East River Electric 2020 Annual Report

Wellness Committee
East River’s Wellness Committee is a voluntary
group of employees that come together to promote
workforce health and wellness through annual events
and programs. One of the past year’s most popular
challenges was Project Zero which the committee
hosted to help employees avoid weight gain over the
holidays. Employees joined together in groups and
submitted weekly weigh-ins with the goal of either
maintaining their weight or losing weight through the
challenge.
“Participating in the challenges that the Wellness
Committee puts on has been so motivating,” said
Kenny Clements, Madison maintenance foreman.
“The challenges keep you aware and help you make
healthier choices. It is fun to have some friendly
competition and the challenges bring comradery
with the teams. I appreciate all the time and effort
the committee puts in to provide healthy activities for
East River’s employees.”
When COVID-19 social distancing recommendations
took hold in spring 2020, the Wellness Committee
stepped in with fun ways for employees to remain
focused on their wellness. The committee launched
a steps challenge that encouraged employees to
stay active, especially when working from home.
Employees signed up for the challenge as teams
and their steps were calculated using wearable
devices. The challenge lasted for 40 days and over
50 employees participated. At the end of the steps
challenge, East River employees had walked nearly 20
million steps.
“While doing the steps challenge, I was more intentional
about getting movement in during my workday. Being
part of a team keeps me motivated because I don’t
want to let anyone down,” said Clements.
A water challenge during the summer encouraged
employees to stay hydrated. The committee also
launched a virtual wellness community to connect
employees and provide daily movement reminders.
“Participating in the challenges that the
Wellness Committee puts on has been so
motivating. The challenges keep you aware
and help you make healthier choices.
I appreciate all the time and effort the
committee puts in to provide healthy activities
for East River’s employees.”
Kenny Clements
East River Madison Maintenance Foreman
Employees are using the community to share healthy
recipes, links to workouts, wellness articles and other
encouraging comments. Quarterly lunch and learn
events that were previously held in person were moved
to a virtual setting through the pandemic, allowing
employees to participate from their individual office
spaces.
“I joined the Wellness Committee because I know
that healthy habits are a crucial part to everyone
performing their best on the job. Healthy employees
equal fewer injuries and sick days needed and the
committee adds some fun and encouragement to
keep up healthy habits,” said Anne Hall, Wellness
Committee member. “The best part about being part
of the Wellness Committee is that by thinking of
challenges and new ways to keep employees healthy,
I also do better at applying those healthy habits to my
own lifestyle and the health of my family.”
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