Statistics demonstrate that a large number of people in the United States suffer from medical conditions that can be alleviated with a healthier lifestyle. At the Co-op, the health and happiness of our employees is always at the top of our list. While we can’t guarantee that everyone will always be healthy and happy, we can provide benefits and programs that encourage such a lifestyle. To this end, we endeavor to maintain a working environment that is free from unnecessary stress, promotes wholesome living, and provides incentives for making healthy choices on a daily basis.

The Co-op has always offered a healthier alternative to standard fare found in our culture. We offer all of our employees an 18 percent discount to buy natural and healthy products. We give employees who are scheduled to work a six hour shift a $5 lunch ticket to buy something fresh from our deli, and we give them the time that it takes to eat it. As an incentive to leave their cars at home, we have a Not Driving to Work Program, offering staff rewards for walking or biking to work. If an employee walks, bikes, or otherwise gets to work without the aid of a motor vehicle, they keep track of their days and receive a Co-op canvas bag after 30 days of not driving, a $25 gift certificate to the Co-op after 100 days of not driving, and $25 for each 100 days after that. Co-op employees are also eligible for reduced cost membership in several local fitness centers.

Employees who work 30 hours or more a week are eligible for health, vision, and dental insurance. We have a very solid plan with relatively low premiums, and at this time we are able to pay for 100 percent of the premiums. We are also able to pass along the same low premium cost to employees choosing to add family members to their plan.

Finally, we pride ourselves in providing a first rate environment where employees work free from harassment and are able to get issues and problems solved swiftly and effectively. In our recent employee opinion survey, a vast majority of employees said they feel they are treated fairly, that management is interested in the needs and welfare of employees, and that when conflicts arise at the Co-op, they are effectively handled. Although we cannot guarantee total health and a life without stress, we can emphasize and reward healthy choices. And while good health does not necessarily guarantee happiness, it can sure push us up toward the top of the range.