In the ever-evolving landscape of corporate wellness, the health and fitness programs offered by Fortune 500 companies have become a beacon of inspiration. Building upon our previous article that highlighted the top 10 companies, Health Fitness Revolution, led by its founder Samir Becic, also delved deeper to compile a comprehensive list of wellness programs from the top 100 companies of the Fortune 500. This year, we highlight the wellness programs of the Top 10 Fortune 500 companies.
These industry giants not only dominate the business world but also set an example for corporations and employers everywhere, demonstrating the importance of motivating and encouraging employees to prioritize their health and fitness. By fostering a healthier workforce, businesses can enhance productivity, collaboration, and overall success.
“Corporations are the driving force behind the U.S. economy, and it is essential for them to establish wellness programs that encourage productivity, creativity, and the untapped potential within their teams,” affirms Samir Becic, Houston’s official Fitness Czar.
Now, let’s explore the programs that can empower individuals and organizations alike to unlock their full potential in the realm of health and fitness. Here are some of the benefits of robust workplace wellness programs:
- Healthier, more productive working employees
- Lower stress levels
- Lower turnover / higher employee retention rates
- Fewer sick days
- Lower insurance premiums
- Protection of a company’s greatest asset – the employee
- Higher self-esteem and a greater team-building mentality
- Increased energy and vitality in the workplace
- A more optimistic, positive attitude
- A greater eagerness to succeed and lead, along with the energy to do so
- Improvement in family life brings improvement into the workplace
- Greater community synergy, greater company synergy
1. Walmart
- Trying to make food healthier and more affordable by working with suppliers to reduce sodium and sugar in key products.
- Also aiming to double the amount of organic produce they buy and lower costs to consumers.
- Walmart is continually working to provide the 1.1 million Walmart associates and family members covered by Walmart health care plans with access to affordable, comprehensive medical coverage as well as tools, resources and innovative new benefits to help them manage their health and well-being.
- For $7-10 a paycheck employees can use the Walmart fitness center, which has a track, exercise equipment, a swimming pool, classes, etc.
2. Amazon.com
- Amazon launched WorkingWell in 2021, a comprehensive program aiming to improve employee health and reduce the risk of injury.
- The program is part of Amazon’s investment of over $300 million into safety projects in 2021 and its mission to be Earth’s Safest Place to Work.
- WorkingWell includes physical and mental activities, wellness exercises, and healthy eating support.
- The goal is to cut recordable incident rates by 50 percent by 2025.
- Components of WorkingWell were developed in collaboration with employees from within Amazon operations.
- The program has already expanded to 859,000 employees at 350 sites in North America and Europe.
- WorkingWell focuses on preventing musculoskeletal disorders and reducing work-related injuries.
- Wellness services include health and safety education, wellness huddles, wellness zones, and AmaZen mindfulness practices.
- Comprehensive health services are provided through wellness centers and neighborhood health centers.
- Technology is utilized through Mind & Body Moments, Connect & Comment Kiosks, and the WorkingWell Mobile App.
- The program emphasizes employee feedback and aims to establish industry best practices for workplace health and safety.
3. Exxon Mobil
- The new North Houston head campus is designed in the same vein as the Googleplex, the California headquarters of tech giant Google that doubles as an adult playground, with volleyball games, free haircuts and recreation rooms.
- Has a state of the art fitness center available to employees.
- GlobalFit Discount Program: This fitness discount program allows employees, retirees and their families to join top-rated health clubs at substantially discounted rates.
4. Apple
- Apple released an advert geared towards the health and fitness market promoting it’s workout features. The advert is called “Strength”.
- Steve Jobs wanted to pass on his love of meditation to others in the workplace, allowing employees of the tech giant to take 30 minutes each day to meditate at work, providing classes on meditation and yoga on-site, and offering the use of a meditation room.
- Their Apple watch includes a comprehensive selection of health apps for measuring heart rate, activity, nutrition, sleep, and more.
- Apple has released an app called HealthKit and says that “It just might be the beginning of a health revolution,”
- The new Health app gives an easy‑to‑read dashboard of health and fitness data such as heart rate, calories burned, blood sugar, and cholesterol.
5. UnitedHealth Group
- UnitedHealth Allies helps employees save money on health products and services.
- UnitedHealth Group rewards employees for the healthy steps they take every day through its “Your Re-wards for Health Program”.
- By completing a series of Health Actions, employees can earn an incentive that saves them hundreds of dollars on their medical premiums.
- All employees and their spouses/domestic partners enrolled in a standard UnitedHealth Group medical plan option are automatically enrolled in the ‘Your Rewards for Health Program’.
- Solutions for Caregivers to support those caring for others.
- Employee Assistance Program offers 24 hour access and resources for dealing with life’s challenges and changes.
- They provide a tobacco free workplace.
6. CVS Health
- Has “Project Health Screening”. Quick, convenient and no appointment necessary!
- Employees get a 1-on-1 consultation with health care and insurance professionals Plus, see if they qualify for health insurance savings. These confidential free screenings will be performed by medical professionals. These screenings check for:
- Body Mass Index (BMI)
- Blood Pressure
- Glucose
- Cholesterol
- Also support employees to quit smoking
- These screenings take place all over the United States in many cities.
- Made headlines in 2014 when they decided to stop selling cigarettes in CVS’s nationwide.
7. Berkshire Hathaway
- CSI Chairman Emeritus, William McBain Kizer, saw the benefits of promoting personal health and wellness, not only in his growing company, but also for the community and the nation.
- Kizer led the charge for workplace health by creating a healthy company and urging his fellow business leaders to do the same.
- His founding of the first Wellness Council in Omaha in 1982 led to the formation of Wellness Council of America – WELCOA. A national business and health promotion, nonprofit organization, WELCOA is one of the most respected resources for workplace wellness with membership in excess of 3,200 member companies.
- Kizer’s vision for a healthier America is summed up with his own words, “Keeping people healthy in the first place will go a long way toward addressing the skyrocketing health care costs facing this nation.”
- Under his leadership, the company has come to exemplify the power of promoting healthy lifestyle practices among its employees and provided the impetus for Omaha to become one of America’s healthiest cities.
- The CEO of Berkshire Hathaway believes in health within his company, “There is no question that workplace wellness is worth it. The only question is whether you’re going to do it today or tomorrow. If you keep saying you’re going to do it tomorrow, you’ll never do it.” – Warren Buffet, Chairman, Berkshire Hathaway.
8. Alphabet
- Employees get free breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There are also coffee and juice bars scattered throughout campuses.
- Free fitness classes, four tricked-out gyms, and organized intramural sports.
- Added more than a thousand community bikes scattered around the Googleplex.
- On-site physicians and nurses who are always available.
- Has a it’s own “Culture Czar” whose goal is to ensure happiness among the company’s employees.
- Ranked in the Top 5 of Fortune’s Best 100 Companies to work for.
- Employees can help themselves to bocce courts, a bowling alley, and an overflowing food pantry.
9. McKesson
- Offer their employees access to a wellness program, including Vitality, weight watchers and quit-for-life.
- These programs include easy access to online tools that encourage education and understanding of health risks, incentive-based wellness programs, and overall health management.
- As employees and their families participate in healthy activities, such as walking 10,000 steps per day or getting preventive health screenings, they enjoy the benefits of healthier living and earn Vitality Points, which can be redeemed for rewards.
- Employees have the opportunity to participate in the following health and wellness activities:
- A biometric screening
- An online health risk assessment
- A pedometer linked to the on-line Vitality website
- Subsidized gym membership fees
- Weight Watchers membership
- “Quit for Life” membership
- 100% coverage for preventative care
- Easy access to online tools and resources
- McKesson had recently received Platinum certification in the ‘Best Employers for Healthy Lifestyles’ award presented by the National Business Group on Health.
10. Chevron
- Has a company-wide “Get Moving” program that states: “Make physical activity part of your regular day. Being active can help you stay healthy, control your weight, lower your risk for many chronic conditions, including heart disease, some cancers and diabetes. A brisk half-hour walk every day can help you improve your health. You will enjoy the benefits of greater energy, better mood and improved sleep.”
- Chevron offers a variety of programs to help employees find the best way to lead a more active lifestyle. Participation in any of these programs is voluntary.
- Participating employees may be eligible for Health Rewards in 2015 including a $250 Wellness Credit added to their Health Care Spending Account* on January 1, 2016 and they can also be entered in a drawing for a chance to win free medical premiums for all of 2016 for themselves and their eligible dependents.
- Chevron encourages employee health “When it comes to your health, you have the power to create change. It’s commitment to the small steps that makes the biggest difference, and Chevron resources can help you along the way. If you’ve been thinking about exercising more, losing weight or quitting tobacco this year, then here’s your chance to get help committing to those goals, one small change at a time. And while you’re making those small changes, why not get points toward health rewards?”
- On-site Chevron Fitness Centers: Chevron fitness centers also provide a broad range of illness and injury prevention training, health education and exercise opportunities. Some locations also offer massage therapy.
- National fitness partnerships: In addition to the Chevron locations that have on-site fitness centers, Chevron employees and their dependents have the opportunity to join 24 Hour Fitness or Anytime Fitness health clubs at our preferred corporate rate.
- Healthy Heart Program with WebMD- By participating in this program employees can create a plan for exercise, work with a health coach, and use a variety of online tools and resources that are personalized to them.
- Employees can listen to online Health Audio casts that cover a variety of health topics, including exercise.
- Health wise Health Encyclopedia access: The Healthwise website is available to employees for a variety of health information and decision-making tools. The site provides links to how-to information about physical activity. The site includes info on walking for wellness, reducing back pain, and healthy weight.
