Heritage Auctions, the largest collectibles auctioneer and third-largest auction house in the world, recently chose to work with the UK’s Slimming World to provide a weight loss at work program to its 400 employees. The company wanted a weight loss solution to enhance their employee wellness program.
The goal of the program was to prevent and reduce weight- and obesity-related issues in the workplace such as absenteeism, days sick and recovery periods from illness. Heritage Auctions wanted to find a program with no pre-packaged meals or shakes, no complicated counting systems and no pills.
An employee who successfully had lost over 70 lbs with Slimming World, approached the human resources director at Heritage Auctions with information about the program. HR Director Mindy Howard contacted and met with Slimming World’s business development manager, Yvonne Sanders,and together, they implemented the program. Fifty-one Heritage Auction employees voluntarily joined Slimming World.
The program chosen and funded by Heritage Auctions integrated three key elements: healthy eating, lifestyle-based activity and unique support tools, including online and onsite support.
By the end of the 12-week program, 51 employees had lost 1,326 lbs, with 75 percent of the participants losing over 6 percent of their body weight. As an added bonus, employee morale increased in the workplace as employees supported each other to achieve their goals. In addition, employees who became members of Slimming World were empowered to make healthier choices and positively influenced their families and friends to do the same.
“Employees have been very pleased with their personal results … and their co-workers are taking notice,” said Howard. “We’re excited about the difference our partnership with Slimming World is making to the lives of our employees.”
Heritage Auctions has rolled out the Slimming World program to their entire employee base.