{"id":37120,"date":"2010-12-14T11:32:17","date_gmt":"2010-12-14T16:32:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dietsinreview.com\/diet_column\/?p=37120"},"modified":"2011-12-27T16:14:36","modified_gmt":"2011-12-27T21:14:36","slug":"ikea-starbucks-whole-foods-boeing-lead-charge-in-corporate-wellness-compaigns","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dietsinreview.com\/diet_column\/12\/ikea-starbucks-whole-foods-boeing-lead-charge-in-corporate-wellness-compaigns\/","title":{"rendered":"Ikea, Starbucks, Whole Foods, Boeing Lead Charge in Corporate Wellness Campaigns"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>Times are tough and a lot of companies are trying to cut back on costs<\/a>. Less benefits, less hours, no healthcare, no bonuses, and more have become\u00a0the norm, but that hasn’t stopped a large handful of companies from doing everything they can to provide corporate fitness benefits<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Ikea recently had 12,400 custom bicycles made as Christmas gifts for their U.S. employees. The bikes (which are silver with blue, yellow and white stripes- Ikea’s colors)\u00a0served as a ‘thank you’ for a great year and also a reminder that an active lifestyle is key to a happy life. Employees were pleasantly surprised and it\u00a0encouraged some who\u00a0weren’t previously bicyclists to take up the healthy hobby. Ikea might be wow-ing us\u00a0with their thoughtful and creative gifts, but they aren’t the only company to take ethical responsibility for the health crisis we are in.<\/p>\n

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According to USA Today<\/a>, “Hospital giant HCA in April began offering diabetic workers in the corporate offices $400 a year toward medical costs if they go to 10 counseling sessions with diabetes educators.”<\/p>\n

CBS News<\/a> reports that President Obama openly praised companies such as Safeway, Microsoft and REI for outstanding practices in the areas of prevention and wellness for their employees. In reference to REI’s health care plan, President Obama said,\u00a0“Every single employee is covered, but part of the reason they’re able to do it is because they put a big emphasis on prevention and wellness.”<\/p>\n

Many state agencies, including the King County library system in Washington State, provide friendly fitness-related competitions among the employees. Depending on the employer and the competition, prizes or special lunches are awarded to teams and individuals that reach their goals. This provides a sense of fun and camaraderie which serves as an excellent motivator for employees.<\/p>\n

Some other companies that have been spot-lighted for their innovation and dedication to employee health include:<\/p>\n