Digital FCU's on-site gym keeps employees healthy, happy

<p>MARLBORO, Mass. – Nobody would argue the importance of member satisfaction, but staff’s ability to do what’s needed to keep members happy depends to a large extent on staff’s own satisfaction working for their credit union. In fact, Donna Russo, vice president, human resources for Digital FCU argues that management’s focus on staff satisfaction serves as a role model for the staff’s workings with members. That’s why when Digital FCU moved into its new headquarters last October, it made sure it included features in the facility that keeps its employees happy and healthy. Digital’s new 83,000 square foot facility, located about 15 miles south of the credit union’s former facility in Maynard, not only features a gym with the latest athletic apparatus that employees can use for a nominal fee of $3 a month, it also provides a personal trainer on staff that offers one-on-one services like nutritional consulting. What’s more, the building also has a game room – referred to by employees as “The Board Room” – that is treated as a stress release retreat. It includes a pool table, two video monitors with Playstation games, air hockey and darts. “We want to be the `Employer of Choice’ for our staff and keeping them healthy is part of making that happen,” said Russo. Digital FCU purchased the facility it now calls its headquarters from the shoe company Rockport, and Russo said the building came equipped with the gym. But even when the credit union first discussed the possibility of building a new facility, it asked employees what their wish list was, and many indicated they wanted an on-site gym. So it was something Digital “considered” having anyway. Digital FCU also provides staff with a wellness program that features different exercise classes such as step aerobics, spinning/cycling and kickboxing. “Management’s emphasis on keeping the staff happy serves as a role model for them making sure our members are happy. How can management stress member satisfaction when it’s not doing what it can to make sure the employees are happy working for Digital?” asked Russo. “We want to do what we can to make their jobs easier and more enjoyable.” One item that was on many Digital FCU employees’ wish list that the credit union hasn’t been able to make good on is an on-site day care center. Russo said Digital doesn’t have the space required to run that type of operation. As an alternative, the credit union located all the day care facilities near Digital and researched ways to get grants for those employees who use daycare facilities to help subsidize the cost of leaving their children at the daycare facility while their parent works at the credit union. “It’s all part of making sure your staff is happy working with you,” said Russo. “We believe in treating our employees with the same respect we expect them to show our members.” -</p> <p>[email protected]</p>