RTP Company Sets 'Gold Standard' With Wellness

RALEIGH, N.C. — Some Quintiles workers at the Research Triangle Park facility said the company's commitment to their well-being played a big role in their cancer survival.

Tammy Hogan, 43, does not eat at the company cafeteria every day, but she likes the healthy menu of dark, leafy, green vegetables and fruits. She said she is more conscious about healthy eating and exercise since she survived cervical and ovarian cancer two years ago.

"I was going to fight this thing. You know, I'm a warrior and God is helping me," she said.

Hogan also credits her employees and bosses at Quintiles, an international clinical research company.

"They have this mentality of everybody's together, you know, we're supportive of each other," she said.

The company even opened a new, free on-site fitness room, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Hogan used to depend on good weather to get her exercise outdoors.

"Now, I can get on the treadmill and walk my three miles," said Hogan.

Physical activity, healthy diet, stress management and encouraging regular medical screening is part of a company philosophy and commitment that earned Quintiles the CEO Cancer Gold Standard. The recognition means a company is committed to helping their employees prevent or aggressively treat cancer.

"It's creating a culture change so that it is now OK to take action at work and within your working environment to improve your health," said Ann Skye, the manager of the Quintiles employee wellness program called "Healthy You, Healthy Q."

Sky said it is all about work-life balance and employee retention. Healthy and happy workers stay longer. Plus, they are more productive.

"You know, I'm just really happy to be working here. (I'm) happy to be alive," said Hogan.