COURTESY OF AARON DAVIS
THE THIRD METRIC
man resources company. Many
focus on basic health markers,
such as diet, exercise and chronic
disease prevention, but a growing number take a broader view
of what “lasting health” means,
emphasizing relaxation and happiness. Case in point: 36 of the
50 employers topping the AARP’s
2013 list of best employers for
workers over 50 offered stress
management training to both fulland part-time employees.
These companies are part of a
growing movement to push back
against difficult economic realities
by redefining the way we think
about work — as less of a rat race
and more of a marathon, with
rests and recharging opportunities
along the way.
“There’s a lot you can do in a
workplace,” said Ilene Masser,
director of the Reach for Wellness
Program at NYU Langone Medical
Center. “You can bring in an awful
lot of programs, and you can really
change a life.”
NYU has partnered with more
than 350 companies to develop
wellness programs, including
workshops that help employees
identify their “stress signals.” Internally, medical center employees can opt into a year-long chal-
HUFFINGTON
08.11.13
“I don’t want to be the sad person
that’s broke or still working long
hours when I’m 65.”
lenge that promotes relaxation and
stress reduction in exchange for
financial and other rewards. There
are 30-minute seated yoga classes
at lunch and a 24/7 relaxation
phone line that plays three- and
nine-minute guided meditations.
“Begin to take these next few moments for yourself by getting into a
comfortable position, closing your
Consultant
Aaron Davis,
38, strives
to stay in
shape so that
he’ll be in the
best possible
health once
he retires.