A few blogs back I wrote about a company out of Cleveland, FIT Technologies, who came up with a great incentive program to help change their employees lifestyle choices -thereby creating healthier & happier employees.
The Weight Reduction incentive program offers a series of incentives. To participate in the program, employees must have a reduction goal of 10% of their weight or greater.
Employees will establish a goal weight/reduction percentage. (Official weigh-in required)
Employees will receive a $100.00 bonus for each 10% increment of weight loss from the initial weigh-in weight. (Official weigh-in required)
When employees reach their established goal weight, they notify Human Resources to confirm the goal has been reached. (Official weigh-in required)
Scenario A: Once employees maintain their goal weight (within 2 lbs.) for 90 days, they will receive a $500.00 bonus. (Official weigh-in required)
Scenario B: If after 90 days, employees exceed the 2 lb. cushion, employees will need to return to their goal weight and maintain the goal weight for 30 days to receive the $500.00 bonus
Scenario C: If an employee's established goal weight meets the Weight Guide below, and they maintain the goal weight (within 2 lbs.) for 90 days they will receive a $500.00 bonus.
These employees are eligible for an additional anniversary incentive: If an employee maintains his/her weight (within 2 lbs.) listed on the Weight Ranges chart for 12 months, he/she will receive $500.00 annually.
Well, the first quarter results are in! But before we reveal how the program is doing...can you believe that one of the company’s co-founders, Michelle Tomallo, has such a personal interest in the program, that she is committed to everyone’s success. Two or the participants in the program, who did not make the charts this quarter, asked Michelle to weigh them every two weeks because they felt that it would be very motivating. Get this...Michelle was happy to help.
In her words, Congratulations to all of our staff, who have been working diligently over the last quarter to make improvements in their health, eating habits, and exercise routines. Whether you lost one pound or 100 pounds, you are working to improve your health, fitness and energy level. If you’re one of those people who didn’t lose weight first quarter—this quarter is another chance to work toward your goal.
Congratulations to those of you who have stopped smoking, you rock. You’re doing a great thing for your body and your life.
Employees Dan, Eric and Ann were the top highest percent of weight lost - 12%, 11% and 8.8% respectively. Here are some of their winning secrets.
Here’s a few simple and practical suggestions from our employees:
Eat less. Move more. Take the steps. Ride a bike. Walk. Swim.
Have gum, mints, or hard candy to satisfy your sweet tooth instead of chocolate, cookies or candy.
Drink more water. The recommended amount is 64oz per day. 80% of the time people who think they are hungry are, in fact, dehydrated/thirsty.
Remember that you have to burn approximately 3500 calories to lose a pound. Be deliberate about your food choices. Every food choice has a consequence. Don’t overeat.
Think of your goal for weight loss in small segments—think “I can lose 2 lbs this week!” instead of “how can I lose 22 lbs?”
Two websites Michelle recommends to her employees are www.calorieking.com and www.sparkpeople.com.
Way to go Cleveland! Keep up the great work and dedication!
Cleveland Rocks.
Find this article at: http://www.marieclaire.com/life/healthy/fitness/great-incentives-part-two
