Tom’s of Maine, which makes natural care products, encourages its employees to choose healthier lifestyles. The company operates two Wellness Centers that offer yoga, personal training, fitness and nutrition classes for workers, and each employee is given a $300 benefit per year to use towards personal wellness. This year, an innovative rewards-based "Wellness Challenge" earned cash awards to employees for eating right and getting fit. No wonder the company was recently honored with the 2007 Healthy Workplace Award by the Governor of Maine.
The eight-week Wellness Challenge encouraged employees to exercise and practice healthy lifestyle habits by awarding points for physical activity (up to one hour each day) and for making healthy dietary and mental choices throughout their day.
Participants were awarded $25 just for signing up. Those who completed the competition were awarded an additional $25 at the end, with the first- and second-place teams receiving more.
Over the eight weeks the company sponsored and provided two healthy breakfasts and coordinated healthy fellowship lunches where employees gathered to eat, learn about healthy life options and share their team experiences.
Employees from all areas of the company — corporate headquarters in Kennebunk, Maine; manufacturing and fulfillment in Sanford, Maine; and field locations across the country — formed teams of five, which built community spirit and created connections between sometimes far-flung coworkers. Over 140 of the 170 Tom’s employees, ranging in age from 20 to 65, participated in the effort. Plans are being made for another Wellness Challenge with goals and targets customized for each employee.
Tom’s of Maine actually employs a Community Wellness Leader, Dee Roberts, who oversees the two employee Wellness Centers, located in both Kennebunk and Sanford, Maine. Roberts acts as a personal trainer and leads fitness classes in core conditioning and stretching. Employees can take advantage of monthly sessions on everything from proper nutrition to self-defense. Also offered to employees are weekly yoga sessions and monthly on-site massages for nominal fees.
It’s a Company Philosophy
Tom’s is not only good to employees, their products are good for consumers, and the way they package those products and donate profits to charity makes this a company worthy of any honor.
Founded in Kennebunk, Maine, by Tom and Kate Chappell in 1970, Tom’s of Maine creates personal care products using simple, natural ingredients derived from plants and minerals. Tom’s of Maine products — toothpaste, mouthwash, floss, deodorant, and soap — do not contain artificial sweeteners, preservatives, colors, flavors, or animal ingredients; are tested for safety and efficacy without the use of animals; are biodegradable; and are packaged in earth-friendly ways. Their philosophy of "Natural Care" guides them to donate 10 percent of their profits to charitable organizations; to encourage employees to use 5 percent of their paid time in volunteer work; to adhere to standards that are natural, sustainable, and responsible; and not harmful to animals.