Plus

LEVERAGING
TECHNOLOGY AND
NUTRITION
Jason’s goals for the nutrition program
are to educate, promote, and
provide resources.
“One reason we maintain such a
positive relationship with vendors
is integration of wearable devices.
Employees who belong to Weight
Watchers® or other online programs
like LoseIt! or FitBit® use
smartphones to scan the codes in
our cafeteria. The nutrition data is
then automatically uploaded into
the platform. As a result, employees
can earn points for the purchase of
healthy options. Many fitness and
nutrition apps integrate with our
wellness platform, making it easier
for employees to track and engage in
wellness programs.”
GE partners with a number of vendors
to offer online education and
games that engage and motivate
employees and their families to
achieve nutrition and other health
goals. Jason receives positive feedback
on these technologies, especially
Human Performance Institute.
“They run our Corporate Athlete
Program. In addition to emphasizing
the importance of energy management
and exercise, nutrition is a big
component. Employees can watch
videos online or through the mobile
app, making it convenient no matter
where they’re located.”
“Meal planning is available as well
as instruction on how to shop for
grocery items. Every time they access
these resources, they gain more
points, badges, and other tokens to
earn incentives. Employees can network
and share successes with their
online support system, which gives
them a virtual high five. The other
great thing about this platform is
C
allowing other vendor partners to integrate
their services into it as well.”
Jason also advocates onsite produce
stands from local sources that meet
environmental, health, and safety
guidelines. “Our cafeteria vendors
partner with local farmers’ markets.
Employees can go to our website
and order fresh organic produce,
delivered to the cafeteria for them to
pick up and take home.” The farmers’
markets encourage employees
to visit their locations and learn
firsthand how to choose the best
produce. A few GE locations sponsor
their own gardens, where employees
can rent a plot. Rooftop gardens are
becoming popular, and Jason is encouraging
more sites to set them up.
SUPPORTIVE
ENVIRONMENT MEANS
EVERYTHING
Jason acknowledges that creating
a strong nutrition pillar takes commitment
in resources and funding.
“Management needs to recognize
that if you are going to promote
healthy eating by discounting
healthy choices, it’s going to cost
the company. But we know if we
shave off even 1 point from an
employee’s BMI, we can save $202
annually. They will reap benefits in
the long run with a healthier, more
productive workforce. And employees
need to understand that pizzas
and hamburgers aren’t welcome in
the workplace anymore. That goes a
long way toward creating a culture
of health.”
For more information:
jason.m.morgan@ge.com.
A Free weekly lunch options PHOTOS
at Bangalore supply chain
B Free healthy options for Helsinki,
Finland employees
C Hino, Japan site promotes healthy options
at cafeteria entrance
D Employees engage in fun activities at
annual Shanghai tug-of-war
D
10 WELL-BEING PRACTITIONER