LiveWell Focuses on Employee Health

Freese and Nichols has been a long-time supporter of workplace wellness by providing activities, incentives and educational opportunities that focus on helping employees maintain or regain their health. In 2011, we responded to positive feedback from 2010’s wellness initiatives and provided additional enhancements to our wellness program, LiveWell.

LiveWell focuses on helping employees live healthier, happier lives. Through our established wellness program and activities over the past few years, our employees have increased awareness of their health, and many have made significant lifestyle changes.

In 2011, Freese and Nichols hosted a series of Lunch-N-Learn Programs titled Lose and Win. The program was offered in all offices, and participants in Fort Worth were asked to make a commitment to attend four of the six meetings. The kick-off meeting featured a pedometer giveaway and, each week, participants were faced with a step challenge to become more active throughout their day. Those who recorded their daily step count with their pedometer were entered in drawings throughout the program.

In addition, Weight Watchers at Work returned to the Fort Worth office in 2011. Employees, spouses and friends were eligible to participate in the program, which included 17 weekly on-site meetings, access to online Weight Watchers eTools, and support and guidance from a trained Weight Watchers staff member. At the program’s conclusion, the group lost approximately 175 pounds. Another Weight Watchers at Work program began in the fall of 2011 and continued into 2012.

Athletic Events Promote Fitness

The first initiative of our LiveWell Program was a run/walk reimbursement for organized events. All employees who participated in an organized running or walking event in 2011 were reimbursed up to $25 annually for registration fees. This initiative supported and even launched new activity among employees, both as individuals and teams.

One example includes Freese and Nichols’ participation in the Victory Over Violence Race benefitting The Women’s Center of Fort Worth. Our team has participated for three years, but this year we placed third in the fastest team category. Employees and their families participated on Freese and Nichols’ team.

The City of Richardson’s Corporate Challenge benefitting Special Olympics Texas is another annual event in which our employees team together and represent Freese and Nichols in numerous competitions between August and October. The event brings together Freese and Nichols’ employees from our DFW area offices, fostering team building and relationships across offices and groups. Our team received medals in multiple events, including a silver medal in volleyball and a gold medal in the Punt, Pass and Kick competition.

In addition, Freese and Nichols’ annual golf tournament provides a day of friendly competition and activity among employees, family and clients. Throughout the year, our employees also organized team events, including an ultimate frisbee match and an intramural basketball team to promote fitness and sportsmanship among employees.

Team Building Scores a Home Run

Freese and Nichols realizes the importance of strong teams, not only throughout projects but also in our everyday work environment. We encourage employees to have a little fun and participate in events that help them understand how to work together and communicate better.

Our Southeast region offices, located in Houston and Pearland, sponsored a team building event this spring at Minute Maid Park, home of the Houston Astros, in downtown Houston. Teams competed in a Grand Slam Scavenger Hunt, following clues to areas where they had to complete specific tasks. Jeff Taylor, Southeast Division Manager, commented on the importance of the event, “Team building in the Southeast Region gives our employees the opportunity to develop working relationships in a fun setting outside the office. Our Houston and Pearland employees work together frequently, and these events are a unique opportunity to learn more about their co-workers.”