Since Old Town Construction, an Ellicott City builder, moved into a new building three years ago, not one employee has left the company.

Managing member Jared Spahn attributes the retention rate to a healthy work environment.

“It’s an overall philosophy that a healthy workplace is a more productive work place, the healthier the employees are, the happier the employees are,” Spahn said.

The Howard County Health Department honored Old Town Construction with a small business Innovation Award Tuesday as part of its Healthy Workplaces initiative.

The program recognizes efforts in improving employee health and well-being through culture, nutrition, physical health, mental health, safety and environmental health.

Area schools and restaurants were previously recognized for efforts to support healthy lifestyles.

Old Town Construction operates a 24-hour gym with men’s and women’s locker rooms, sauna and a personal trainer who visits the office at least once a week.

Other perks include free manicures for female staff every other week.

“I guess the best way to judge is what I call ‘lights out,’ ” Spahn said. “It used to be our day ended at 4:30. Now people stay at work later, they get there earlier. It’s not an unfriendly environment.”

Traditionally, the condo management and home owners association arm of his company experienced high turnover, Spahn said. Before the on-site gym and focus on fitness, managers typically stayed with the company for 12 to 14 months, he said.

“(It) is a really tough business because people are never happy when they call in,” he said. “When we moved into the new building, we tried to come up with outlets to help them (managers) work through that frustration.”

Healthy endeavors also carry over into the company’s green building practices.

His company’s apartment buildings are generally equipped with workout equipment and healthy lifestyles in mind, Spahn said.

“If people are healthier, happier, they’re longer-lasting tenants,” he said.

During the Tuesday morning ceremony, an Innovation Award for large businesses was given to Tower Federal Credit Union, which has three branches in Howard County, for its wellness program, which awards employees with points for completing check-ups and health classes.

Tower Federal employees can exchange points for contributions to their flexible spending accounts.
Although Old town Construction and Tower Federal won the top two awards, 26 other county businesses were recognized for promoting healthy lifestyles and wellness programs at the Nov. 3 ceremony.

The other businesses included: Aegis Mobile, British American Auto Care, Howard County Chiropractic Spine and Sports Rehabilitation, Howard County Library, Mettler-Toledo AutoChem, Oakland Mills Interfaith Center, Smith Mechanical, Athelas Institute, Baltimore Aircoil Company, BoxTone, CarMax, The Columbia Bank, Harmony Hall, Healthy Howard, Inc., The Hotel at Turf Valley, Howard Community College, Howard County Government, Howard County Public School System, Humanim, Jolles Insurance, Lorien Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, MedStar Health, Merkle, THRIVE, Verizon Wireless, W.R. Grace and Company.

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