Employer-sponsored wellness benefits aren’t just an extra — they’re one of the cornerstones of a strong and healthy workforce. In this professional and social climate, balancing our work and home lives can be challenging to physical and mental health.
According to Wellness Magazine, workplace well-being programs have gone from a frill to an essential aspect of a company’s culture.
Employee-driven wellness
Employees’ holistic wellness is a high priority for Hanson. At the center of our efforts is our Wellness Committee, made up of a cross-section of employees from Hanson’s regional offices and disciplines who are passionate about maintaining good health. This group plans events and sends communications to help support the various aspects of employees’ health, including physical, emotional and financial. Each year, the committee establishes a theme and organizes corresponding quarterly and monthly activities.
Over the years, the Wellness Committee has held virtual and in-person health fairs; organized blood drives; ran weight-loss competitions; coordinated fitness and yoga classes; hosted informational lunch-and-learn events on topics including healthy eating, massage therapy, financial and end-of-life planning and testing for artery health. Many of the committee’s events involve drawings for health-related prizes. Employees also participate regularly in community run/walk events to benefit local organizations, and Hanson has provided many employees with sit-to-stand desks to encourage breaks from sitting.
“Nearly a decade ago, we launched our wellness committee with a simple but powerful goal: to create a culture where every employee feels supported in their journey to better health – physically, mentally and financially. Today, I am incredibly proud of how far we’ve come. Wellness is no longer a program – it’s a part of who we are.” — Hanson Chief People Officer Mina Biggs
Finding ways to thrive
In 2025, our Human Resources team launched a wellness and recognition platform, You Thrive, that engages employees in monthly and annual wellness challenges while providing opportunities to recognize colleagues for exceptional work performance, professional milestones, work anniversaries, birthdays and more. The platform includes a robust rewards marketplace where employees can redeem points they earn from completing challenges throughout the calendar year. Employees also have access to health coaching services, allowing them to meet with a coach to discuss topics such as nutrition, stress management, tobacco cessation, weight management and exercise.
You Thrive challenges range from step competitions to financial webinars and tracking routine medical, dental and vision checkups to earn points. Hanson also uses challenges to help employees learn to set work-life boundaries, practice self-care, sleep and eat better, manage their time effectively and delegate to avoid burnout. Through You Thrive, employees can sign up for complimentary one-on-one wellness consultations with a financial planner to discuss topics such as savings, debt, budgeting and retirement planning. Employees also have access to a library of financial wellness webinars and podcasts.
For employees who may be struggling with family or other personal issues, Hanson offers an employee assistance program that provides access to mental health resources, professional counselors and legal representatives.
“When organizations invest in wellness, they’re not just promoting health — they’re creating a culture of care, connection and strength,” said Kelly Kress, HRIS analyst and the head of Hanson’s Wellness Committee. “From step challenges to salad-in-a-jar events to financial planning, each initiative empowers employees to thrive both personally and professionally.”
Proactive instead of reactive
Hanson also offers employees an incentive to lower their insurance premiums by undergoing an annual health screening and meeting certain goals. Those who meet a certain number of criteria at their screening or by seeing their own healthcare provider can receive a health insurance discount. The wellness program also includes health coaching to help employees reach their wellness goals.
Most company leaders would agree that healthier employees increase overall productivity, but that’s only part of the bigger picture of workplace wellness. Employees are more than what they accomplish during work hours, particularly at Hanson, where we value each of our employee-owners for all they bring to the table — professional and personal. We strive to support them and their families so they can live their best lives at work and away from the office.
“Nearly a decade ago, we launched our wellness committee with a simple but powerful goal: to create a culture where every employee feels supported in their journey to better health — physically, mentally and financially,” said Mina Biggs, Hanson’s chief people officer. “Today, I am incredibly proud of how far we’ve come. Wellness is no longer a program — it’s a part of who we are.”
