OSG
wrapped up its 6-week boot camp yesterday, which was instituted to promote
healthy living and motivate employees to get in shape. Twenty-three
participants were measured at the onset and conclusion of the program and were
assessed based on their improvement in the following criteria:
# push-ups in 1 minute
# sit-ups in 1 minute
# squats in 1 minute
40m dash
Plank test
Vertical jump test
Body fat %
Although
some participants agree this is just a fun way to get healthy, others admit
they are after a discount on their insurance.
The OSG
Boot Camp is part of a broader “Wellness” program instituted by OSG to keep
employees engaged in their health by incentivizing them through health
insurance discounts, cash and prizes.
Other
programs, such as OSG’s Biggest Loser Competition and Walkathon, which have
been ongoing for the past four years, have been extremely successful, while
newer programs like OSG Boot Camp and Office Olympics are becoming annual
events as well.
“Employees
enjoy the activities,” stated Kelly Turk, Compensation and Benefits Specialist
for OSG. “They look forward to them every year.”
In
addition to these programs, OSG has also added workout rooms to their Glendale
Heights, IL and Parma, OH offices for a convenient place for employees to hit
the gym before or after work or over their lunch break.
These
programs aren’t just all fun and games though. According to Ms. Turk, who is
also head of the Wellness Committee, annual biometric screenings prove that the
steps OSG has taken to improve employees’ health are successful, “The
overall company score decreased by 6 points in 3 years! This is a great
accomplishment. It proves, that by giving employees the tools and education
about wellness, that they can take their health into their own hands and make
positive behavioral changes for themselves and their family members.”