Valero Energy's Health and Wellness: Keeping Team Valero at the Top of its Game

Eric Methot, Human Resources Senior Director, Compensation and Benefits, Énergie Valero Inc

At Valero, we believe our employees are our greatest asset, and keeping them at the top of their game is important.

With this in mind, we have developed a comprehensive set of personalized resources for them and their families, all part of our Health and Wellness Program. From physical and mental health to financial stability, Valero offers them real-world options to make good choices, live healthy lives, and do well in their careers and in life.

Supporting Physical Health and Well-Being

A culture that promotes physical health and well-being contributes to a healthy and rewarding work environment where everyone can thrive. A fully equipped gym and three adjoining showers have been fitted up in our office, thereby encouraging physical activities and making it more accessible. Boxing courses, boot camps, and Pilates yoga are offered at lunchtime to suit everyone’s tastes and interests. For those wishing to train at outside facilities or at home instead, we also reimburse subscription fees or the purchase of sports-related equipment.

We have also developed an online portal providing numerous resources to help our employees maintain sound living habits, and we organize a vaccination clinic at our office every year. Moreover, they, along with their families, have free and quick access to a telemedicine service staffed with qualified healthcare professionals.

Friendly competitions and special activities such as walks on Mount Royal are also suggested to motivate our employees to stay active and break from the daily routine. Most are organized by employees who volunteer on our Health and Wellness Committee. This committee is also responsible for coordinating our annual “Health and Wellness Week,” which offers a rich program of conferences, activities, and clinics with various healthcare professionals.

To encourage healthy food choices daily, we have made quality coffee, teas, and tisanes available, in addition to offering a sparkling water machine, smoothies, vegetable milk, fruits, and healthy frozen meals.

In recognition of our efforts to place the well-being of our employees at the forefront of our initiatives, we won first prize in the work environment category at the 10th edition of the Prix Distinction du Groupe entreprise en santé, the leader of the workplace health and well-bring movement in Quebec.

Promoting Mental Health

We know that the workplace can play an essential role in maintaining good mental health, and we have made it our duty to demystify taboos and encourage positive conversations on the subject.

Through its Employee and Family Assistance Program, our company provides employees and members of their families with a free consultation service that is confidential and available at all times.

Through its Employee and Family Assistance Program, our company provides employees and members of their families with a free consultation service that is confidential and available at all times. Users have access to tools and resources on a variety of topics, such as interpersonal relations, stress, and mental health.

We also observe important days and weeks that draw attention to these issues, such as Suicide Prevention Day or National Mental Health Week, by providing adequate resources and information. Activities are also proposed during Movember and breast cancer awareness months to raise awareness of these causes.

Promoting Financial Stability

In addition to providing a group insurance program and a savings plan that ranks among the best in the country, Valero has developed additional initiatives that guarantee our employees greater financial peace of mind.

A health care account has been established to supplement coverage that is already being offered to our employees and their families. Every year, our company deposits flex dollars in these accounts to cover medical and dental expenses not covered or partially covered by the group insurance program.

Finally, we have implemented a scholarship program to reward our employees’ children for their academic accomplishments and encourage them to pursue their education. This program provides twelve $1500 scholarships, and students can be eligible for four years.

Recognizing the Importance of Family Support

Valero employees treat every day like game day. But we know that these games cannot be won without the constant support of those closest to us.

We thus share our values of caring and solidarity by organizing volunteer activities and family days on our industrial sites, where spouses, children, and friends are invited to get a glimpse of what we do at Valero. In the same spirit, we invite the spouses of our employees to take part in our traditional Christmas party to thank them for their unwavering support every day.

Valero’s Health and Wellness Program reflects our culture and thoughtful investment in our employees. We are driven by a mission to create a work environment that fosters their well-being while educating them on healthy lifestyles. From hire to retire, this investment in our greatest asset delivers the ultimate return—a safe, healthy, and productive workforce committed to the success of our company.