American poet, Ralph Emerson, wisely stated, “The first wealth is health.” At Blue Oak Energy, we just completed a year-long health and wellness program to not only encourage staff members to take charge of their wellbeing but also to be positive role models in environmental responsibility and sustainable living.
The concept of the program was simple: ride your bike to work, run at lunch, or drive a vehicle in that gets better than 40 miles to the gallon, and deposit money into our company wellness bank ($5 per activity; $1 for every gas efficient vehicle).
Health and wellness dialog
In addition to the focus on the physical aspect of our wellbeing, we wanted to promote dialogue in other areas of our individual wellness such as emotional, medical, and social aspects that are easily neglected in today’s corporate world.
What we found was that being “healthy” doesn’t just require eating right and breaking a sweat on a daily basis. Having a balanced and thriving wellbeing requires scheduling those dreaded (but necessary) doctor check-ups, turning off the smart phone to spend quality time with loved ones, and making the effort to invest in friendships that encourage personal growth and establish community.
Wellness in action
So how did Blue Oak do?
We biked, we ran races on the weekends, we started composting, and even held our first ever company kickball tournament. Metrics?
- 75% staff participation
- More than 14,000 miles of bike riding
- Prevented over 186 metric tons of CO2 emissions
- AND we invested $5,500 in our company wellness bank
Only the beginning
As we look forward and anticipate what 2012 will bring for Blue Oak Energy and the PV commercial solar industry, we are also excited to continue our endeavor to keep wellness at the forefront in the work place.
We are gearing up for our 2012 wellness program with a refreshed focus, new goals, and inspired (possibly wacky) ideas.
We all know that we live in a culture that requires us to work (more than we prefer most of the time). Blue Oak Energy’s ability to impact the world greatly depends on our staff’s health and wellness. There is much to be done and we definitely plan to have fun along the way!
Here’s to wellness, happiness, and plenty of sunshine in 2012.