The Alliance promotes and encourages ongoing health and wellness by offering a health and wellness reimbursement benefit. The Alliance will reimburse employees a portion of fees for wellness-related programs such as:

• Health and/or Fitness Club Membership
• Fitness Classes, such as Yoga, Pilates, Aerobics, Dance Fitness, etc.
• Nutrition and/or Weight Loss Consulting
• Smoking Cessation Courses and/or Instruction

Employees may obtain reimbursement up to:

• $100 per rolling 12-month period for membership enrollment fees, and
• $30 per month for monthly membership fees.

Employees may use their Health and Wellness Reimbursement benefit to join any health club or fitness center that is a recognized service provider in the area of exercise, health, fitness, weight training and/or general health improvement. The Alliance also has a corporate account with a special discount at In-Shape. Employees will need to provide proof of Alliance employment at the fitness club at time of registration. Employees will need to pay out of pocket and then submit a reimbursement form. Note: Employees who take advantage of a corporate membership at In-Shape are not eligible for an additional Health and Wellness Reimbursement for monthly membership fees for a different fitness facility.
In-Shape Information Flyer

Alliance Racer Sponsorship

In support of a healthy and fit workforce, the Alliance will pay up to $20 per rolling 12-month period toward the registration fee for participation in a race event, such as a 5k, 10k, half-marathon, etc.  One Merced, Monterey or Santa Cruz County event per employee per year can be selected for this sponsorship.  Employees also receive an Alliance racer shirt to wear at the race event.

How to Obtain Reimbursement

To obtain reimbursement for any of these benefits, employees must submit a Benefits Expense Reimbursement Form along with receipt/proof of payment to the Payroll Department. Please note that all reimbursements are considered as taxable.

On-Site Fitness Center

We have on-site fitness centers in our Scotts Valley, Salinas, and Merced offices. All fitness centers include cardio equipment, weight machines, free weights, and showers in addition, the Scotts Valley fitness center also has a full basketball court. Open to only Alliance employees Monday through Friday from 4:30am to 9:00pm. You must enter by 7:00pm. All employees who want to use the on-site fitness centers are required to complete the Alliance Learning Center course “ASC 112 Alliance Fitness Center Facility Usage.”

Lunch Time Fitness Options

The Health and Wellness Team (HAWT) offers lunchtime fitness options that are available to all employees. The programs listed below are run by Alliance employee volunteers at no cost to employees and are a great way to get out, meet people from different departments and get a good workout.

Before joining one of the fitness options below, employees need to sign a Wellness Activity Liability Acknowledgement Form and turn it into the instructor prior to the first session.

See the HAWT Calendar for more information about upcoming workouts.

Wellness Activity Liability Acknowledgement Form

The following programs are currently offered in Scotts Valley.

Bootcamp Workout

This exercise class includes more than 20 strength, agility and core workouts that involve mostly bodyweight exercises (pushups, sit-ups, squats, lunges, etc.). Some of the workouts incorporate hand weights, kettle bells, medicine balls, jump rope, resistance bands and exercise steps (all provided). These workouts are tailored to allow those who want to push themselves to do so, and are also suited for beginners who are just getting started on the road to fitness.

This workout takes place every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from noon to 12:45 in Building 1800.

Contact: John Allen

Lunch Yoga

Yoga is held on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the 1800 Building from 12:10 to 12:45. The sessions are suitable for all levels and consist of light to medium actions and postures.

Contact: Andrea Halper

Basketball

Basketball is typically played 2-3 times a week from 12:00pm – 1:00pm and is organized everyday via email. If you are interested in playing basketball, email Travis Moody to be included in the basketball email list. All employees who want to use the basketball court are required to complete the Alliance Learning Center course “ASC 112 Alliance Fitness Center Facility Usage.”

Contact: Travis Moody

The Alliance offers a lunchtime education series where employees can learn about health and wellness-related topics.

Unhealthy Eating: Breaking the Cycle
Mindfulness Presentation
Tips on Mindful Eating
Mindful Resources
Mindful Workplace
Breathing Exercises

Annual Health Fair

The Alliance sponsors the “Health and Safety Fair” every June in Scotts Valley. All employees are invited for the day. Vendors across the health and wellness spectrum come on-site for demos, education, and instruction. The health fair features:

• A healthy lunch provided free of charge
• Fun giveaways and raffles to promote wellness

Annual Flu Shot Clinic

This Alliance benefit enables employees to take advantage of annual flu shots at on-site clinics. The Alliance pays the full cost of the flu shots. Employees unable to attend an on-site clinic may have their shots administered through their doctors, or other off-site clinics, and be reimbursed up to the maximum allowed under this benefit.

Enclosed Locked Bicycle Storage Units

The Alliance provides enclosed locked bicycle storage units for employees who wish to ride to and from work or ride during their lunch breaks.

Shower and Lockers

The Alliance provides showers and lockers in each building to give employees a convenient way to freshen up after exercising during the day.