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For
every parent trying to get their employer to initiate
or upgrade their family workplace policy, here's a
story that should awe-inspire,
if not shame, your employer into action.
The
National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition
(HMHB), a leader and resource in maternal and
child health, has named Tom's of Maine a Workplace
Model of Excellence. The 2003 award recognizes Tom's
creative and holistic approach to promote the health
and well-being of families. Each year, HMHB acknowledges
employers that distinguish themselves with exemplary
family-friendly programs.
"We
believe in cultivating the best possible relationships
with our co- workers," adds Tom Chappell, president
and co-founder of Tom's of Maine. "Kate and I raised
five children while building our business, so we know
how important work and family issues are. Establishing
an environment that respects and values our employees
and their families is the most meaningful way to show
we care." Tom's notable programs include flexible
work schedules, generous parental leave for mothers
and fathers, long-term care insurance and employee
wellness programs. Tom's employees are also encouraged
to spend up to 5% of paid work time volunteering in
their communities."
Founded
in Kennebunk, Maine by Tom and Kate Chappell in 1970,
Tom's of Maine is the leading creator of safe, effective
Natural Care products that work -- for consumers,
the environment, and communities.
Their
family-friendly programs include: .
- Flexible
work schedules, teleconferencing. Many employees
have laptops to support flexible work options.
- Generous
medical and dental benefits (72% premium for singles
or families paid by Tom's, 28% by the employee);
domestic partners are also covered.
- Four
weeks parenting leave -- Tom's provides one month
full salary for new mothers and fathers, a benefit
coordinated with maternity leave, adoption, or foster
child leave.
- Long-Term
Care Insurance -- Tom's of Maine pays for a base
benefit of $2,000 per month for each employee. Employees
may also enroll their spouse, child, parent or grandparent
at discounted rates.
- Child
care reimbursement for employees meeting eligibility
requirements.
- Employee
Assistance Program for child/elder care, life improvement,
or work/family issues.
- Dependent
and medical care spending accounts.
- Onsite
Wellness Center -- Wellness programs and individualized
fitness instruction are offered free of charge,
and staffed by a full-time Wellness Leader. Tom's
also subsidizes on-site massages.
- Health
& wellness benefit of $100 ($200 for non-Maine-based
employees) to use for anything that contributes
to an employee's overall well- being.
- 401K
Retirement Savings -- Tom's provides a non-participating
match on the first 3% of employees' pay, followed
by a 100% company match on the next 3% of employees'
contributions. The contribution cap is 15% and the
employee is fully vested in five years.
- Volunteer
time -- Employees are encouraged to volunteer 5%
of their paid work time in organizations that support
education, the environment, human need, or the arts.
- Fresh,
free fruit baskets are replenished weekly at all
Tom's factory, administrative, and warehouse locations.
- Free
Tom's of Maine Natural Care products for employees,
and a 25% discount in the company's Natural Living
Store.
While
your employer may not be able to initiate all of these
valuable programs at once, at least you'll be presenting
them with some food for thought. You never know what
can come from sharing this article with the powers
that be.
To
learn more contact: Kathleen Taggersell - (800) FOR-TOMS
SOURCE Tom's of Maine
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