A Miami firm has set up a wellness program that carries benefits for the attorneys and staff as well as for the firm itself.
The firm began the program simply because promoting healthy living “is the right thing to do” in the working world, says Mario M. Rumasuglia, director of administration at Berger Singerman, which has 70 attorneys and 170 staff.
And it’s a win for both sides. It translates to people feeling better and, in turn, having fewer absences and being more productive when they get to work each day.
And eventually, the firm expects it to translate to better insurance premiums as well.
A hodgepodge of healthy things
The program is a hodgepodge of things that promote health in ways people find interesting, and they are set by a wellness committee made up of management and interested attorneys and staff.
A major element is ongoing health education, and Rumasuglia points out that the topics are “based on today’s world.”
The firm routinely schedules speakers to discuss specific health concerns as well as diet, exercise, and disease prevention.
A recent speaker, for example, was a cardiologist who spoke on heart health and outlined the warning signs of heart disease. Another speaker discussed breast cancer detection and treatment. Other speakers have addressed general issues such as proper eating.
The talks are held during lunch. Says Rumasuglia, “we feed people and get them to participate in the events.”
From skin care to weight loss
Along with the education are more direct health benefits.
One, for example, was facial skin screenings and evaluations.
The firm brought in a nurse to scan people’s faces with a black light to detect lesions. Those who participated came by at their convenience for individual evaluations.
The nurse did not provide treatment but where appropriate, recommended physician care.
Another direct health element is an annual weight loss initiative.
Each year, the firm holds its version of the “Biggest Loser” competition.
The competition starts in January and runs for three months. The firm chose that time, he says, because many people gain weight over the holidays and by January are anxious to lose it.
Those who participate have to weigh in and own up to the starting weight. Then they weigh every week, and at the end of the three months, whoever has lost the most weight gets a prize.
Activity and massages
There are nonclinical benefits as well.
The firm wanted to make physical activity part of its program, so it sponsors community activities such as breast cancer walks and American Heart Association walks.
Beyond that, one Friday each month is “massage day.” The firm brings in a massage therapist who stays from noon till 3:00 p.m. and provides 15-minute massages.
Participation is optional, and staff are not penalized for taking off the 15 minutes to participate.
Employees pay for the Friday massages themselves. However, once a year the firm provides free massages for all the administrative assistants – plus a catered lunch.
A culture of wellness
Having what Romasuglia terms “a culture of wellness” carries a seemingly unrelated benefit as well.
The emphasis on firmwide participation has created a team attitude. The program puts both attorneys and staff on the same better-health team, and that in turn promotes mutual respect.
And healthwise, he says, “we’re getting the boost we want” for a healthier population. “People are taking care of themselves.”
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