orking in a dark warehouse for eight hours a day, outfitted for Arctic weather in the heat of summer because you work in the refrigerated section ? these are not ideal working conditions. But as the saying goes 'somebody has to do it'. At local wholesaler Butterfield & Vallis, employees have a sense that their employer cares about their health.

Terri Durrant heads up the company's Wellness Programme and she said more than half of the 200 staff are involved.

Butterfield & Vallis implemented the plan last January and since then have seen a significant increase in healthy practices. "People are much more conscious of what they're eating plus many are taking part in exercise programmes that they probably wouldn't have done before. Water drinking has definitely increased," said Ms Durrant.

As part of the programme, Ms Durrant has organised monthly evening walks and has had a slew of bike riding excursions. ?We?ve also had a dramatic increase in the number of staff who sign up for walks and runs like the Butterfield & Vallis 5K,? she said. To further encourage staff in their health pursuits, the company picks up part of the tab for gym memberships and installed a shower on the premises for staff who choose to work out in their lunch break.

The response has been so positive that wellness boards have been set up at each of the two Butterfield & Vallis locations. And while she could not say exactly how many people have seen an improvement in their health as a result, she has seen some.

?We?ve definitely seen a few weight loss ?stars? plus one employee who is a diabetic has managed to reduce his sugar levels. Another employee has managed to give up smoking by using the Wellness website,? she said.

She said part of the success of the programme has been that employees feel valued by the company. ?Most people like to be encouraged and rewarded when they meet their goals or their monthly challenges. They also appreciate the fact that we have speakers come in and give presentations on different health issues,? she said. To date employees have had the opportunity to attend presentations on diabetes, the importance of exercise, office ergonomics, heart health and the risk of skin cancer.

So where are the weaknesses?

?I?m not sure if I?d call it a weakness but there?s just never enough time for everything that we?d like to do to promote wellness but we do as much as we can,? Ms Durrant said. ?Our Wellness Committee meets on a monthly basis and we?re always trying to think of ways of improving. It?s hard to be all things to all people but even if we manage to help just a few employees, the programme has worked.

?Health, wellness, fitness are extremely important and it?s good to feel that we?re doing our part to help our staff try and live a happy, healthy life.?