Innovation, self-motivation, and altruism when blended are a great combination, particularly in stressful times. Blue Zones Project colleagues from across the nation have been effective responding to the rapidly changing environment. Two examples, representative of many others, are below.

 

Pottawatomie County Organization Leads Miriam Bell andLindsayGoodson

collaborated with one of the region’s largest employers, Georg Fischer Central Plastics, to help its 500+ employees stay healthy, engaged, and productive. Rewarding everyone with free twice-a-week lunches purchased from locally owned restaurants to support small businesses and the local economy is a double win.

 

The 24/7 Georg Fischer Central Plastics facility manufactures pipes and parts for water, gas, and oil distribution systems. Lunch is served for all three shifts in the organization's attractive outdoor portico with fans, picnic tables, and plants—all designed as part of becoming a Blue Zones Project Approved^™ worksite in November 2018. Georg Fischer Central Plastics Human Resource colleagues have encouraged a healthy environment, noting that an emphasis on sleep, safety, hydration, rest breaks, and overall care support employee well-being. Improved business is an additional positive benefit.    

 

“We want healthy options for our employees” and “an awesome way to make the employees feel appreciated when they are running skeleton crews and stressed,” are comments from Georg Fischer Central Plastics managers who are also strong supporters in the community. 

 

Locally-owned restaurants were very appreciative of the opportunity to support another local employer as they work to care for their essential employees. Helping the local economy and doing good for their friends and neighbors, all the while cultivating a healthier and happier team producing important products for industry, combine wonderfully.

 

The second example of innovation in this unusual time is found at Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System (SVMHS). Blue Zones Project Monterey County Executive Director Tiffany DiTullio and SVMHS Chief Strategic Communications Officer Adrienne Laurent, along with teammates, spearheaded a meeting with local charities to address the needs of food and prescription access for seniors. The concept began with calls to seniors asking about their need for food or medication in response to the region’s shelter-in-place directive and includes a process to procure supplies and make safe deliveries. Thus, a list of local resources was compiled by the Blue Zones Project team in collaboration with multiple agencies, directing seniors to resources available in their community. 

 

The shelter-in-place order created new needs and opportunities for other local agencies, such as the Salvation Army. The Salvation Army typically offers a drive-thru meal pick up but wanted to expand to delivery options for senior communities. Working with the Salvation Army, the YMCA and local Blue Zones Project volunteers, support was provided to meet the new demand. As one of three local sponsors, Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System developed a process to redeploy employees who otherwise were impacted by a change in organizational need to help. Of special note, these hospital staff members were paid at their normal hourly rate. Furloughed YMCA employees were similarly engaged. 

 

People helping people, organizations helping colleagues, workers changing focus to help those in need, businesses helping other businesses—these are all Blue Zones Project successes sharing the principle of belonging to the right tribe. Although stressed now, when COVID-19 is over, we will all be better in more ways than we can currently imagine.