FEATURES
FEATURES
Wellness director Sergio Rojas . Photo by Deb Otto .
ness practices has defined the company . “ If you want to have the best in class organization , you have to have the best environment for them to work in ,” said Brad . Hirschbach moved to temporary headquarters in Dubuque ’ s former McGraw Hill building on Kerper Boulevard when they outgrew their East Dubuque facility . The second floor of the Kerper building was renovated to reflect the Pinchuks ’ philosophy . “ My thing is art ,” said Jillayne . Her paintings along with those of other Dubuque artists adorn the exterior walls of the operations and claims departments – there are no interior walls or cubicles . “ No one has an office – not even me ,” said Brad . “ We want to be open , transparent , approachable , accessible , and collaborative . Creating an environment without offices as their Director of Health and Wellness . Rojas , the former White House Director of the President ’ s Council on Fitness , Sports , and Nutrition , said , “ I focus on the health and well-being of the company and help people reach their goals when it comes to health and wellness and help them increase their health awareness .” Rojas explained how he has worked to accomplish these goals . “ We identified ten health promoters within the company and taught them some skills on longevity and disease prevention . Once they were coached , they taught what they learned to the rest of the company .” What are the results of the project ? According to Rojas , employees have more energy , they are walking more , are more active , and some have experienced significant weight loss . “ We ’ re a hugging kind of company ,” said Jillayne . “ Ten hugs a day can boost your T-cells [ cells important to the immune system ].” In addition to hugs , Hirschbach also offers onsite yoga classes , healthy smoothies , and catered soups from the Food Store twice a week . The Dubuque workers are not the only Hirschbach employees in the tri-states to benefit from the company ’ s caring . The
Dog in truck . Photo by Deb Otto .
Exercise room for employees at the East Dubuque facility . Photo by Deb Otto .
18 ❖ Julien ’ s Journal physically allows that to happen . We ’ ve also become less reliant on email and encourage face-to-face interaction .” Adjustable , stand-up desks with anti-fatigue mats and casual attire are the norm . “ People maintain a professional attitude no matter what they ’ re wearing ,” said Jillayne . “ We want them to be comfortable .” Treadmill desks are available for those who like to exercise while they work . Lounge and work spaces are furnished with award winning , ergonomic Herman Miller office furniture . “ I like the fact that I can stand or sit or move around ,” said employee Alyssa Meyer . “ It ’ s good for me .” Hirschbach cares so much for their employees that last August they hired Sergio Rojas
Standup desk / casual dress . Photo by Deb Otto .