When B.C.-based Arrow Transportation decided to offer a formal health and wellness program to its staff, the first thought was to create a group weight loss challenge along the lines of the Biggest Loser TV show. But the company decided to first survey its employees on what they’d like to see in a wellness program. And it’s a good job they asked. A formal wellness program ranked dead last among the ideas being considered. Instead, drivers and office staff wanted to receive training on First Aid/CPR, and also access to an assessment from a health care professional that would provide a snapshot of their overall health.

Also identified in the survey, which was completed by 513 of 815 employees, were frequent complaints about truck seats. Drivers reported experiencing pain and discomfort because their truck seats weren’t ergonomic or were plain uncomfortable. With all that in mind, Arrow began offering free St. John’s Ambulance courses on CPR and First Aid, and it also brought in a “company nurse” to provide health consultations with drivers. Everything from body mass index, cholesterol levels, blood pressure and blood sugar levels were examined during confidential consultations held at Arrow’s various terminals.

However, what really caught my attention was Arrow’s commitment to making its trucks more driver-friendly. Arrow looked into the various seats on the market and decided to demo the Bose Ride System. Arrow has purchased 55 of these seats and if drivers like them, Arrow’s Jackie Charles told me the company is prepared to add them to the entire fleet of 300 company trucks. That’s a pretty big investment. I don’t think any other fleet of Arrow’s size has made the pricey Bose Ride System seats a company-wide spec’. You can read more about Arrow’s wellness program and its purchase of the Bose seats here.