The 2011 Assembly Plant of the Year boasts some of the healthiest employees any where. That’s because two-year-old Philips Respironics facility in New Kensington, PA, features a 1,200-square-foot fitness center. It has stationary bikes, elliptical machines, cross ramps, treadmills and free weights.

The fitness center is open five days a week from 6:45 am to 10:45 pm. Private lockers and showers are provided in close proximity to the facility.

Philips Respironics actively encourages employees to stay fit. “In addition to our free onsite fitness center, we have a gym reimbursement policy if associates would prefer to use an offsite gym,” says Rachel Darcangelo, human resource manager.

“The main way we encourage our associates to stay fit is through increasing awareness,” adds Darcangelo. “This is done mainly through our wellness intranet site, weekly wellness articles and stories, and providing information in our onsite wellness room.

The wellness room contains facts, tips, health magazines and fitness DVDs. In addition, a wellness committee organizes different programs to increase awareness and encourage exercise.

Examples of these programs include:

• Annual Wellness Fair. This event includes a plethora of wellness information, company benefits information, presentations and consultations from a local nutritionist, personal trainer consultations and a comprehensive blood screening.
  
• Weight Loss Contest. This contest is free and lasts approximately 12 weeks. Prizes are given to employees who lose the largest percentage of weight per the program guidelines.
  
• Weight Loss Hypnotist. Employees are able to pay for two sessions, which are held onsite. In addition to these sessions, phone sessions are available and CD materials are provided.
  
• Walking Program. This activity is free for employees who signed up to participate. Each person is given a pedometer to count their steps and prizes are given per established guidelines.

Philips Respironics assemblers also get into a sporting mode every Friday. “As a year-round perk for our associates, we recognize every Friday as “Fan Friendly Friday,” which means [employees] can choose to wear apparel supporting their favorite sports team or player,” says Darcangelo. “This includes all sports- not just football.”