September 10, 2024
Healthiest Employers® was started in 2009 to celebrate companies prioritizing their people by investing in their employees' health. In partnership with Springbuk, we are pleased to announce the 2024 Healthiest Employers of Greater Albany.
Each company filled out our annual Healthiest Employers application. The responses are scored Rubric style 1-100 scale. The assessment comprises six categories with yes/no, multiple choice, and short answer questions, with each totaling .25-3 points. A Healthiest Employers Index (HEI) is assigned to each application to help rank among companies of similar sizes. For information on how the applications are scored, please visit our methodology page here.
For the last few years, a heavily debated topic has been on returning to the office vs. remote work vs. hybrid work. Albany applicants reported that:
- 9.1% work completely in the office or on-site
- 45.5% report that they are on a hybrid schedule with certain days/times in the office
- 36.4% only provide specific roles or teams with work-from-home opportunities
- 9.1% are considered a fully remote workforce
Congratulations to all of our 2024 winners!
25 to 149 Employees
1st Repeat Business Systems
Albany
112 Employees
Repeat Business Systems is a dynamic technology leader committed to service, integrity, and genuine partnership. The company offers comprehensive business technology solutions for organizations of all sizes, including IT services and network management focusing on security, network strength, and stability. Their offerings also include multifunction copiers, scanners, printers, voice-over IP and phone systems, unified communication devices, mailing, and shipping solutions, interactive flat panel display systems, document imaging and scanning services, and software to integrate and support all these products.
Repeat Business Systems (RBS) takes a comprehensive and creative approach to wellness, targeting every demographic and focusing on both the physical environment and personal well-being. RBS promotes a healthy workspace with ergonomic furniture, standing desks, riding desks, and pedaling equipment, along with amenities like ping pong tables. RBS also provides extensive support for substance misuse and tobacco cessation, offering paid time off, referrals, transportation, and financial assistance.
RBS is deeply committed to employee well-being, offering paid leave (up to a year) for employees with sick family members, along with assistance for food and transportation to medical appointments. They encourage wellness through fitness contests, healthy cooking classes, weight loss challenges, and recently added Latin dance lessons and a self-defense class. Community involvement is also a priority, with paid time off for wellness education, volunteering, and fundraising events.
A testament to RBS’s success is its low staff turnover, where employees rarely leave voluntarily. A notable example of their supportive culture was a push-up challenge, where a staff member with low confidence was encouraged by the company president, who participated alongside him. This challenge not only improved the staff member’s confidence and job performance but also inspired the entire company, highlighting the impact of individual support on team dynamics.
“I’m proud of our well-being program for many reasons. We’ve had it for over 30 years and have continually adapted it to grow and evolve with the times. Our program has led to many individual successes. People have grown, become healthier, quit smoking, and recovered from substance abuse and mental health challenges. Even just one of these outcomes would have made our program worthwhile.” –Dawn Abbuhl, President
2nd GTM Payroll Services Inc.
Clifton Park
105 Employees
GTM Payroll Services, founded in 1991, specializes in user-friendly payroll and human capital management (HCM) solutions, along with HR consulting and insurance services. Their success and high client satisfaction are attributed to their industry expertise and exceptional personalized attention to each customer.
In addition to wellness events, GTM Payroll Services offers two standout employee benefits: telemedicine and backup childcare. Telemedicine is fully covered with no copay, available 24/7 to employees and their families, reducing time off for doctor visits and encouraging prompt health consultations. The backup childcare benefit, subsidized by GTM, alleviates stress for working parents when a child is ill, reducing time off and improving work-life balance. GTM’s wellness program also includes day-to-day initiatives like walking meetings, standing desks, filtered water stations, an onsite fitness room, and a flex space for employees to socialize and engage in activities.
GTM Payroll Services supports employees' financial well-being by offering resources through an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), including financial planning, debt management, and college planning. They recently upgraded their 401k third-party administrator (TPA) to provide a more user-friendly experience, giving employees greater control over their 401k accounts. Additionally, the company offers an annual 401k match to further enhance employees' retirement savings.
"I've been with GTM for a few years now, and I can honestly say that their wellness programs have been a game-changer for me. Before joining GTM, I struggled to maintain a healthy lifestyle while balancing work and personal life. Thanks to the comprehensive wellness programs they offer, I've made significant improvements in both my physical and mental well-being. I feel happier, healthier, and more energized, and I'm grateful to be part of an organization that truly prioritizes its employees' well-being." –Anonymous Team Member
3rd Hudson River Community Credit Union
Corinth
74 Employees
Hudson River Community Credit Union (HRCCU), founded in 1954 as IPCO Federal Credit Union by employees of International Paper Company, is now a state-chartered community credit union. Serving residents, workers, worshippers, and students in Saratoga, Warren, Washington, and Rensselaer counties, as well as the towns of Cohoes, Watervliet, and Green Island, HRCCU operates as a not-for-profit financial cooperative. Its mission is to enhance the well-being of its members and their families by offering high-quality financial services with cutting-edge technology and great value. The credit union aims to be the first choice for its communities in all financial life events.
The Balanced Living Committee at Hudson River Community Credit Union provides quarterly surprises to all departments, offering a mix of fresh produce and treats. For example, on Saint Patrick's Day, they delivered green vegetable platters and sprinkled cookies to provide both healthy and sweet options. In the fall, employees are treated to apple cider, donuts, and fresh apples. Employees look forward to these surprises, as the theme changes each quarter.
HRCCU sends out a monthly newsletter featuring volunteer opportunities, workplace safety topics, free 401k educational resources, medical plan details, physical challenges, and monthly recipes, among other topics. Some employees, depending on their roles, can work remotely up to three days a week, though maintaining an on-site presence is still important. Employees without hybrid work options enjoy schedule flexibility due to varying hours of operation.
“Our company mission is to improve the well-being of our members, but we are also committed to improving the health and well-being of our employees. We know that happy employees make happy members and our multi-dimensional wellness program helps us achieve these goals while providing access to offerings that support our employees' physical, emotional, and social well-being.” –Sue Commanda, CEO
150 to 4,999 Employees
1st GlobalFoundries
Malta
4,566 Employees
GlobalFoundries (GF) is a leading semiconductor manufacturer, producing complex, feature-rich chips that power billions of electronic devices. These semiconductors are essential to daily life and play a critical role across nearly every sector of the global economy.
GlobalFoundries (GF) offers a variety of wellbeing programs, with the most unique being its diverse Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). These groups support employees' interests and social well-being while promoting the company’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) strategy. ERGs provide a safe space for employees to network, share experiences, and contribute their perspectives. GF currently offers nine ERGs, including groups for women, Black employees, Hispanic/Latino employees, veterans, remote workers, and more. Open to all employees and allies, over 3,700 global employees participate in ERGs, with the GlobalWomen ERG having 1,800 members, a 7% increase from 2023.
GlobalFoundries' wellness@gf program is built around seven well-being pillars: physical, mental, financial, career, emotional, social, and purpose/business well-being. These pillars are addressed through both in-person and virtual initiatives, such as on-site flu vaccinations, access to an on-site gym, and activity challenges tailored to individual health assessments. Financial well-being is supported through webinars on topics like retirement savings and tuition reimbursement. Career development is promoted through engagement surveys, resource groups, and online learning opportunities.
GlobalFoundries also has a strong focus on community involvement, with its GlobalGives campaign allowing employees to contribute to causes, with company-matched donations. Additionally, employees participate in local clean-ups and school programs. The company emphasizes mental and emotional health through its Employee Assistance Program, which provides free support to employees and their families, including caregivers and those with neurodiverse family members. Employee Resource Groups further support career, emotional, and social well-being. With a variety of programs available in-person, virtually, and on-demand, along with a dedicated wellness website, GlobalFoundries ensures wellness remains a priority for its employees.
“GlobalFoundries' ability to deliver solutions for humanity is directly linked to the diverse and exceptional talent we bring together, who are dedicated to shaping the future of the semiconductor industry. I am incredibly proud of how our team prioritizes offering these employees meaningful technical and professional development opportunities and provides comprehensive support for their physical, emotional, financial, and mental health needs.” –Pradheepa Raman, Chief People Officer
2nd MVP Health Care
Schenectady
1,571 Employees
The statistics that best capture MVP Well-Being’s effectiveness are the results of MVP’s all-company, annual interest survey, specific to MVP’s worksite wellness initiatives. This survey indicated that 84% of employees who have engaged in the program are satisfied. In addition, 89% of employees who expressed interest in making a health-related behavior change or have made a health-related behavior change have stated that MVP Well-Being’s programs, tools, and resources were helpful. Lastly, 88% of employees who completed the survey indicated they believe MVP is committed to the health and wellness of its employees.
One of the most unique benefits offered on behalf of the MVP Well-Being Program is the onsite relaxation rooms. These relaxation rooms located in our Rochester, Schenectady, and Fishkill offices offer MVP employees a designated, peaceful, space to relax and recharge. These rooms, unlike the café or noisy breakrooms, are fully equipped with a massage chair, meditation materials, stress balls, noise-canceling headphones, a Boise speaker, and much more. Each relaxation room was designed with a custom wall wrap (purple mountains, tranquil forest, or sunset at the lighthouse theme), making it a soothing retreat away from the demands and pressures of the workday. Leadership promotes and encourages the use of these rooms as employees who take breaks can return to their desks more productive, more creative, and happier overall.
MVP’s worksite wellness program, MVP Well-Being, takes a comprehensive, five-dimension approach to employee wellness, addressing nutrition, exercise, medical care, money management, mental health, and social connections. The program offers educational virtual cooking and fitness classes, sponsors community team runs, and subsidizes individual running event registrations. For financial well-being, MVP partners with Merrill Lynch to provide free, confidential financial advising and webinars. Mental health support includes a weekly Mental Health Monday post on MS Teams and access to free counseling through the Employee Assistance Program. The Coworker Connect program fosters social relationships among employees, while MVP offers 7.5 hours of service time off annually for community engagement, resulting in 5,694 logged hours in 2023.
“At MVP Health Care, we embrace the journey towards holistic wellness with open hearts and minds, understanding that true health extends far beyond the physical. Infused with a spirit of innovation and guided by the values of empathy and humility, we tailor our wellness programs in response to the real voices and needs of our employees. By deeply listening and respecting their unique paths to health, we foster an environment where every member of our team can thrive. This nurturing approach not only empowers our team to bring their best selves to work but also enhances our ability to deliver genuinely customer-centric experiences. As we continuously evolve with the feedback of our employees, we uphold our promise to serve our communities with dedication, recognizing that our collective wellness is the bedrock of our strength and service.” –Amy Harlow, Chief Talent Officer
3rd Ocean State Job Lot
North Kingstown, Rhode Island (Local Office: Schenectady)
2,629 Employees
Founded in 1977, Ocean State Job Lot (OSJL) is a privately held, growing discount retail chain with 152 stores across New England, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. With approximately 5,600 employees and annual sales exceeding $800 million, OSJL offers a wide range of brand-name merchandise at closeout prices, including household goods, apparel, pet supplies, seasonal products, and pantry staples. The company has been recognized by Forbes® Magazine as a four-time "Best Employer," by Deloitte as a four-time "US Best Managed Company," and received a first-place Inspiring Workplaces in North America Award. Through the Ocean State Job Lot Charitable Foundation, the company supports numerous causes, such as feeding the hungry, aiding the homeless, helping veterans, and more.
OSJL emphasizes its commitment to associate well-being by offering Accolade Care, a unique healthcare benefit that provides zero-cost virtual access to primary care physicians and mental health counselors for all employees, including part-time associates. This comprehensive program also offers discounted prescriptions, reduced-cost diagnostics, and dedicated case management support. By breaking traditional healthcare barriers, OSJL aims to foster a healthier company culture and promote a more sustainable and responsible business.
Each month, OSJL highlights their wellness program with initiatives like educational resources, webinars, and targeted benefit opportunities. Programs such as the OSJL Walking Club and Stretch & Flex support physical activity, while on-site fitness classes and wellness fairs are continuously being added. Additionally, the Ocean State Job Lot Charitable Foundation connects associates with their communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations, encouraging positive community involvement.
"All companies are focused on return of capital, and we understand that this approach works well in healthcare too. Offering such programs leads to higher well-being, lower absentee rates, and greater commitment. For example, over the past several years, we've expanded—rather than reduced—our well-being offerings. These include free virtual primary care and mental health care for part-time employees, culturally sensitive mental health education, zero-cost support for associates' families with Medicare questions, dedicated internal case managers to assist with leaves of absence, zero-cost personal healthcare concierges, and more." –Marc Perlman, Owner and CEO
4th Capital District Physicians' Health Plan, Inc. (CDPHP)
Latham
1,334 Employees
Founded in 1984, Capital District Physicians' Health Plan, Inc. (CDPHP) is a physician-founded, community-based, not-for-profit health plan that provides high-quality, affordable health insurance to members across 36 counties in New York.
This year, CDPHP Healthy Together introduced a "Dance Around the World" program, offering monthly dance classes featuring diverse styles like BollyX, Kathak, Samba, East Coast Swing, Hip Hop, and Cha Cha. Instructors from various backgrounds lead the free weekly sessions, which employees can join live or watch as recordings at their convenience. Participants can also earn wellness program incentive points for taking part.
CDPHP Healthy Together supports employees across all eight dimensions of wellness, recognizing that these areas are personal and dynamic. Through a variety of on-demand and live programs, employees can continuously enhance their well-being. To foster mental and spiritual health, CDPHP offers free subscriptions to RethinkCare, a mindfulness and resiliency platform. Social and community engagement is encouraged through internal roundtable discussions, participation in events like the annual PRIDE parade and 5k runs, and wellness conversations via internal social channels. For financial wellness, employees can earn incentives by participating in 1:1 financial coaching or attending webinars hosted by Empower, CDPHP’s 401k provider.
"CDPHP Healthy Together continues to provide meaningful wellness programming for our more than 1,300 employees. We offer education from highly skilled subject matter experts, emotional and mental health programs, and round out our offerings with on-demand physical content and live classes. As leaders in healthcare, we remain steadfast to our commitment to employee well-being. It is our ultimate goal to ensure everyone feels supported and able to achieve their wellness goals while working at CDPHP.” –Lori Cammett, VP Total Rewards and HR Operations
5,000+ Employees
1st U-Haul International
Phoenix, Arizona (Multiple Local Offices)
16,371 Employees
2023 Healthiest 100 Workplaces in America Winner
Since 1945, U-Haul has been the #1 choice of do-it-yourself movers, with a network of more than 23,000 locations across all 50 states and 10 Canadian provinces. In addition, they have a fleet of over 186,000 trucks, 128,000 trailers, 46,000 towing devices, 876,000 rentable storage units, and 75.1 million square feet of self-storage space.
U-Haul is very proud of their Virta offering, a clinically proven treatment to reverse Type 2 diabetes, obesity, and pre-diabetes. Through this treatment plan, U-Haul Team Members have been able to lower their A1c, lose weight, and reduce or eliminate the usage of insulin. Their mission is to sustainably reverse the conditions without the risks, costs, or side effects of medications or surgeries. 38% of diabetes-specific medications have been eliminated, insulin dosages have been reduced by 63%, and 16,000 total pounds have been lost through the use of this program.
U-Haul also strives to make healthy lifestyles attainable and affordable, which is why in 2021, they invested in a 54,000-square-foot corporate fitness center and on-site cafeteria where employees can order healthy meals for less than $5. While U-Haul is a vast corporation, their values are deep-rooted in family culture. From team-building challenges to the sharing of healthy recipes and tips, there is an unmistakable investment in everyone’s wellness journey.
“The wellness and benefits programs have helped me tremendously with my weight loss journey! As a work-from-home senior agent, the ‘Get Fit Program’ is one of my favorites because it has motivated me to go to the gym more, focus on my fitness goals, and be more active, especially since I am sitting for the majority of my work shift. The reimbursement incentive they offer not only helps alleviate the costs of my gym membership, but the check-ins incentive has me excited and ready to workout every day! I feel healthier, happier, and stronger!” –Leah Short, Senior Agent
2nd NGUSA Service Company
Syracuse (Local Office: Albany)
28,000 Employees
NGUSA Service Company delivers safe and secure energy daily to homes, communities, and businesses, ensuring reliability when people need it most. They connect individuals to the energy required for their everyday lives. As societal and industry changes accelerate, the company's expertise positions them uniquely to shape a sustainable future. To succeed, they aim to anticipate customer needs, lower energy delivery costs, and innovate flexible energy systems. This involves fulfilling their commitments while continually seeking new opportunities for personal and business growth.
The "Let's Talk" series, launched in July 2023, features unique stories on health topics and includes expert discussions on subjects like skin cancer, colon cancer, diabetes, and suicide. Each session has drawn over 150 participants, and recordings are provided for those unable to join live due to work schedules. The series aims to encourage employees to openly discuss their health, promoting health education and supporting healthier lifestyles among the workforce.
The "Thriving Together" health and well-being initiative empowers employees to prioritize their health, wellbeing, and performance through a supportive and inclusive environment. This ambition promotes a positive mental outlook, healthy lifestyles, compassionate management, and a culture of belonging, driven by a data-led strategy. In New York State, employees benefit from onsite Athletic Trainers, Nurse Practitioners, a wellbeing platform (Virgin Pulse), and counseling through Corporate Counselling Associates (CCA). Over the past year, the company has expanded offerings, including nutrition webinars, discussions on difficult health topics, employee-led meditation, and ergonomic sessions. Employees have also participated in financial planning with Vanguard and mental health programs through CCA. More than 100 employees are now certified in Mental Health First Aid, and all managers have completed a mental health awareness course. The company also supports the community, contributing over 10,000 hours of service in 2023. Additionally, over 100 wellbeing champions across NYS help promote health and wellbeing within the organization.
“National Grid is worthy of recognition because of its continued commitment to employees wellness, and it's positive impact it has had on employees achieving fitness goals both personally and professionally.” –Aaron Choo, Vice President, GFO
3rd CGI Technologies and Solutions Inc
Fairfax, Virginia (Local Office: Albany)
14,136 Employees
Founded in 1976, CGI is one of the largest IT and business consulting firms globally. The company focuses on insights-driven and outcomes-based strategies to maximize returns on investments. With expertise in technology and the industries they serve, CGI consultants offer practical solutions to complex challenges. They create customized blueprints that align industry-specific needs with their roadmap. CGI's secure, end-to-end services include business and strategic IT consulting, systems integration, managed IT and business process services, and intellectual property solutions. Their consulting drives sustainable value, while systems integration and managed services support IT modernization, cost savings, and business transformation. CGI’s IP portfolio enhances these services with business platforms as a service.
CGI offers long-term preventive maintenance medications for conditions like diabetes, hypertension, asthma, depression, and cholesterol at no cost to employees. The company is dedicated to creating an environment focused on health and well-being, enabling members to thrive both personally and professionally. CGI’s Health & Well-being Center of Excellence serves as a consultant, offering holistic support through promotion, education, risk identification, and intervention. The company's well-being strategy encompasses financial, mental, physical, and social health. Financial support includes retirement tools, wellness assessments, up to $400 in incentives, a Shared Purchase Plan with a 3.5% company match, and access to exclusive discounts through the PerksSpot program. Social well-being is promoted through peer-to-peer engagement groups, volunteer opportunities, and social clubs. Physical well-being initiatives include a discounted gym membership program, free virtual fitness classes, and a diabetes prevention program. CGI also emphasizes the importance of primary care and annual physical exams. On the mental health front, CGI provides Mental Health First Aid training at no cost and offers a comprehensive Employee Assistance Program through Lyra Health, covering resources like self-care, coaching, therapy, and medication management.
“Looking ahead to the next 20 years, we want to build on these solid foundations. This means continuing to embrace inclusivity and addressing additional considerations such as eco-anxiety, financial wellness, and the impact of technology and artificial intelligence on our overall health and well-being. In an increasingly digital world, I believe it will be more important than ever to develop and nurture meaningful social relationships.” –Julie Godin, Executive Vice President
