Press Releases

McDonough Holland & Allen’s Wellness Program Honored by
CA Fit Business Awards

SACRAMENTO/OAKLAND, Calif., Dec. 2, 2008 – McDonough Holland & Allen PC’s Employee Wellness Program has earned a “bronze” from the California Task Force on Youth and Workplace Wellness’ 2008 CA Fit Business Awards. McDonough has pioneered wellness in the legal workplace with an enhanced Wellness Program that is best-in-class among employers in the Sacramento region and the Bay Area.

“We are honored to receive this award from the California Task Force on Youth and Workplace Wellness as it once again confirms that McDonough is leading the pack in demonstrating to our employees that we genuinely care about their wellbeing and overall health. With the help of Sutter Health Partners, we have developed a truly unique Wellness Program that has had a significantly positive effect on our firmwide morale, while increasing our retention rates and decreasing overall absenteeism,” said Edward J. Quinn, Jr., managing shareholder at McDonough. “The stress and workload associated with this field is a struggle for many legal professionals. Fortunately, this program has equipped our shareholders, associates, administrators and staff with the effective tools and techniques necessary to adopt healthier and happier lifestyles.”

Today, with an increased budget and a participation level of more than 60 percent, McDonough is creating a firm culture and work environment that promotes wellness by providing educational resources, such as twice monthly in-house workshops from local health experts; on-site personal wellness coaching; yoga, kickboxing, martial arts and other exercise classes; healthy snacks; and stress-reduction support. In addition, McDonough grants "Investment Hour" credit to attorneys for wellness activity participation and cash incentives and prizes to all Wellness Program participants.

“This program has been positively received not only by the attorneys and staff, but by firm leadership, who recognize that the mental and physical health of attorneys and staff directly impacts the firm’s business. Our wellness program helps employees to be healthier, happier, brighter, productive, energetic, efficient and balanced. We are very excited to be recognized by the California Task Force on Youth and Workplace Wellness,” said McDonough.

“The CA Fit Business Award winners exemplify a true commitment to a healthy and productive workforce,” says Jim Carman, an employee wellness consultant. “They’re models for employers of all sizes, and it serves them well from a business bottom-line to support the overall wellness of their employees.”

The CA Fit Business Awards were launched in 2003 to private and non-profit companies across California to seek and recognize business models that promote a healthier workplace. Applications are reviewed by a minimum of two experts, who determine a score and then award recognition in one of four categories: Honorable Mention, Bronze, Silver or Gold. In 2007, more than 80 companies, including a mix of public- and private-sector companies, small local companies and California offices of national companies, across the state applied for this award. Winners were selected based on the breadth of their health and wellness programs; the quality and focus of their policies; the involvement of their leadership; the impact of their endeavors; and the reasons given for having wellness programs.

About The California Task Force on Youth and Workplace Wellness

The California Task Force on Youth and Workplace Wellness was launched by the State Legislature in 2002 to address the critical issues of physical fitness and nutritional health in California’s schools and workplaces. The Wellness Task Force, as a public/private endeavor, brings together educators, health advocates, health providers, athletes and legislators. The mission of this multi-disciplinary Task Force is to create and promote programs and policies that decrease the obesity rates in California’s schools and workplaces..

About McDonough Holland & Allen PC

McDonough Holland & Allen PC is a multi-service law firm committed to providing a powerful combination of client service and legal expertise. The firm, with its approximately 100 attorneys based in two strategically located Northern California offices, has a client base that ranges from real estate and construction companies to health care and public entities. For more than 55 years, McDonough has focused on helping businesses, individuals and local governments build and sustain our communities. Through this endeavor, the firm’s attorneys have forged strong, long-term relationships with their clients—striving to anticipate their needs and partnering with them to craft innovative business and legal solutions.