Bottom-Line Benefit
Companies proactive in trying to assure healthier employees.
Lisa Svidler works out at
Franklin Athletic Club with
guidance from Itzi Saar, fit-
ness director.
Ruthan Brodsky
Special to the Jewish News
T
he notion of preventive
health care has been
espoused by health food
gourmands, vitamin aficionados and fit-
ness gurus for years. But it's good business
ingenuity that's taking health and wellness
to a new level. Does it really matter if it's
the bottom line that inspires business to
initiate wellness programs as long as the
end result is a win-win
for companies and their
employees?
Oakland County-
based Hiller's Markets,
for example, encourages
its employees to engage
in an exercise program
on a regular basis, even
if it requires taking time
off from work. The com-
pany also maintains a
corporate membership
at Franklin Athletic Club
in Southfield so that
Hiller's employees can
join at a reduced rate.
lik
"Our employees are
Andy Gutman
happier when they take
care of themselves:' says
Jim Hiller, president, who works out on a
regular basis and plays tennis at Franklin.
"Our business is volatile and employees
deal with intense stress. A physical activ-
ity like pilates or yoga or working with a
personal trainer helps reduce that stress,
which results in more productive employ-
ees."
It's a voluntary wellness program and
not everyone at Hiller's participates, but
there are a number of regulars who spend
time keeping in shape at Franklin.
Lisa Svidler, corporate business man-
ager, is a new Hiller employee, but already
enjoys a family membership at Franklin
Athletic Club.
"I work out when my 11-year old son,
Ittai, takes tennis lessons twice a week
after school: she said. Lisa is also a big
tennis fan and shares a private tennis les-
son with her son.
"Jim and the company are very sup-
portive, encouraging employees to live a
healthier lifestyle with exercise and good
eating habits:' says Ava Shapiro, CFO of
Hiller's Markets. "The company has been
very flexible to accommodate everyone's
schedule:'
One of the perks working at Franklin
Athletic Club is the company's own vol-
untary wellness program: Employees may
use all facilities.
"There are no restrictions for employ-
ees," explains Itzi Saar, Franklin's fitness
director and operational manager. "They
can work out at any time and participate
in classes at a reduced rate. We've found
that employees who participate in the pro-
grams maintain a higher morale and are
more loyal."
Fit At Farbman
A structured company wellness program
was initiated last year at NAI Farbman
in Southfield. The commercial real estate
firm distributes weekly employee news-
letters focusing on health issues, such as
stress, nutrition and sleep. The Farbman
Fit Club was created in May for staff inter-
ested in participating in more physical
activity. Lunch-hour walks were sched-
uled, "Take the Stairs"' was promoted, and
aerobic, dance and yoga classes took place
after hours.
"We are very fortunate at Farbman to
have owners who not only care enough
to allow us to implement our health and
wellness programs, but also clearly under-
stand the bottom line benefit to proactive-
ly investing in the health and well being
of our employees:' says Andy Gutman of
Novi, CFO Farbman Group.
This year, Farbman's wellness program
has expanded. Arrangements are being
made with Weight Watchers for employees
interested in weight loss. Experts are invit-
ed to give monthly seminars on health
issues, such as cholesterol, heart
health and diabetes. The well-
ness newsletters are distributed
twice a week and an aerobic/
dance instructor is scheduled for
classes after hours.
"While I have always found ways to
integrate exercise into my daily routines,
something that is often overlooked is the
importance of eating healthy:' says Ron
Goldstone, senior vice president at NAI
Farbman. "I personally find eating healthy
to be a greater challenge than exercising.
However, I have managed to incorporate
salads and other high-protein, low-fat
foods into my work weeks. In general, I
found it's easier to eat healthy during the
work week then on the weekends."
Health At Honigman
The Detroit-based law firm Honigman
Miller Schwartz and Cohn has provided
an employee wellness program for several
Benefit on page A30
JCC Provides Corporate Memberships
The Jewish Community Center of Metropolitan Detroit
offers reduced corporate memberships at both the Oak
Park and West Bloomfield facilities to companies who offer
their employees a wellness program.
"As part of our effort to become an integral part of the
community, we also offer a similar membership to groups
and educational institutions," explains Annette Whiting,
The JCC's
sports and fitness division director.
Annette Whiting
"The JCC Fit Train program is often the primary inter-
est for employers. Employees that use our facility are from
Beaumont, Ford and Providence hospitals as well as teach-
ers in Berkley, Oak Park and West Bloomfield school districts and the private
Hebrew schools. We also offer our facilities to Hadassah members and the Oak
Park Public Safety Department."
For information, call Annette Whiting, (248) 432-5483.
February 28 • 2008
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