Toray Plastics (America), Inc., received the Providence Business News 2018 Healthiest Employers of Rhode Island award in the category of companies with 2,000-4,900 employees. 

 

The award was presented to Lisa Ahart, vice president of U.S. corporate human resources and environmental health and safety, on Aug. 9. Award applicants were evaluated in six key areas: culture and leadership; foundation components; strategic planning; communications and marketing; programming and interventions; and reporting and analytics. Completed assessments were ranked according to the proprietary Healthiest Employers Index, which is a 1- to-100 rubric for wellness programming. The Healthiest Employers Award Program was developed and is administered by Springbuk, a health analytics software company. 

 

“We are extremely pleased to be recognized for our employee health and wellness program,” Ahart said. “Toray’s leadership team is dedicated to the well-being of all its employees. It has demonstrated a long-term commitment to comprehensive, affordable health plans, wellness programs, and the operation of a fitness center, which employees are encouraged to utilize during work hours.”

 

Ahart notes that Toray’s fitness and wellness program began in 2000 following the opening of the company’s Education and Wellness Center. The center is a professionally managed site equipped with strength and cardio machines. Group exercise classes, yoga and interval and crossfit training are offered. There are also basketball and tennis courts. Membership is open to Toray employees and family members. The local branch of the National Guard and the North Kingstown police, fire and school recreation departments have access at no charge.

 

“We host a Family Health and Wellness Fair, and offer health-focused campaigns, like Wellness Wednesdays, where employees can learn about health best practices, as well as weight loss challenges, flu shot clinics, a hiking club, and charity races,” Ahart said. “We also provide information about financial planning and employee assistance education programs, so it’s very holistic.”