CAA South Central Ontario has launched a new online wellness program, Getting to Your Gold, which provides employees with access to coaching from Canadian Olympians.
The program, introduced by provider Morneau Shepell in February, features an online portal with Olympics-themed total wellness challenges as well as motivational videos, blog posts and other updates from Canadian Olympians. CAA South Central Ontario’s Olympians are modern pentathlete Donna Vakalis and Phylicia George in track and field.
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The organization, based in Thornhill, Ont. and employing 1,400 people, introduced Getting to Your Gold because it wanted to implement a holistic program that covered health and wellness with “the unique ability to partner with Olympic athletes and leverage national pride,” says Mary Duncan, vice-president of human resources at the company.
All employees will be able to sign up and use the online program but only permanent employees are eligible for prizes, including medals, branded gear and points on the platform, says Duncan, adding that wellness champions will be selected with “a focus on driving awareness and sparking excitement.” These individuals will work with senior management to develop customized programs based on the needs of each team.
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CAA South Central Ontario will roll out challenges in phases, starting with physical activity, then healthy eating, financial wellness and overall well-being, says Duncan. The new benefit was communicated to employees through brochures, lunchtime walks and blogs posted by the wellness champions, and CAA’s weekly internal e-newsletter, she adds.
Prior to launching the Getting Your Gold program, the organization had offered a flexible online benefits plan, health awareness programs, discounted gym memberships, meditation classes and Fitbits discounted at 50 per cent, adds Duncan. “We hope the [new] program will become part of who we are as an employer and serve as a valuable tool in the continued integration of wellness at CAA South Central Ontario.”
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