How Lake Nona developer Tavistock galvanizes its workers to stay healthy
Tavistock Group’s employees are spread out across the country, but its efforts to bring well-being programs and rewards to its various sites helps rally its workers around this important cause.
The Windermere-based private investment firm — also is known for being the master developer of Central Florida communities like Lake Nona and Isleworth — is involved with more than 200 global businesses in industries ranging from real estate to technology to sports. While the pandemic changed how it approaches on-site events, not having such programs in place would result in many employees forgoing care altogether, said Tavistock Wellness Administrator Rachel Zewe.
Instead, more than 50% of the company’s workforce reported receiving a health screening in the past 12 months, she said. “We are proud of this statistic because represents the commitment our employees have to their health well-being despite some of the obstacles they faced.”
Additionally, Tavistock employees were highly engaged and showed a noticeable increase in physical activity in the last year — the latter of which plays an important role in preventing chronic conditions like diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure. Much of Tavistock’s success in keeping employees engaged in the wellness program was related to the launch of its new wellness platform, Vitality, Zewe said. The firm transitioned wellness vendors in the midst of Covid, but the change allowed employees the resources and tools to continue living healthy from anywhere through virtual formats.
The company’s top executives try to lead by example, not only for employees but also for those its business holdings affect, said Tavistock Senior Managing Director Rasesh Thakkar. That’s especially important as Lake Nona has a goal to be one of America’s healthiest communities, he said.
“Our executives are committed to cultivating health and well-being across all of our companies, and our employees are equally invested. Over the past eight-plus years, we are pleased to see increased engagement in our wellness programs, resulting in a healthier-than-average organization for as long as our programs have been in existence.”
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