Celadon Group today announced that 73 of its employees have lost nearly 1,000 lbs., thanks to a weight loss program tied to the company’s wellness initiative.
After completing a 12-week onsite Weight Watchers course, 54 employees at Celadon’s headquarters in Indianapolis have lost 704 lbs. An additional 19 employees at Celadon’s operation in Kitchener, ON, have lost 257 pounds to bring the company’s weight loss total to 961 lbs.
Celadon implemented its Highway 2 Health program in August with an aim to lower its health care costs by creating a healthier workforce. Celadon reimbursed employees for the entire cost of the $140 program if they completed the 12-week program and lost 5% of their initial body weight. Those who completed the program but didn’t meet the goal were reimbursed for half of the program’s cost.
“I can’t express how proud we are of every employee who has participated,” said Celadon chairman & CEO Steve Russell. “With an average weight loss of 13 lbs. per person, we are all sharing in the excitement of their results.”
Other components of the voluntary Highway 2 Health initiative include thorough health screening that measures blood pressure, body mass, glucose and lipid profiles. Employees who participate receive a confidential report on the state of their health along with a plan of action to control problems. They also have access to an onsite medical team that can provide immediate care, medical consultations, individual health coaching, and health education classes.