In recognition of employers that foster mentally healthy workplace environments, the American Psychological Association honored pool and spa industry manufacturer Team Horner with its 2015 Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., on March 14. The company was one of only five North American employers to take home the award this year, prevailing in the medium for-profit category.
The award recognizes employers that encourage employee involvement, health and safety, personal growth and development, work-life balance strategies and employee recognition. "This is outside confirmation that we are totally committed to teamwork for all the stakeholders in the company — customers, suppliers, employees, the industry and our community," says Dr. Bill Kent, Team Horner owner and president.
The salubrious work setting is the creation of the employees themselves. At the firm's Ft. Lauderdale office, the perks include a quiet room, on-site yoga and meditation sessions, standing desks, ball chairs and nutrition workshops. At the firm's AquaCal/AutoPilot manufacturing plant in St. Petersburg, the team implemented parenting classes, financial management workshops, on-site workouts with a personal trainer and healthy cooking classes.
All employees can also take advantage of one-on-one wellbeing coaching, offered on an on-going basis. Certified wellbeing professionals help with managing stress, nutrition, fitness, weight loss and work-life balance skills.
The program has become a key component in the company culture with ongoing workshops and activities and very well could be used as an example by other firms looking to create more healthy and productive work environments.
"My personal goal has always been to create an environment where every employee jumps out of bed and can hardly wait to get to work," Kent says.
