LOTT's Wellness Program partners with the Association of Washington Cities to access resources, training, and funding. This allows LOTT to provide biennial on-site health screenings for employees and their eligible spouses or domestic partners - at no cost to employees. This comprehensive and confidential program assesses the health status of participants, screens for health issues of concern, and provides assistance creating an action plan for making healthy changes, if needed.

WorkWell Awards

LOTT has received Gold Level WorkWell awards annually since 2007. In 2010, LOTT was one of three organizations to receive the Happy Heart Special Achievement Award for 2009 program activities. These designations are part of a collaborative program between the Thurston County Chamber and Thurston County Public Health and Social Services Department designed to recognize Thurston County employers who made a commitment to address workforce health issues. Recipients are selected based on their demonstrated organizational support for changes to the work environment or culture that have the potential to impact healthy eating or physical activity.

Community Garden Patches

The Wellness Committee also provides employees the opportunity to adopt a “Pea Patch.” Staff members may request one of 9 raised garden beds located at the Budd Inlet Treatment Plant to grow vegetables or flowers. The convenient location allows them to tend their Pea Patch before or after work or during their breaks. Excess produce is shared with their coworkers.

On-Site Fitness Facilities

LOTT has an on-site gym and sport court to encourage employees to take part in regular physical activity before and after their workday and during their breaks. The indoor sport court includes equipment for badminton and pickle ball, as well as an adjustable basketball hoop. The gym provides aerobic equipment, including elliptical trainers, treadmills, and a stationary bike as well as a variety of free weights and Nautilus equipment.

Wellness Activities

Each February, the Committee hosts its annual "Healthy Heart Event," during which our employees enjoy heart-healthy potluck dishes and learn tips to living a healthier lifestyle. The event provides an opportunity to try new, healthier versions of favorite foods and prizes are awarded for staff favorites. Past events have focused on cholesterol, stress reduction, and sodium. The Committee strives to present materials in a low-key, fun, and supportive manner that motivate staff to make healthier choices.

During the low sodium event, staff were invited to taste-test a variety of sodium-free seasonings and all attendees were able to take a shaker of their favorite seasoning home with them. Members of the Committee also created a display that demonstrated the hidden salt in a variety of common prepared foods. This display, which surprised participants with the amount of added salt, made a lasting impression and was very effective in teaching staff how to make healthier choices regarding sodium and heart health. The Wellness Committee also sponsors workplace activities including brown bag Lunch and Learn sessions, healthy-related trainings on nutrition, stress reduction, and physical activity, weekend activities such as hikes and bike rides, and opportunities for friendly competition.