Wellbeing

Lake Champlain Chocolates, a certified B-corp, awarded for worksite wellness

19-Mar-2019 - Last updated on 19-Mar-2019 at 11:37 GMT

The decision to pursue workplace wellness mirrors LCC’s commitment to a sustainable chocolate industry. Pic: Lake Champlain Chocolates

The Burlington, Vermont-based chocolatier partnered with Blue Cross Blue Shield, the insurance company that covers more than 100 million Americans, to develop a wellness accountability program.

Through on-site offerings such as physical therapy and healthy snacks, Lake Champlain Chocolates (LCC) has fostered ‘a culture of wellbeing’ for its employees and its community.

Vermont’s department of health rewards employers’ willingness and investment in boosting productivity while nurturing a healthy environment for employees. LCC will be honored at the 2019 Vermonth Worksite Wellness Conference on March 21.

Healthy is as healthy does

The decision to pursue workplace wellness mirrors LCC’s commitment to a sustainable chocolate industry – from using non-GMO, organic and FairTrade ingredients ‘whenever possible,’ to omitting preservatives, extenders and additives.

“There are many ways to create and sustain a healthy lifestyle, but it all comes down to the choices we make each day,” HR director Fran Tobin told ConfectioneryNews.

“While our employees are surrounded by chocolate, this first principle is the ability to maintain a healthy quality of life that allows us to get through our daily activities without exhaustion or physical stress. And yes, chocolate can help you get through the day – in moderation,” she said.

The foremost principle to ‘be healthy,’ she explained, “focuses on the ability recognize our behaviors have a direct impact on our wellness.” That could mean eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and ‘avoiding destructive habits’ like tobacco.

LCC’s six other wellness tenets encourage connection among colleagues, personal happiness and engagement with one’s work, mental health, and balance through ‘healthy hobbies.’ The company plans regular social outings as well as 5ks, for instance, for the wider community to join. It also offers perks such as discounted gym memberships and nutritional seminars.

Responsibility to one another and to the environment is also key.

“Incorporating wellness into our organizational culture is just another way for us to support our amazing team, attract others to join us, and live our values,” said Tobin.

This ‘mindset’ has compelled more than half its staff to participate.