October 15, 2024
Healthiest Employers® was started in 2009 as a way to celebrate companies that are putting their people first by investing in the health of their employees. In partnership with Springbuk, we are pleased to announce the 2024 Healthiest Employers of the Triangle.
Each company filled out our annual Healthiest Employers application. The responses are scored Rubric style 1-100 scale. The assessment is made up of six categories with yes/no, multiple choice, and short answer questions, with each question 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.
In the years following the COVID-19 pandemic, a heavily discussed topic has been whether to return to the traditional office or stay on a hybrid/remote work model. Our applicants in the Triangle:
- 5.6% work completely in the office or on-site
- 38.9% report that they are on a hybrid schedule with certain days/times in the office
- 50.0% only provide specific roles or teams with work-from-home opportunities
- 5.6% are considered a fully remote workforce with no required days in the office
Congratulations to all of our winners this year! Please note that employee counts are based on their national full-time employee count.
100 to 499 Employees
1st City of Sanford
Sanford
407 Employees
Sanford operates under a council-manager form of government, with a governing body that includes the mayor and seven council members. Five members are elected from specific wards, while two serve at-large. The mayor presides over the council, and all members are elected for four-year terms. The city offers a charming small-town feel, with numerous attractions. Visitors can enjoy public art, a thriving music scene, and stunning natural landscapes that are vast and beautiful.
To address the evolving needs of its population, the organization uses a data analytics tool from ZakiPoint to identify high-cost areas in its medical plan and evaluate the impact of various health programs. This allows for comparison between employees participating in programs and those who are not, particularly regarding medical and pharmacy claims. The HealthMap program, in collaboration with PPCN, targets pre-diabetic and diabetic employees, dependents, and retirees covered by the organization’s health insurance. The program aims to reduce cardiovascular disease and diabetes complications by providing health coaching and personalized care planning from pharmacist care managers coordinating with participants' medical providers.
Participants benefit from fully covered co-pays for diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol medications, supplies, and a bi-annual cash incentive for active engagement. Positive clinical outcomes have been noted in diabetes and cardiovascular health:
- 41% of eligible diabetes participants enrolled in the program and recorded A1c levels below 7, a 23% improvement since 2020.
- 88% of hypertension participants lowered blood pressure to below 140/90, a 16% increase in the last 4 years.
- There has been an 8% reduction in high-risk waist circumference and those achieving these goals were reported to have saved the health plan $4,878 compared to non-participants
"I am proud of the City of Sanford's commitment to employee wellbeing through our comprehensive wellness programs. Our biometrics, hypertension, and diabetes programs are crucial initiatives that encourage healthy habits and offer valuable coaching opportunities. Additionally, our EAP program underscores our dedication to supporting employee mental health. Together, these efforts contribute to a healthier and more resilient workforce, ensuring that our employees can thrive both personally and professionally.” –Hal Hegwer, City Manager
2nd WithersRavenel Inc.
Cary
430 Employees
WithersRavenel is an employee-owned (ESOP) multi-disciplined civil, environmental, and geomatics engineering firm with 40 years of service in the Carolinas. WithersRavenel is located in Asheville, Cary, Charlotte, Greensboro, Raleigh, Pittsboro, Southern Pines, and Wilmington, NC. The firm is comprised of over 400 employee-owners who are dedicated to project success for public and private clients.
The Thrive Well-being program's most unique benefit is its micro-training sessions. These 15-minute live video conferences are designed to fit the diverse needs of teams during busy workdays. The sessions are recorded and available on SharePoint for those who cannot attend live. Each session concludes with an open discussion to foster social well-being and idea sharing. The program covers physical, mental, emotional, financial, and social well-being, with content based on feedback from a committee and internal surveys. Quarterly reviews ensure the program meets team needs. Success is measured by survey feedback scores, participation rates, and leader engagement.
WithersRavenel maintains a hybrid work environment and flexible working hours, a practice established even before COVID-19. This flexibility supports employees in balancing work and home life. Teams coordinate office days for collaboration and meetings, facilitated by a strong IT department that ensures seamless and secure remote work. This approach has fostered a natural return to the office post-pandemic.
"The THRIVE program is a breath of fresh air and a reminder that WithersRavenel genuinely values its employees. THRIVE provides company-wide challenges and regular group discussions with professionals on physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being. Using tips and tricks I've learned through THRIVE, I've implemented small changes in my habits that add up to improving my well-being. And even better, the best part of THRIVE at WithersRavenel is having a community of coworkers to learn, share, and grow in a supportive, positive environment." –Nicolas Perdomo, Staff Professional III
3rd Railinc
Cary
267 Employees
Railinc is a key resource for the railroad industry, offering innovative technology solutions that enhance productivity and operational efficiency for railroads and rail equipment owners. As the largest and most accurate provider of real-time interline rail data, Railinc supports essential business processes and provides valuable business intelligence.
Its applications and services are integral to critical operations and financial systems across the industry, serving railroads, equipment owners, and industry suppliers throughout the supply chain. Railinc handles over 9 million messages daily through its EDI network, including transportation waybills, train consists, blocking requests, and trip plans. Additionally, its tracking and tracing services enable customers to monitor rail cars and shipments, while other tools help predict traffic conditions to minimize train congestion.
Railinc offers a unique benefit to its full-time employees by providing eligibility for nearly all benefits starting on their first day of work. In contrast to the 65% of workers, as found in a 2023 KFF study, who face an average two-month waiting period for coverage, Railinc's comprehensive and competitive benefits begin immediately.
Key benefits include a fully funded high-deductible health plan that covers 100% of the employee’s family costs and contributes up to $3,000 to an HSA. Employees can also opt for a subsidized point-of-service plan. Other benefits available from day one include vision, dental, and orthodontic coverage, the Railinc pension plan, paid vacation, maternity and parental leave, and short- and long-term disability insurance. Employees not enrolled in the medical plan can still access fully covered dental and vision plans.
Over 90% of employees enrolled in healthcare coverage complete their annual physicals, meeting standards or alternative requirements, which helps them earn discounts for the next benefit year and keeps premiums low. Railinc also provides two free prescription drug programs, automatically enrolling employees and covered dependents in services that help find the best medication pricing and offer free home delivery, pharmacist counseling, and claim management. Railinc fully covers the cost of these programs, enhancing employees' freedom of choice regarding prescriptions.
“The executives at Railinc set an example for the importance of wellness by participating right alongside our contributors, but I am proud of how completely our entire employee population has embraced wellness. It is part of our culture, part of who we are, and we are all committed to making it even better.” –Cathelene Thomas, Chief of Staff
500 to 1,499 Employees
1st Merz Aesthetics
Raleigh
929 Employees
Merz Aesthetics, a family-owned company since 1908, is a leading global aesthetics business based in Raleigh, North Carolina. The company’s mission is to boost confidence by helping individuals look, feel, and live better. Merz Aesthetics offers an award-winning portfolio of injectables, devices, and skincare products that empower healthcare professionals to enhance their patients' confidence through aesthetic medicine.
Merz Aesthetics offers a comprehensive range of unique and supportive benefit and wellness programs designed to enhance employees' lives. Key offerings include Paid Parental Leave, which provides 100% pay for 12-20 weeks for both male and female employees, and a paid company-wide holiday shutdown in December, granting 5-7 additional paid days off beyond regular Paid Time Off. The company also provides 401k Profit Sharing, offering all employees—regardless of 401k participation—a 4% employer contribution to their retirement savings, in addition to any company matching funds received.
As part of its commitment to employee wellness, Merz conducts an annual Merz Total Wellness survey to gather employee feedback on benefits and wellness programs. The results are shared with leadership and employees, influencing strategic planning and benefit renewals. The effectiveness of these programs is reflected in the 2024 survey, where Merz employees rated the company's benefits with an 89% satisfaction rate.
Employees, from capital sales reps to manufacturing staff, can easily interact with Virgin Pulse, whether by logging steps, giving shoutouts to colleagues, or accessing other benefits. Virgin Pulse offers tools for financial wellness, childcare and eldercare resources, mindfulness practices, sleep improvement tips, certified financial planners, Health Risk Assessments, and meditation or fitness sessions, ensuring there is something for everyone. Employees are rewarded for their engagement and commitment to their overall well-being.
“As a family-owned company, we are committed to providing our employees with best-in-class resources enabling them to live their best lives. Our strategic focus on holistic health and well-being is integrated into our global cultural tenets, ESG strategy, and our People Strategy. I am extremely proud of the role Total Wellness plays in our culture of empowerment, inclusivity, and employee experiences that honor the individual spirit around Belonging, Performing, and Rewarding.” –Hyunna Coelho, Chief Administrative Officer
2nd City of Rocky Mount
Rocky Mount
907 Employees
The City of Rocky Mount is a local government entity serving both Nash and Edgecombe counties. It is a full-service city committed to the well-being and safety of its employees and citizens.
The City of Rocky Mount began annual health screenings in 2013 to track employee progress in meeting recommended health metrics for blood pressure, waist circumference, cholesterol, and A1C/glucose levels. In 2013, 233 employees met all four metrics, while by 2023, that number had risen to 398, representing an increase from 52.54% to 85.61% of employees meeting the health incentive. Participation in the screenings has also grown, from 766 participants in 2021 to 806 in 2023.
The city's disease management programs for diabetes and cardiovascular disease have played a key role in reducing health risks. Among diabetes participants, 61% are enrolled in the HealthMapRx program, with 76% maintaining an A1C below 8.0% and an average LDL cholesterol of 77. Participants experienced an average weight loss of 13 pounds, totaling 1,287 pounds overall. In the cardiovascular group, 80% achieved blood pressure goals, exceeding the industry standard of 50.6%, and maintained an average LDL cholesterol of 86.
In May 2023, the city introduced the MySeniorCenter platform to better track participation in wellness programs, including fitness classes, cooking workshops, and special events. Participation has grown from 46 unique employees in May 2023 to 271 in January 2024. The city aims to offer a wide variety of wellness programs to meet the diverse goals of its employees.
"As the Human Resources Director, I am immensely proud of our employee wellness program. This initiative reflects our dedication to supporting the holistic well-being of our workforce. By prioritizing their health and happiness, we are cultivating a more vibrant, productive, and resilient workplace. Our employees are our greatest asset, and their wellness is a top priority." –Kena Cofield-Jones, Human Resources Director
3rd Coastal Credit Union
Raleigh
606 Employees
Coastal Credit Union is a not-for-profit, member-owned, financial cooperative, offering a full range of financial products and services. Coastal was chartered on August 31, 1967 with the mission of fostering the credit union philosophy of “people helping people.” Today, with $5.2 billion in assets, Coastal serves 333,000 members from 1,800 business partners and is among the leading financial institutions in North Carolina. Coastal operates 24 locations in central North Carolina and serves members in all 50 states through a network of 5,600 shared branches, 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs, mobile banking featuring mobile check deposit, and a robust offering of online services.
Over the past year, the organization offered interactive mental health training sessions featuring award-winning keynote speaker Mettie Spiess. One of these sessions was a 60-minute training focused on mindset resets for stress relief. Employees learned how to adjust their mindset during stressful moments, ask key questions to shift from feelings of pressure to peace, and use practical exercises to release toxic thoughts. Additionally, the organization provided a session on "Being Resilient through Change and Uncertainty." Attendees learned techniques to address anxious thoughts related to change, received coping strategies for managing stress, and were empowered by understanding the phases of change to support both personal and professional growth.
Wellness rewards are available for various activities, including programs for tobacco cessation, weight management, and disease-specific management and all employees have access to an Employee Assistance Program, which includes counseling services and mental health training sessions. As a financial institution committed to financial well-being, the company provides employees with educational sessions on various financial topics. Employees are encouraged to engage in community involvement, with 8 paid volunteer hours annually to volunteer during work hours. The community impact team coordinates with local nonprofits to provide ongoing external volunteer opportunities.
“Having a wellness-minded company certainly gave us an advantage in taking action. Our employees were ready and willing to take care of themselves, too, so any precautions we took were easy to implement.” –Joe Mecca, Vice President of Communications
1,500 to 4,999 Employees
1st Wake County
Raleigh
4,591 Employees
Wake County is a local government employer overseen by a seven-member Board of Commissioners elected at-large for four-year terms. With a general operating budget of $2.08 billion, the county employs about 4,600 staff members who serve a population of over 1 million citizens. The organization's mission is to deliver excellent public service through collaborative, inclusive, and sustainable solutions that prioritize the community's well-being.
Wake County offers a comprehensive wellness program that addresses financial, physical, social, and emotional health. The program includes onsite healthcare, fitness classes, massage services, mental well-being resources, meditation, and financial planning, catering to all ages and demographics. The county's leave benefits are extensive, covering areas such as bereavement, community involvement, paid paternity for all parents, family illness, military, wellness, and emergency leave. Additional benefits include tuition reimbursement, mortgage discounts, free health screenings, treadmill desks, legal protection, and flexible work options.
Wake County also operates two employee health centers, providing free acute care, health coaching, nutritional counseling, educational presentations, and mental health services for employees and their spouses. The wellness program features over 1,000 offerings, ranging from diabetes management to meditation, with a strong focus on mental health. To reduce stigma, the county renamed its Employee Assistance Program to "myS.E.L.F.network," resulting in a significant increase in utilization. Wake also provides access to a Clinical Social Worker, an on-call Clinical Psychologist, virtual mental health visits, and an app-based tool. With a 95% engagement rate, the success of the wellness program is attributed to strong leadership commitment, which sets it apart.
"As I reach the half-century mark, I found out that I was pre-diabetic and a candidate for heart problems with high blood pressure, bad cholesterol, being overweight, and a very high level of stress. After nearly a decade of unsuccessfully trying to either diet or exercise, I was very fortunate to find a great medical support team. The medical professionals at the Employee Health Center, give professional advice, are very generous with encouragement, and provide a great continuity of care, and their loving support has reversed the direction of my health future. I am confident I will live longer because of these systemic changes and I feel better, look better, think clearer, and live happier now.” –Wake County Team Member
2nd Syngenta
Greensboro
4,303 Employees
Syngenta is a leading agriculture company helping improve global food security by enabling millions of farmers to make better use of available resources.
The company has introduced its new MyWellbeing program, which replaces the former Reaping Rewards initiative. This upgraded platform, launched on June 3, has already attracted nearly 30% of employees within its first week. MyWellbeing offers a wide range of resources designed to enhance physical, mental, and financial wellbeing, while also fostering community and social connection. The program is user-friendly and engaging, and employees can earn up to $300 annually through active participation. The company views this initiative as significant, highlighting its commitment to employee well-being and satisfaction.
Syngenta has adopted a comprehensive approach to address the key pillars of employee health, recognizing the importance of each in overall well-being. For physical health, the company offers annual physical exams, nurse coaching, wellness programs, and ergonomic assessments, and encourages regular physical activity through events like the Worksite Fit event and Jubilee 5K, along with fitness membership discounts. A new fitness facility is set to open at the Greensboro headquarters. In mental health, Syngenta provides counseling services, stress management workshops, and mindfulness training, while also offering Mental Health Safety Training to managers and employees. The company emphasizes open communication and work-life balance. Financial well-being is supported through educational workshops, retirement planning assistance, competitive benefits, and economic resources, including webinars by T. Rowe Price, empowering employees to make informed decisions. Social and community engagement is promoted through team-building activities, volunteer opportunities, and open communication, creating a connected and supportive environment within the organization and beyond.
“Our well-being program embodies our dedication to the comprehensive welfare of our employees, and I am proud of the positive impact this program has had on our U.S. employees. The U.S. sets the standard as we roll out similar initiatives globally, creating an empowering environment for all Syngenta employees.” –Filip Hemeryck, Group Head Global Benefits
3rd Gilbane
Providence, Rhode Island (Local Office: Raleigh)
3,100 Employees
Founded in 1870 and headquartered in Providence, RI, Gilbane Inc. is one of the largest privately held, family-owned companies in the construction, real estate development, and facility management services industry.
Gilbane Inc. recognizes that overall well-being encompasses more than just physical health, emphasizing the importance of mental, emotional, financial, occupational, intellectual, and spiritual health. Through the Wellness Champion network, employees are encouraged to establish relationships with primary care physicians, schedule annual wellness visits, and utilize resources on the Benefits Portal for preventive care. By the end of 2023, 66% of employees earned a discount on their medical premiums for 2024 through the completion of various wellness-related activities.
In 2023, Gilbane introduced wellness activities such as Daily Habits, Health Coaching, and updated company-wide challenges to engage employees year-round. Employees who participated in Health Coaching reported positive experiences. These initiatives, along with an expanded range of resources including Musculoskeletal Solutions, Family Formation Benefits, Diabetes and Pre-Diabetes Management Programs, Financial Wellness Resources, and Health Coaching Webinars, highlight Gilbane's commitment to promoting healthy choices and outcomes for employees and their families.
“In line with our people first strategy and our culture of caring, we continue to look at opportunities to enhance our benefit offerings for our employees and their families.” –Katherine Johnson, Chief Human Resources Officer
4th RTI
Research Triangle Park
3,342 Employees
RTI International is an independent, nonprofit research institute focused on improving the human condition. Its vision is to tackle the world's most critical challenges using science-based solutions to create a better future. Clients turn to RTI for answers that require an objective, multidisciplinary approach, drawing on expertise in social and laboratory sciences, engineering, and international development.
In the fall of 2023, RTI International introduced a Paid Trauma Leave policy for its global workforce in nearly 40 countries, emphasizing the mental health, safety, and well-being of its staff. Originally created in 2020 to support Black employees experiencing racial trauma, the policy was expanded to allow all eligible employees who face traumatic events to take paid leave to recover and seek support. RTI defines trauma as a personal experience of a significant, unexpected, and distressing incident.
Employees can take 8 hours of Paid Trauma Leave per event, up to 20 hours annually, with confidentiality to ensure privacy. Since the policy's inception in 2021, over 336 employees have used more than 2,800 hours of trauma leave, totaling over $100,000 in paid time off. This initiative highlights RTI’s commitment to fostering a supportive workplace culture where employees can prioritize their well-being while continuing to contribute effectively.
“Our wellbeing program is a testament to RTI's commitment to fostering a supportive and thriving work environment. We are immensely proud of the variety of programs we offer to support our staff and their families. By investing in the health and wellbeing of our staff, we not only enhance their personal lives but also drive our collective success as an organization." –Tim Gabel, President and CEO
5,000+ Employees
1st Blue Cross NC
Durham
5,650 Employees
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC), founded in 1933, is dedicated to making healthcare easier to navigate, more affordable, and accessible for all. The company's core purpose remains centered on improving the health and well-being of its customers and communities, with a commitment to continuous healthcare improvement. Operating as a fully taxed, not-for-profit company based in Durham, Blue Cross NC employs over 5,500 individuals and serves more than 4.3 million members. It is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
Hinge Health remains one of the most distinctive benefit offerings, addressing one of the top three conditions managed by the employee population: chronic joint or back pain. This innovative digital program combines exercise therapy with behavioral support and coaching from clinically trained professionals, focusing on areas such as the back, knees, neck, shoulders, hips, and more. The program is free for employees, spouses, and domestic partners enrolled in the company’s medical plan, with charges billed through claims. A review from 2019-2022 showed that Year 1 Hinge Health participants achieved a per-member-per-month (PMPM) savings of $107, totaling $1,284 per participant annually. With 212 participants staying enrolled, this resulted in an average savings of $272,208 per year, along with cost reductions in 7 out of 10 musculoskeletal focus areas.
The TotalYou suite offers over 30 health and wellness programs designed to support employees across all dimensions of well-being. Recognizing the multifaceted nature of wellness, the suite provides tools and resources to promote physical, mental, financial, and social health.
For physical health, the programs include Hinge Health for virtual pain management, ergonomic support, step challenges, and incentives for physical activity. To support mental health, offerings include monthly engagement activities such as Morning Mingles (informal employee gatherings), Mental Health Stretch Breaks, TotalYou Mental Health Fun Breaks (featuring music bingo, karaoke, and trivia for stress relief), PM Pause (yoga, meditation, or breathing sessions), Conversations that Matter (discussions on mental health resources), EAP webinars, Mental Health Checkups, and resilience-building on-demand videos. Financial health support includes 1:1 coaching and educational resources from Fidelity, along with professional services from Edelman Financial. Social well-being is encouraged through employee networks, social platforms, volunteer opportunities, and Grayce, a caregiver resource providing 1:1 support to ease the challenges of caregiving.
“Blue Cross NC is committed to the health and well-being of our employees. We continue to evolve our TotalYou health and wellness program to meet the ever-changing needs of our Hybrid Flex workforce with programs providing employees with choice in how to achieve their health and wellness goals regardless of location, interests, or readiness for change.” –Mike O’Connor, Vice President of Total Rewards
2nd U-Haul International
Phoenix, Arizona (Multiple Local Offices)
16,371 Employees
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, its 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
3rd Burns & McDonnell
Kansas City, Missouri (Local Office: Raleigh)
9,946 Employees
Burns & McDonnell, founded in 1898, is a full-service, 100% employee-owned company with over 14,500 professionals including consultants, engineers, architects, and construction experts. Operating from more than 75 offices worldwide, the team specializes in designing and building critical infrastructure with an integrated, solutions-driven approach.
Burns & McDonnell's Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) is a standout feature, making them part of a small percentage of firms nationwide that have been 100% employee-owned for over 35 years. Employee ownership is automatic and free, leading to employees having three times higher retirement savings than non-ESOP participants. This ownership model drives their success and fosters a unique culture. The company takes a holistic approach to wellness, offering on-site benefits such as a health center, pharmacy, fitness facility, and counseling services. Additionally, they provide various virtual mental health resources, including counseling and texting therapy, ensuring easy access to quality care for all employee-owners.
Giving back is a core part of their culture, encapsulated in the guiding principle "We Invest for a Better World." In 2023, employees volunteered over 15,000 hours, raised nearly $400,000 for the annual Charity of Choice, and contributed over $5 million to United Way chapters nationwide. This reflects their commitment to community investment and improving the collective future.
“Through our comprehensive wellness program, we empower our employee-owners to take ownership of their health and well-being by providing them with the tools and resources they need to live healthy lives. I am proud of the high participation in our program, and as a result, we have seen a significant reduction in healthcare costs and risk factors for our employee-owners.” –Leslie Duke, Chief Executive Officer
4th Syneos Health
Morrisville
9,815 Employees
Syneos Health is a top biopharmaceutical solutions organization focused on driving customer success. The company leverages its expertise in clinical, medical affairs, and commercial insights to deliver outcomes that meet the demands of the modern market.
The Wellbeing Program is designed for employees by the organization's Wellbeing Champion Network, which develops new activities each month tailored to employee interests. As a result, 65% of eligible employees voluntarily register for the program, with 45% logging in each month to explore the newly created activities. The program has received a 4.7 out of 5-star rating since its inception in 2021, reflecting an increase from 4.4 in 2021 to 4.7 in 2022 as it continues to evolve based on employee feedback.
The Well-being Program fosters a sense of community among the workforce, which consists of over 80% remote employees. This connection is facilitated through individual activities where employees engage with others pursuing similar wellness goals, as well as through social media posts where they share personal stories, recipes, book recommendations, and expressions of gratitude. The program also includes community service initiatives, such as the Company Challenge Step Forward to Give Back, where the company donates 10 cents for every mile logged by employees during the challenge.
“Our well-being program is more than just an initiative; it’s a commitment to our team’s holistic health. We believe that when our people thrive, so does our organization. I am proud of our comprehensive well-being offerings and remain committed to continually evolving them to ensure we are meeting the needs of our people and our business. By listening to our team’s needs and staying adaptive, we aim to create a thriving and supportive work environment for everyone.” –Michele Salle, SVP Global Total Rewards
5th Black & Veatch
Overland Park, Kansas (Local Office: Cary)
10,440 Employees
Black & Veatch is an employee-owned engineering, procurement, consulting, and construction company with a 100-year legacy of innovations in sustainable infrastructure.
In the past year, the organization introduced several unique offerings, including a partnership with Great Plains SPCA that allowed employees to unwind through a fun Puppy Yoga class, where puppies interacted with participants during the session. Additionally, the Thrive Employee Resource Group facilitated 94 Mindfulness Moments sessions in 2023, resulting in Black & Veatch professionals logging a total of 18,181 mindful minutes (303 hours). These distinctive partnerships and employee-led initiatives enhanced the overall impact of the organization's wellness offerings.
At Black & Veatch, most employee-owners can choose a 9/80 work schedule, allowing them to work nine-hour days for nine days and enjoy every tenth day off, usually every other Friday. This arrangement promotes a better work-life balance and provides longer weekends for rejuvenation. Employees at the world headquarters in Kansas follow a hybrid schedule, working in the office three days a week and remotely for the remaining two days. Similarly, employee-owners near regional offices have a hybrid work schedule, working in-office one to three days per week. Additionally, some professionals are fully remote.
“As a founder and current co-chair of the Thrive Employee Resource Group, it has provided a sense of community and forum for like-minded individuals to talk openly about how they are leading and creating wellness in their lives. The Thrive ERG offers a range of mindfulness activities, including guided meditations and talks by professionals, and being able to share these voices with others in the company has been valuable. The ERG is actively supporting professionals to reduce stress and improve overall wellbeing through weekly movement offerings and meditations and tools to assist in being present.”–Darcy Bloss, Career Engagement Consultant
