prevent work-related injuries.

JDSU has Wellness Champions charged with developing fresh ideas to keep employees fit, active and engaged.

The company's community affairs team helps employees find ways to volunteer in local food and coat drives, as well as with reading projects in schools and the annual Giving Tree.

"At the end of the day, these programs pay off in terms of more positive attitudes, better sleep at night and an improved outlook in general," said Linda Smith, benefits and wellness advocate.Kaiser Permanente - Marin/Sonoma AreaThree-time winnerEmphasizing 'Live Well, Be Well' practices

Kaiser Permanente operations in Marin and Sonoma counties are dedicated to being a healthiest place to work by encouraging, motivating and inspiring employees to focus on their own health and wellness.

[caption id="attachment_83801" align="alignright" width="280"] Kaiser employees during the 2013 Live Well, Be Well Family Wellness Festival[/caption]

"Our Live Well, Be Well employee wellness program leverages Kaiser's clinical excellence, unique integrated care and health promotion expertise to provide more than 250 on-site programs and online services to motivate and engage employees to make healthier lifestyle choices," said Judy Coffey, senior vice president and area manager.

The program includes a range of offerings from preventive screenings to wellness coaches and physical fitness activities, including walking and running. There are yoga, nutrition and healthy cooking classes, weight loss and control as well as mindfulness and meditation sessions, smoking cessation classes, along with emotional health, and community volunteerism opportunities.

"This past year we integrated flu shots into our Live Well, Be Well program successfully increasing vaccination rates to between 82 and 84 percent of all employees," according to Rudy Collins, human resources leader.

Kaiser also kicked off a nutritional "Eat Your Colors" campaign with cooking demonstrations and recipe contests to encourage employees to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables.

KP is also partnering with local farmers and an on-site Santa Rosa Farmers Market to offer employee discounts, and participating with a CSA program that provides weekly fresh produce boxes.

"Live well, be well" is not just about physical wellness for employees. Recently the company began offering seminars on financial wellness that include topics such as budgeting, retirement planning and social security information.

For more than six decades (33 years in Santa Rosa) Kaiser Permanente has been known for its commitment to wellness and prevention.

Today in Marin and Sonoma Counties nearly 4,500 physicians and staff continue the tradition, enjoying a premier health care plan including a full range of preventative measures such as cholesterol and blood pressure screening and immunizations.

Kaiser's evidence-based programs are designed to improve healthy lifestyles, support healthy choices and encourage long-term behavioral changes to maximize health and quality of life.LEMO USA, Inc.Three-time winnerKeeping active lives more active longer

ROHNERT PARK -- There are many reasons why workplace wellness is important to LEMO and its employees.  Having a wellness program helps keep insurance rates lower. But equally important is the fun employees have bonding with each other while doing healthy activities.

[caption id="attachment_83802" align="alignright" width="360"] LEMO employees gather in front of their garden plots[/caption]

"Everyone at LEMO places high value on living a good life. Our people work hard and care about their work, and we all want to be around for our families living life to its best for as long as possible," according to General Manager Dean Pohwala.

Employees are encouraged to participate in the Pedometer Steps program, with workers counting steps taken each day with the total converted to miles and connected to a map. This year the company plans to symbolically walk around the world.

There is a fat-free snack program and emphasis on a healthy lunch including organic soups, Weight Watchers, Lean Cuisine, and Amy's Kitchen products. Fresh fruit is delivered weekly and a poster on the lobby wall has the latest health topics.

Employees are given plots of land to plant their own gardens, and healthy treats are served at birthday celebrations.

The LEMO healthy employee cookbook, "LEMO Bytes" will be completed by December.  In addition, LEMO pays half of monthly dues for employee memberships at gyms.

"Over 72 percent of employees regularly participate in our wellness program," said Debbie Raike, human resources manager.

"It's easy to say you're trying to be healthier, but when you're talking to a co-worker and they share not just ideas, but food from their garden, or healthy dishes they have made, you can't help but be a little more excited. Our wellness programs help us take part in some activity or keep our already active lives more active and enjoyable."Osmosis Day Spa SanctuaryFirst-time winnerHelping people actualize optimum health

FREESTONE -- At the Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary, the health benefits associated with enzyme baths are shared with employees, and eight out of ten workers take the company up on its offer.

"We are dedicated to vitality and wellness as a core value of our client offerings," said CEO Michael Stusser. "Our employees are our number one customers. Our goal is to help people actualize optimal health and enjoy a vibrant lifestyle. At the Osmosis Day Spa, all of us, management and employees alike, must embody these characteristics in order to validate them."

The Spa features therapeutic massage, organic skin care, Cedar Enzyme baths, vitality programs and an authentic Japanese meditation garden to help restore mind and body. It is a place where customers and employees can experience their own transformation in a beautiful, relaxed and healing sanctuary environment.  

[caption id="attachment_83804" align="alignleft" width="320"] Osmosis employees at a hawaiian-themed staff party[/caption]

The firm provides healthy eating messages posted in public places. It promotes the availability of on-site health programs, and coordinates these efforts through an employee wellness committee.

The Spa also offers employees flextime schedules to encourage them to include fitness activities and exercise into their workday, and provides a break room with a refrigerator and ovens for their use.

The results of such a program prove its value. The company reports a steady increase in employee joy and team spirit with more vibrancy, much higher productivity and buy in by all staff members.

Pacific Union CollegeTwo-time winnerEncouraging employees to live holistically

ANGWIN -- Pacific Union College has an active wellness program that incentivizes its 244 full-time and 48 part-time employees to adopt a healthy lifestyle through diet, exercise and stress-reduction techniques. This program has engaged nearly 90 percent of the staff.

[caption id="attachment_83806" align="alignright" width="320"] Steve Penners, of the college's information Technology Support and Services office, is also a yoga teacher and offers classes on-campus to faculty and staff.[/caption]

"PUC got the memo over 10 years ago that when employees are healthy, the organization is healthy," said President Heather Knight. "With health care costs rising, chronic lifestyle illnesses becoming epidemic, and budgets shrinking in a tough economy, workplace wellness was one of the wisest budgeting decisions PUC has ever made."

In just the last two years, PUC employees have lowered their risk factors by 16 percent. Today the college staff has an average of 1.45 risk factors while the national average is 2.2 -- a difference of 33 percent.

"We've seen a 14 percent improvement in HDL levels, an 11 percent gain in fasting glucose levels and a 33 percent advance in fitness and physical activity levels. It all adds us to healthier, happier employees with a 24 percent improvement in positive mental outlook self-reporting levels," said Gaylin Bowers, director of human resources.

"As PUC supports employees to live holistically, we believe they are better able to achieve excellence in their jobs, in their influence on coworkers and the college students we serve."

The college wellness program includes an annual health assessment, educational programs at lunchtime, and free monthly 15-minute massages on the clock to help the staff rejuvenate and relax. Walking, stair climbing and other physical activities are also encouraged.

"We work in a faith community that acknowledges God's creative wisdom in weaving each person into a seamless mind, body and spirit package. Workplace wellness has made jobs at PUC more satisfying, knowing that we in administration not only value the work skills of our faculty and staff, but their wellbeing, health and vitality as well," President Knight said.Petaluma Health CenterFirst-time winnerOffering a diversity of employee wellness options

PETALUMA -- "As a primary health care facility, we believe offering a diversity of employee wellness programs not only enhances the quality of life of our employees, but allows our staff to better serve as healthy living role models for our patient population," said CEO Kathie Powell.

[caption id="attachment_83807" align="alignright" width="360"] Petaluma Health Center offers 15 fitness classes per week for its employees[/caption]

In January PHC launched a 14-member Employee Wellness Committee with strong support from senior management.

In July employees were offered a broad spectrum of biometric screenings, in partnership with the St. Joseph Health System, including tests for body fat, body mass index, total cholesterol, HDL, triglycerides, LDL, Non HDL, TC/HDL, glucose and Hemoglobin A1C. More than half of all employees participated.

The center also partnered with the Petaluma Bounty Community Farm to set up a weekly farm stand in its facility, and teamed with Tara Firma Farms to receive CSA boxes of organic meats, cheese, eggs and produce delivered to the office.

The wellness committee sponsors the PHC walking club for daily treks around the neighborhood and there are reduced fees for our community fitness program with classes held at the Center.

This program hosts 15 fitness classes per week including Zumba, Tai Chi, Yoga, body toning, core training, Pilates and more.

PHC's two-year-old facility at 1179 North McDowell Blvd. has additional wellness amenities, such as a bike room, showers and a lactation room. The entire campus is smoke free.

This year a 4,000-square-foot vegetable garden was developed as part of Petaluma 350, a citywide effort to promote sustainability, with the help of local non-profit City Acts, PHC volunteers, staff, doctors and patients.  

Regular Lunch-and-Learn sessions are held on topics such as nutrition, dental health, meditation, stress management and chair Yoga.

"We designated March as our Wellness Month that culminated with a Wellness Fair featuring 20 local vendors," said Ciera Rudin, community relations specialist. "Over 40 wellness-related prizes were given away to the staff."

The PHC Wellness Department produces a newsletter that highlights health topics such as allergies, choosing cooking oils and stress management techniques.RaydianceFirst-time winnerInspiring employees to think about making healthful choices

[caption id="attachment_83808" align="alignright" width="280"] Raydiance employees participating in Mud Run[/caption]

PETALUMA -- Raydiance has a comprehensive Employee Health and Wellness program administered by an internal committee, while relying on outside providers -- such as St. Joseph Health and Kaiser Permanente -- to deliver key content.

"The goal of our program is to inspire our employees to think proactively about their health and lifestyle," said Kathi Safferd, human resources director. "We give them information they need to make healthy choices."

Activities unfold according to a monthly calendar where something new and engaging, usually educational in nature, is made available to them.

Outside speakers come in to talk about making healthy lifestyle choices, to conduct exercise classes, and to discuss the importance of regular health screenings.

Biometric screening includes BMI and body fat percentage assessments to raise awareness of chronic disease, skin cancer risks and other issues. Speakers also cover topics such as the value of massage and Yoga, nutrition and diet, preventative medicine and stress management. Doctors and nurses present other important topics.

The Raydiance program includes on-site flu shots, allergy testing as well as blood pressure, cholesterol and heart disease screening.

"We make announcements at company functions describing physical activities where employees have participated, such as in bicycle events, marathons, swimming contests and similar athletic competitions. Informing everyone about what some are doing helps to get other employees involved in these fun and healthy activities," Ms. Safferd added. "Employees have also invited their partners to attend our events and screenings free of charge."

The company holds a number of Lunch-and-Learn sessions and provides electronic health information monthly to all employees in English and Spanish.Redwood Empire Schools Insurance Group (RESIG)Two-time winnerA 'ready, set, move,' theme-based program

WINDSOR -- Believing that involving employees in fun and movement-based activities will promote wellness beyond the office, causing a ripple effect that will impact employee families and their communities, RESIG offers programs that promote team spirit and friendly competition.

[caption id="attachment_83810" align="alignright" width="369"] Kick-off BBQ for Redwood Empire Schools Insurance Group staff introduce the 2013 "Ready, Set, Move" theme[/caption]

"The success of our wellness program largely depends on keeping employees engaged, so it's critical to offer new, interesting and fun events," said Brent Howatt, executive director. "We feel that our new theme-based program -- Ready, Set Move -- delivers just that."

Ready, Set, Move activities range from getting up from a desk to help put a jig-saw puzzle together, to playing basketball. Theme T-shirts are provided for employees on event days to enhance the wellness program spirit.

New program features include an E-Book Library of over 125 health, nutrition and wellness resources, recipes, and simple ways to get active. The E-Book is used to cook healthy dishes for the staff each month.

A Wii Fit program is used by staff during lunch or breaks. Humor and stress reduction activities, such as Crazy Hat Day, Ugly Sweater Day and a Stress-Relief Game Day, are planned.

These initiatives join a host of wellness options already in place -- walking, stretch breaks, Yoga and Pilates classes; healthy snacks offered weekly, and a yearly Wellness Picnic.

A designated Wellness Room serves as a place to relax with blankets and pillows, providing a comfortable, private area for nursing mothers or where employees can go to measure their blood pressure and weight.

Monthly massages are scheduled for employees along with quarterly Healthy Chef cookoffs, Wii bowling tournaments and a March Madness Hoops Tournament. A basketball hoop, badminton set and hula-hoops are provided for Bucket of Fun activities.

"The most amazing part of our wellness program is that all of these activities are offered with the support of a small, seven-person wellness committee working within a budget of $1,500 a year for a staff of 23 people," said Rose Burcina, director of health benefits.Redwood Regional Medical GroupThree-time winner'Live Well, Work Well' builds teamwork

SANTA ROSA -- Redwood Regional Medical Group has supported wellness in the workplace for the past three years by offering a complimentary program to all employees called "Live Well, Work Well."

[caption id="attachment_83812" align="alignright" width="360"] Redwood Regional Medical Group team at Light the Night Walk in Santa Rosa's Courthouse Square for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in October of this year[/caption]

"As a health care organization, it is important for us to reflect good health to our patients, in addition to being caring and compassionate," said CEO Wayne Fairchild. "We need to reflect a level of fitness, energy and optimism which can all be a result of taking care of our own health."

He believes that if Redwood focuses on wellness, absenteeism can be lowered and employees can be more available to patients and support those who serve patients every day.

Redwood makes wellness a priority with a free annual biometric screening, discount gym memberships and incentives for completing fun and challenging wellness activities that encourage physical activity, healthy eating and community involvement.

Incentives include gift certificates to REI, Sports Authority, health food stores and to purchase activity devices.

These programs continue to garner positive feedback from employees and have increased awareness of personal health numbers for cholesterol and glucose.

Challenges are rolled out via a wellness website to aid participants in understanding their numbers, maintaining healthy ranges or improving them.

"There is a high level of health-oriented support among employees. In response to a challenge a few years ago, walking groups were formed. Some of these groups still walk at lunch and they continue to pester each other," said Linda Chotkevys, executive director of human resources.

"If someone doesn't feel like walking on a given day, other members cajole them into it. Live Well, Work Well is building internal teamwork and healthier bodies."

She believes that workplace wellness is a good investment because an organization's collective good health can impact the cost of health care benefits, and therefore, the bottom line.

"In this environment of shrinking Medicare reimbursements, we should do what we can to decrease expenses. Our wellness program can impact that," Ms. Chotkevys added.

Santa Rosa & Rohnert Park Oral SurgeryThree-time winnerDedicated to health and wellness of employees and the community

SANTA ROSA and ROHNERT PARK -- The biggest advantage of the Santa Rosa & Rohnert Park Oral Surgery's wellness program is not measured with numbers, according to Practice Manager Toni Bonelli.

"We could quote statistics on reduced sick days, accumulative weight loss and lowered costs. But it is the positive morale and energy exhibited by our team that makes our workplace truly healthy and a great place to be, not only for our employees, but for our patients as well."

This oral surgery practice offers health club memberships to employees, along with nutritional counseling and enlists participants for charity walk-a-thons and bike rides. Healthy peer pressure motivates the staff.

"Our surgeons started working out resulting in a surge of phenomenal energy as an example for other staffers. Our employees involve their families and share information with patients as well," Ms. Bonelli added.

Lunch-and-Learn sessions feature public awareness lectures, such as those provided by the Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital outreach program's a la carte menu of topics they present to affiliated organizations.

Santa Rosa/Rohnert Park oral surgeons also participate in St. Joseph Health's Workforce Health Initiative giving Lunch-and-Learn talks on oral health.

"Each surgeon in our practice performs two pro bono surgeries at the Hanna Boys Center each year as part of their commitment to giving back to the community, and our team members are also on the staff of Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital's trauma services center where they perform emergency dental care," she said.

The practice has received Gold Level recognition through iWORKwell for its wellness program, and recently was honored with the Healthiest Business Award from the Northern California Center for Wellbeing at the Celebration of Dreams event.St. Joseph HealthThree-time winnerExtending health resources throughout the region

SANTA ROSA -- St. Joseph Health is leading efforts to encourage healthy workplaces throughout the region -- along with its own employee wellness programs.

Its North Bay hospitals are all tobacco-free campuses. Health coaching is provided at no cost to support smoking cessation and other health-risk reduction lifestyle behavior goals for employees.

Dedicated areas for quiet reflection and meditation are available where employees can retreat for a break during their workdays.

St. Joseph has extended its services to other agencies, such as to the Petaluma Health Center for its Health and Wellness Fair last August, where St. Joseph personnel provided over 40 free screenings to the public.

"We value our employees' wellbeing and know that without healthy and engaged employees we cannot sustain our commitment to the community and continue to carry out our mission," said Todd Salnas, president and CEO.

[caption id="attachment_83815" align="alignleft" width="374"] Greeters at St. Joseph's Wellness Fair[/caption]

St. Joseph distributes monthly emails with health information, tips and resources. It offers biometric screening at companies around the region as a way to extend its programs into local communities.

Employees also take online well-being assessments using special computer labs. In addition, they can earn $75 in HealthCash through St. Joseph's Virgin HealthMiles incentive and awards program for completing wellness-related steps ($50 for participating in biometric screening and $25 if they complete the Well-Being Assessment).

At Queen of the Valley Medical Center in Napa, employees receive a discount for its on-site Synergy Medical Fitness Center, with scholarships available for employees that meet certain criteria.

Employees and physicians participate in St. Joseph's Family and Friends Get Active Virgin Health program using pedometers to record steps.

A two-week Northern California regional challenge was held in Q1 to spur friendly competition among St. Joseph branches and to see which team could accumulate the most exercise steps. Winners received mini iPads for logging the most physical activity.

St. Joseph also piloted a WeightWatchers At-Work twice-a-week program in Sonoma County. The company pays half of the cost for each employee to participate.

St. Joseph also has a Workforce Wellness Outreach program that posts nutrition, fitness and seasonal health messages each month in high-traffic areas its hospitals and worksites to encourage healthy lifestyle choices and physical activity.Sutter Pacific Medical FoundationTwo-time winner'Walking the walk' when practicing health care

SANTA ROSA -- As a health care organization, it is important for Sutter Pacific Medical Center (SPMC) to "walk the walk" when helping employees practice health in the way the company wants its patients to practice it.

[caption id="attachment_83817" align="alignright" width="324"] Organizers for the 2013 Spring Fun Run[/caption]

"The healthier our employees are, and the more that we can support them in being so, the happier they will be," said CEO Toni Brayer. "A happy workforce is a stronger one that will enable us to better reach our goals. We care about our employees."

Sutter Pacific Medical Center found that a healthy workforce decreases absentee and workers compensation costs as well as other financial impacts that a business faces when employees experience poor health.

"When employees are on the job, engaged and healthy, the better equipped we are to continuously improve and expand services for our patients and our community," He said.

When it comes to tracking wellness program outcomes, SPMC is putting the ability to measure progress and results in place.

Meanwhile, there has been increased engagement in worksite wellness activities. More people are walking during lunch, and the on-site Yoga summer series classes were packed, according to the company.

When SPMC conducts its run/walk challenges, teams are engaged to achieve whatever the result happens to be. Overall, there has been a marked shift in focus towards health and physical activity by Sutter Pacific Medical Center's employees, and some 30 percent are regularly participating in the wellness program.Trinchero Family Estates & Sutter Home WineryThree-time winnerWhere health and well-being are core organizational values

NAPA -- The wellness resources at Trinchero Family Estates (TFE) continue to help improve employee's lives by encouraging them to understand the importance of making healthy daily choices when it comes to exercise and proper nutrition.

[caption id="attachment_83818" align="alignright" width="280"] TFE Wellness Program participants attending the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation San Francisco Walk/Run, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2013[/caption]

"We are committed to supporting and encouraging preventative care and partner with Healthyroads to administer our wellness program," said Bob Torkelson, president and CEO. "We understand that as employees have the resources available to learn how to live healthier lifestyles, their productivity increases and this -- in turn -- improves the success of TFE."

TFE increased its wellness promotion efforts during the past year to include company sponsored employee participation in local community charity athletic events, including: Cycle for Sight, the JDRF San Francisco Walk to cure diabetes, the ALS Ride and Girls On The Run events in Napa (with a TFE father and son team earning third and first place respectively in the 5K run last November at Crane Park).

The company offers personal coaching for employees that haa resulted in many reported success stories as employees express their gratitude for the changes experienced in their lives.

TFE also provides free biometric screenings (heart rate, cholesterol, BMI, etc.). Professional outreach is also provided to employees who demonstrate "high-risk" and encourages them to seek follow up with a health professional.

"Our employees have embraced these available resources and helped them lead healthier lives," Mr. Torkelson said. "At TFE, health and wellbeing are core organizational values."W. Bradley Electric, Inc.Three-time winnerGiving employees permission to take care of themselves

NOVATO -- "A healthy lifestyle doesn't just start after 5 p.m. By having a wellness program at work, we create a supportive environment that gives our employees permission to take care of themselves throughout the day," according to Leslie Murphy, owner and CEO of W. Bradley Electric.

[caption id="attachment_83819" align="alignright" width="320"] W. Bradley Electric ping pong tournaments are one of the company's wellness approaches[/caption]

He said since everyone is different, the company offers a variety of programs enabling the firm to be in a position to touch more workers lives.

"Some are runners, some are walkers, and some prefer to use our gym at lunch or before or after business hours. By responding to their needs, we make it easier for them to manage their health all day long, not only at night or on weekends."

One of the key benefits of W. Bradley Electric's wellness program has been that employees have taken this attitude home and more spouses and family members are getting involved.

The firm's approach to wellness includes everything from healthy snacks (such as oatmeal and apples), ping pong tournaments, an on-site gym with showers, a horseshoe pit, summer golf games on Monday evenings, bike rides at lunch and Yoga Tuesday sessions, as well as a Weight Watchers challenge with a $500 prize for the biggest loser.

[caption id="attachment_83820" align="alignleft" width="277"] W. Bradley Electric employees playing volley ball[/caption]

There is an annual health fair, free flu shots and daily health-related email alerts and challenges. In addition, flex time allows employees to volunteer as coaches for basketball and softball teams that may overlap work schedules.

"We hear stories about morning walks and training for marathons. The net result is that these behaviors contribute to ensuring that our employees are more alert, focused, happier and more engaged with their coworkers and their surroundings. They look forward to coming to the office in anticipation of the next competition and the support of their peers," Mr. Murphy said.Wells Fargo Insurance ServicesTwo-time winnerPutting wellness initiatives in place on an ongoing basis

PETALUMA -- Wells Fargo has several wellness-related initiatives in place on an ongoing basis to actively promote healthy lifestyles, behaviors and overall wellness within its Petaluma office.

[caption id="attachment_83821" align="alignright" width="350"] Wells Fargo Insurance Services in Peetaluma has at least four individual walking groups. Shown above are some of the participants.[/caption]

"The health and well-being of our employees is vital to our success, and we value people as our most important business asset," said Managing Director Mark Stokes. "It is not only the right thing to do, but it makes good business sense by helping to improve the bottom line, reduce health care costs and absenteeism."

Management allows flexible work schedules to accommodate team members wishing to walk through the neighborhood.

Team members can sign up for Weight Watchers and receive company reimbursement. The company's health vendor, OptumHealth, offers a variety of wellness programs, activities and services that include: health coaching, health education courses, a full digital library of health topics, and health and fitness trackers (for exercise and nutrition).

Wellness incentives totaling up to $800 are linked to corporate health plans. Incentives are offered to an employee, spouse or partner who participate.

As a result, many employees have changed their eating habits by switching to healthier snack and meal options as well as smaller portion sizes. There are several informal walking groups who have made integrating physical activity into their workday a regular habit.

"Our corporate office has reported significant utilization of our wellness programs and health risk assessments. We have also asked our vendors to provide healthy snack options in lieu of candy, donuts and other less nutritious items," said Human Resources Manager Lisa Kaufman.

"We also have testimonials from team members who reported significant weight loss in their individual wellness journeys."