The 107 employees (“team members”) of Bankers Healthcare Group (BHG) in Davie, Fla. enjoy an on-site gym, a personal trainer, group fitness classes and recreational and shower facilities as well as a variety of healthy meal options.

Not only has BNG been named one of South Florida’s Top Workplaces of 2015, it has just been recognized as a Fit-Friendly Worksite by the American Heart Association (AHA).

An empowering corporate environment

“Americans spend most of their time at the office. Unless their corporate environment empowers them to get active, most will find themselves failing to achieve their personal fitness and dietary goals,” said BHG President Bob Castro. “As an employer, it’s our responsibility to facilitate healthy alternatives and opportunities in the workplace.”

The AHA says worksite wellness initiatives such as those provided by BHG present several benefits to workers, ranging from improved mental and physical health to reduced stress and greater job satisfaction.

According to an AHA fact sheet, obesity costs American companies $12.7 billion in medical expenses and $225.8 billion in health-related productivity losses annually – so encouraging employees to stay fit yields benefits for companies.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s “Benefits of Health Promotion Programs” states that worksite wellness programs:

• Minimize healthcare and disability costs with decreased incidents of sickness and injury
• Maximize employee retention, productivity and morale with reduced turnover and absenteeism
• Cultivate a corporate image and culture of health and wellness

Bankers Healthcare Group provides financing solutions for healthcare professionals.