Grocery retailers across the country are investing millions of dollars into their health & wellness (H&W) programs.

This past spring, United Supermarkets, a regional grocery chain based out of Texas, invested $1M to expand its H&W program. As part of the expansion, the company is implementing internal programs to keep its employees healthy. These include preventative screenings and new results-based team member wellness programs for employees.

Giant Eagle, a regional grocery chain based out of Pittsburgh, is another great example of how supermarkets are integrating H&W into their brand and corporate culture. The company’s H&W program includes free consultations with dietitians, preventative care clinics, health and fitness challenges, as well as other incentives like discounts at local gyms.

“Employees are our first priority,” says Brett Merrill, Senior Vice President of Giant Eagle. “To make something a part of your company’s core values and brand, you have to practice what you preach, and that’s what we are doing.”

The measures that retailers are taking will have a significant impact not only on the health of their individual employees but on the local stores and company overall. Healthy employees equal productive ones.

• Educate employees on healthy living. There are many online programs available to educate employees on healthy living and eating. Also consider sponsoring in-house programs on topics such as skin care, cooking demonstrations, etc.
• Include H&W information in employee communications. If you haven’t done so yet, look at ways to keep employees up to date on seasonal vaccinations, provide tips and information on staying fit and healthy.
• Offer flexible work schedules to employees who want to take an hour off to go to the gym. Many people find it hard to take a one hour break during the work day to work out, but taking that time can have a positive impact on a person’s productivity.
• Build momentum around staying fit! Sponsor physical fitness challenges throughout the year. This is a great way to encourage team building and having fun at the same time!

What are you doing to bring health and wellness into your company’s corporate culture?