In this video Q&A, Carol Nalevanko, the president of Village Health Clubs & Spas, discusses her company’s achievement of becoming a certified Blue Zone workplace in Scottsdale, Arizona, a concept inspired by a Netflix documentary on Blue Zones — regions where people live exceptionally long and healthy lives. Her interest was sparked by the city of Scottsdale’s initiative to become a Blue Zone city, supported by a local healthcare group.
During a meeting with a representative from the city, Nalevanko realized Village Health Clubs & Spas was already aligning with many Blue Zone principles, which include fostering a sense of community, encouraging movement and promoting social interactions. This led them to pursue certification, requiring them to document and validate their health-promoting practices across their four locations.
To achieve certification, they needed to accrue points through various health-focused initiatives, such as offering stand-up desks and expanding healthy food options in their cafes. Employee wellness is also emphasized, with high-level club memberships provided to all employees, allowing them access to club activities.
The certification process was meticulous, involving applications for each club and evidence to demonstrate their compliance with Blue Zone standards. This initiative aligns with broader trends in public health and corporate wellness, emphasizing preventive health measures and community building.
Carol sees the Blue Zone certification not just as recognition but as a reinforcement of their ongoing practices. It has sparked interest from other operators and has potential collaborations with Blue Zone-certified doctors, indicating a growing integration of wellness into various aspects of community and work life.
She recommends other operators consider aligning with Blue Zone principles, suggesting it can improve employee retention and member satisfaction by fostering a healthier, more connected community environment. This holistic approach is seen as a model for enhancing quality of life and extending healthy life years, a compelling proposition for health clubs looking to innovate and deepen their impact on community health.
