Top Employers Attract Desirable Candidates Through Various Health and Wellness Programs

Talented, competent employees provide a competitive advantage for organizations in every industry. Successfully attracting and retaining qualified employees is paramount for an organization's success. The work atmosphere and social environment present in an office, can be key deciding factors influencing employees to apply for, accept, retain, or leave a given position. Organizations listed on "Canada's Top 100 Employers" or "Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For" distinguish themselves as top employers, through offering services to their employees, which convey value and appreciation. Increasingly, companies are recognizing the importance of employee health and wellness. In 2008, 77% of Canada's Top 100 Employers had a wellness program in place. "Wellness in the Workplace", a survey of Canada's top 100 employers, found that 89% of the implemented wellness programs included a fitness program. (McCaig, 2008) Involvement in corporate sports and activities can provide increases in collaboration, job satisfaction, productivity, and creativity. Small to medium sized companies in the Okanagan could become more attractive to current and potential employees through adopting one or more of the sporting activities offered by top employers. Four key practices of top employers, which we determined to be adoptable and adaptable to Okanagan employers, are: on-site personal training, company ski trips, company tournaments, and a sports/events planning committee.

On-site personal training and fitness classes are two viable options, which can be adopted by Okanagan employers. Incorporation of these elements as part of a sports and wellness program can improve an organization's overall attractiveness. Mountain Equipment Co-op is a recreational gear retailer in greater Vancouver. They encourage their employees to lead healthy lives through offering on-site yoga classes. (Maclean's, 2009) This practice promotes employee interaction, increased job satisfaction and is a cost effective option for Okanagan employers. On-site yoga instruction is something that can be implemented immediately for organizations that possess a flex-space or large break room. For those lacking space, booking private sessions at a local yoga house may be a more suitable option.

Companies with four to twenty participating employees can expect to pay approximately $225 for one-hour of private on-site instruction. (Yoga Tree, 2011) Given the same size group, a one-hour private session at a yoga house would cost approximately $200. (Yoga Tree, 2011) Depending on the established corporate budget for health and wellness, businesses may choose to offer yoga sessions once or twice per week. These prices extend to approximately $1800/month for twice a week, or $900 per month for once a week. Purchase of a yoga mat may be the responsibility of the employee or employer, based on the company budget. A yoga mat at Sport Chek in Kelowna, for example, ranges in retail price from $29 to $69. (Sport Chek, 2011) Corporate rates may be available for businesses that purchase this item in bulk; however, it may be more cost effective to leave this expense up to employees. Employers' time and energy required for implementation of this practice is minimal, as hired private instructors are used for this service. Benefits of stress relief, weight loss, and improved fitness provide even greater reasons for local Okanagan employers to adopt yoga in the workplace. (Health Yoga, 2011)

Johnson & Johnson, a globally recognizable brand, offers on-site fitness centers, personal training and fitness classes. While an on-site gym may be out of reach for Okanagan employers, on- or off-site private fitness classes may not be. Yoga provides many substantial health benefits, however, for male dominated workplaces it may not be a well-received practice. Alternatively, personal trainers may be hired for private boot camps or fitness classes. These activities don't require previous skills or a lot of practice, as they often change weekly or per session. Fitness On The Go, a chain of fitness trainers, is available in Kelowna. They provide 2 trainers for private/group classes. A one-hour session for a group of 6-10 costs $15/person, while a group of 10 or more costs $10/person. This proves to be a cheaper alternative to yoga, and is suitable for businesses of all sizes.

Open Text was chosen as one of Canada's Top Employers of 2012 as they go out and beyond the anticipated. Work Atmosphere and communications is a huge component for Open Text; they were nominated A+ in that particular division. One of many, Open Text has done winter ski trips to achieve excellence in the work force. Depending on the budget, Open Text can make it a day or weekend getaway for their esteemed colleagues. To implement this sensational event we would like to welcome Kelowna's organizations whether small or medium to Big White Ski Resort.

How does one get to Big White? That's easy, if your driving parking is free or there is a variety of shuttle services available via the Kelowna International Airport. If your organization is willing to make this a weekend retreat there are a variety of accommodations available ranging from: hostels, hotels, condos, cabins, vacation homes, and luxury accommodations. The packages at The Inn at Big White are reasonably priced varying on the season: the Value Season $189; Regular Season $220; Holiday Season $288; and the Christmas Season $220 which accommodates 4 people for a minimum of a 2 night stay. If your organization is looking for something more upscale hotel there is the White Crystal Inn: Value Season $219; Regular Season $269; Holiday Season $332; and the Christmas Season $269 prices based on a 4 people stay for a minimum of a 2 night stay. Big White also has Christmas party accommodations; "1 night stay in a Superior Room at the Inn at Big White, a full day of skiing or snowboarding and Christmas Party Buffet including turkey and all the trimmings, desserts and more. Prices range from $49.65 per child, $82.05 per youth, and $151.25 per adult. Or they have 2 nights' accommodation in a Superior Room at the Inn at Big White, 2 full days skiing or snowboarding and Christmas Party Buffet. Prices range from $74.30 per child, $127.10 per youth, and $167.50 per adult. Accommodation is based on 2 adults sharing and kids stay free. Free lift tickets based on 2 per room" (Big White 2011). If your organization is making this a day event you are better off buying day tickets: ages through 19-64 (adult) for a whole day (8:45 am-8:00pm) is $80; ages through 13-18 (youth) is $68; children 6-12 is $ 44; and five and under is free. Now if your getaway is a weekend trip you will want to purchase a 2 or 3 day ticket pass: adults are $140 and $205; youth $116 and $169; children $68 and $97;