The Limited

Now separated from its former parent company Limited Brands, Limited Stores LLC has been working over the last few years on a grassroots approach to wellness, says Benefits Manager Jessica Ward.

“We’re not tying it directly to our health plans,” Ward says. “We want to make sure that all of our associates are able to utilize our wellness programming.”

A quarterly Be Well newsletter helps educate associates about nutrition and staying healthy while working, especially for those who work in The Limited’s retail stores around the country. The company has 5,100 employees nationwide.

“We focus on the things that are important to the broadest population,” Ward says. “We try to feature a healthy recipe … and for all of our associates working hard out in the field, how to eat well in the mall and how to be more resilient to stress.”

The Limited hosts an annual health fair in late summer or early fall for the 180 employees that work at its local offices.

“(It’s) focused on being interactive and fun and engaging,” Ward says.

One unique initiative that has local employees raving: fresh produce from Bird’s Haven Farms in Granville through Community Supported Agriculture shares. The nearby farm brings a vari ety of fruits and veggies from mid-May through mid-October.

“(The) vegetable delivery has been quite a hit,” Ward says.

The company also has wellness champion committees for both its New Albany headquarters and the field that make sure health initiatives are meeting employees’ needs.

“Our brand statement is about your personal success, and we want our as sociates to be successful,” Ward says. We want to make sure they’re living well and living life to the fullest.”

Lisa Aurand is editor of Healthy New Albany Magazine. Feedback welcome at editor@healthynewalbany.org.

By Scott McAfee,