In a scenario where the balance between personal and professional life is becoming increasingly essential, companies around the world are adopting initiatives that promote the well-being of their employees. According to a recent survey by Aon Brasil, 60% of companies have started investing in health and quality of life programs, making it the second most valued benefit after the Covid-19 pandemic period. Attentive to these needs and the importance of a healthy work environment, Almeida Junior, Santa Catarina’s largest shopping center chain, has just launched the Viva Bem AJ program, an initiative that will benefit its 1,000 employees and their dependents.
The Viva Bem AJ program is structured around three fundamental pillars for employee well-being: physical, psychological, and nutritional health. Almeida Junior, in partnership with GoGood, a Santa Catarina company specializing in health and wellness benefits, offers a wide range of services that include access to gyms, psychology and nutrition consultations, and 24-hour medical support. Among the program’s initiatives, the encouragement of regular physical exercise stands out, through discounts ranging from 30% to 70% at over 2,500 gyms affiliated with GoGood throughout Brazil. Additionally, employees and their dependents will have free and unlimited access to telemedicine consultations with psychologists, nutritionists, and general practitioners.
To promote healthy eating habits and a balanced lifestyle, the program also includes educational activities, workshops, lectures, and mindfulness sessions, providing a work environment that values self-care and the comprehensive well-being of its employees.
Innovation and Care for Employees and Their Pets
Recognizing the importance of the family environment and the growing trend of families adopting pets, Almeida Junior also includes in the Viva Bem AJ program access to the premium version of the Budz app, an innovative pet tech that provides a complete care and wellness experience for dogs and cats. With features ranging from training and behavioral management to health management and vaccination records, Budz offers exclusive content on nutrition, behavior, and hygiene. The app, which has 50,000 users, features an AI assistant to answer questions 24 hours a day and, starting in October, will have veterinary telemedicine available.
“It’s the perfect tool for companies that want to stand out in the market and create a more welcoming work environment, where the well-being of employees and their pets is also a priority,” says Jaimes Almeida Neto, partner at Budz.
Appreciation and Strengthening of the Employer Brand
For Beth Rachelle, People and Management Director at Almeida Junior, the Viva Bem AJ Program places people at the center of the company’s growth strategy. “We believe that a healthy, inclusive, and motivating work environment is essential for the success of any organization. By integrating ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) principles into our internal practices, we demonstrate our genuine commitment to sustainability and care for people,” she states.
Beth emphasizes that Viva Bem AJ goes beyond improving traditional benefits. “This program is an opportunity for us to modernize our benefits, adapting them to the new expectations of our employees and the market. We are aligning our practices with the best global references, with the goal of offering a work environment where each employee feels valued, respected, and encouraged to reach their full potential,” she explains.
