Medical Reports: Funds to be Fit

WSVN -- The employees at Fowler White Boggs Law Office in Fort Lauderdale are cashing in.

Not only do they get a salary, hey get paid extra just to be healthy.

Heather Brock: "A well employee is a happy employee. And frankly, a more productive employee."

Get this, the firm gives each employee $300 a year to use for their own personal wellness.

Heather Brock: "Some folks have used it for massages to de-stress others have used it to offset gym memberships."

Tom Ryan used his freebie cash to buy a stationary bike for his home.

Tom Ryan: "Since January 1st I've lost 32 pounds."

They also ring up an extra $20 every time they meet or exceed goals for things like blood pressure, and cholesterol and employees who hit all these goals bank another $100 every month.

Tom Ryan: "I think getting paid to be healthy certainly is an incentive."

And it's not just the money, instead of vending machines the firm offers an oatmeal bar and fresh fruit for smoothies.

The team has gotten so in to the health plan they use their lunch breaks to run the stairs or even take walks together.

Heather Brock: "We have developed better relationships."

Working at Gulliver Schools in Miami also has its healthy bonuses. All employees have to do to earn cash is sign up for what's called the Prevention Plan, which helps them map out a health plan and get health screenings.

Leigh Husband: "We received a $100 just by getting a blood test. That happens every year, so that's an additional cash flow in our pockets."

Lleigh Husband not only racks up that money, but she has won two of the schools wellness contests, which earned her big big bucks.

Leigh Husband: "Probably $1,425 I've gained by using their fitness incentives. And it's nice to know that the company cares about us as people."

And the savings continue. The school offers free or discounted exercise classes like yoga several times a week.

Leigh Husband: "I'm saving a lot of money. I don't have to go to the gym off sight."

All the money may have gotten their attention, but it sure seems to be paying off in everyone's health as well.

Lynn Martinez: "All of the employees we talked too say these incentives have helped them lose weight, and many are even now competing in marathons and races."

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Fowler White Boggs:
1200 East Las Olas Boulevard
Suite 500
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301